The Ultimate Guide to Making Cheesy Sausage Biscuits
Cheesy sausage biscuits are a delightful breakfast or brunch option, combining flaky, buttery biscuits with flavorful sausage and melty cheese. These mouthwatering treats are perfect for special occasions, weekend breakfasts, or even as a make-ahead snack. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed instructions, variations, serving suggestions, and nutritional information to create the perfect cheesy sausage biscuits.
Table of Contents
- What Are Cheesy Sausage Biscuits?
- Ingredients
- Equipment Needed
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Delicious Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Tips for Success
- Nutritional Information
- Conclusion
What Are Cheesy Sausage Biscuits?
Cheesy sausage biscuits are a comfort food staple in many kitchens, comprised of tender and flaky biscuits filled with seasoned breakfast sausage and gooey cheese. They are easy to make and can be served as a breakfast sandwich or on their own. They capture the essence of breakfast in every bite and can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated.
Ingredients
To make cheesy sausage biscuits, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: For the biscuit base.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor.
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter: Cut into small pieces (for flakiness).
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For cheese flavor.
- 3/4 cup milk: Whole or buttermilk for richness.
For the Filling:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Use your favorite brand (pork, turkey, or plant-based).
- 1 cup shredded cheese: Choose a cheese that melts well, like cheddar or American.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Rolling pin
- Chef’s knife or dough cutter
- Whisk
- Large skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Cheese and Milk: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Next, pour in the milk and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Flour the Surface: Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Transfer the dough onto the floured surface.
- Roll and Cut: Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thick. Cut out rounds using a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass (about 3 inches in diameter).
Step 4: Assemble the Biscuits
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Layer the Filling: Place half of the biscuit rounds on the baking sheet. On each round, spoon a portion of the cooked sausage and top with shredded cheese.
- Top with Biscuit Rounds: Place the remaining biscuit rounds on top of the sausage and cheese filling, pressing down slightly to seal.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in Preheated Oven: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the biscuits to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm!
Delicious Variations
1. Herbed Biscuits
- Add chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the biscuit dough for added flavor.
2. Spicy Sausage Biscuits
- Use spicy sausage for a heat kick or add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
3. Cheesy Veggie Biscuits
- Include diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms in the sausage mixture for extra veggies.
4. Sweet Biscuits
- For a breakfast twist, add a spoonful of jam or honey between the sausage and cheese for a sweet and savory combination.
5. Egg and Cheese Biscuits
- Add a fried or scrambled egg to create a heartier breakfast option.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Sandwich: Serve these biscuits sliced in half with a fried egg and additional cheese.
- With Gravy: Serve warm with a drizzle of sausage gravy for a Southern-inspired breakfast.
- As a Snack: Perfect for on-the-go snacks or as party appetizers.
Tips for Success
- Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter and milk are cold to ensure flaky biscuits.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined; overworking will result in tough biscuits.
- Use a Sharp Cutter: A sharp biscuit cutter helps create clean edges for the best rise.
- Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for one cheesy sausage biscuit (based on the entire recipe yielding about 12 biscuits).
Nutritional Information for Cheesy Sausage Biscuits (per biscuit)
| Nutrient | Amount per Biscuit |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 |
| Total Fat | 15-20g |
| Saturated Fat | 5-8g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 50-70mg |
| Sodium | 480-600mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20-24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 1-2g |
| Protein | 10-12g |
| Vitamin A | 6% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 0% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 10% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 6% of Daily Value |
Notes:
- Variations: Adjust the values according to specific ingredients used and serving sizes.
- Health Considerations: This recipe is high in protein but can be made lighter by using low-fat ingredients if desired.
- Dietary Alternatives: For healthier options, consider turkey sausage or reduced-fat cheese.
Conclusion
Cheesy sausage biscuits are a comforting, versatile dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave something hearty and delicious. With this guide, you have all the information you need to create these scrumptious biscuits from scratch. Feel free to experiment with the variations and make this dish your own!
Gather your ingredients and enjoy the process of making these delightful cheesy sausage biscuits. Happy baking!
