
This biscuit gravy hashbrown casserole combines three breakfast favorites into one delicious dish that will satisfy even the heartiest morning appetites. The fluffy biscuits bake right on top of a savory layer of sausage gravy, melty cheese, and crispy hashbrowns for the ultimate comfort food experience.
This casserole became my go to solution for feeding overnight guests. I started making it when my in laws would visit because I needed something substantial that could be prepared with minimal morning fuss while I was still on my first cup of coffee.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuits: from a 16 oz can providing a fluffy golden topping with no mixing required
- Breakfast sausage: one pound adds rich meaty flavor and protein to keep everyone satisfied until lunch
- Frozen shredded hashbrowns: three cups creating a crispy potato base that holds everything together
- Sausage gravy mix packet: offering homestyle flavor without the trouble of making gravy from scratch
- Milk: two cups for creating the creamy gravy base that brings everything together
- Shredded cheddar cheese: one and a half cups melting into gooey pockets of flavor throughout the casserole
- Salt: half teaspoon enhancing all the flavors without making the dish too salty
- Black pepper: quarter teaspoon adding a subtle warmth and classic breakfast spice note
- Garlic powder: half teaspoon providing depth of flavor that makes the casserole taste homemade
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dish:
- Preheat your oven to exactly 375°F ensuring it reaches full temperature before baking. Thoroughly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish making sure to get into the corners to prevent any sticking.
- Brown the Sausage:
- Cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking for about 8 minutes until no pink remains and the edges are slightly crispy. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Layer the Base:
- Evenly distribute the frozen hashbrowns across the bottom of your greased baking dish creating a solid potato foundation. Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the hashbrowns ensuring good coverage throughout the dish.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- In a medium bowl whisk together the gravy mix packet and milk until completely smooth with no lumps. Pour this mixture slowly over the sausage and hashbrown layers allowing it to seep down into all the spaces between ingredients.
- Add Cheese:
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole creating a layer that will melt and bind everything together during baking.
- Arrange Biscuits:
- Using kitchen scissors or a knife cut each refrigerated biscuit into quarters making them the perfect size to cover the casserole without being doughy in the middle. Arrange the biscuit pieces evenly across the top allowing some space between them for expansion.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes watching carefully in the final minutes. Look for deeply golden brown biscuit tops and bubbling gravy around the edges as signs of doneness.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the finished casserole to rest on a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This crucial step lets the layers settle and makes serving much cleaner.

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is watching the biscuits transform as they bake. They start as simple dough pieces but emerge as golden, flaky crowns atop the casserole. My daughter calls them little pillows of heaven and insists on getting extra biscuit pieces in her serving.
Make Ahead Options
This casserole is perfect for busy mornings when prepared in advance. You can assemble everything except the biscuits the night before, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, simply add the quartered biscuits to the top and bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes to account for the cold ingredients. The convenience of having breakfast practically ready to go makes hectic holiday mornings so much more enjoyable.

Customization Ideas
The basic recipe provides an excellent foundation for personalization based on your family preferences. Try adding diced bell peppers and onions sautéed with the sausage for extra vegetables and flavor. Swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a spicy kick, or use half regular breakfast sausage and half hot sausage for a more complex taste profile. Some of my guests prefer a heartier version with a layer of scrambled eggs added between the sausage and gravy layers.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole stands perfectly well on its own as a complete meal, but I like to balance its richness with some fresh elements on the side. A simple fruit salad with berries, grapes and orange segments provides welcome brightness. For special occasions, consider serving with a pitcher of fresh orange juice and coffee. If you want to really impress visitors, set out small ramekins of extra warmed gravy for those who like to add more to their portion.
Regional Variations
This recipe has roots in Southern American cuisine, where biscuits and gravy has been a staple breakfast for generations. Different regions put their own spin on this classic combination. In the Midwest, you might find this made with local breakfast sausage that includes sage and maple flavors. In parts of the South, some cooks add a dash of hot sauce to the gravy mixture for subtle heat. In Pennsylvania Dutch country, they sometimes include a sprinkle of sweet paprika on top of the biscuits before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade biscuits instead of refrigerated ones?
Yes, homemade biscuits work well. Just make sure to cut them into quarters and adjust baking time slightly if needed.
- → Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
- → Can I substitute sausage with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage are great alternatives to breakfast sausage.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, and use a vegetarian gravy mix.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, let the casserole cool completely, portion it into individual servings, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.