
This effortless breakfast casserole brings together tender biscuit pieces, golden hashbrowns, and crumbled sausage, all blanketed by creamy sausage gravy and a generous layer of cheddar. With just fifteen minutes of preparation, you can slide the pan into the oven and relax while it bakes to savory, cheesy perfection. This is my go-to dish for holidays and lazy weekends because it satisfies every comfort food craving in one simple bake.
The first time I made this for my in-laws even the picky eaters returned for seconds. I now get recipe requests every winter when casserole season rolls around.
Ingredients
- McCormick sausage flavor gravy mix: Delivers the classic Southern taste and thickens everything perfectly. Shake the packet and pick one with no clumps to guarantee a smooth sauce.
- Jimmy Dean premium pork sausage: Brings in savory protein and spice. The best sausage is bright pink with no gray spots in the packaging.
- Ore-Ida shredded hash browns: Makes this recipe effortless and crisp up nicely. Go for bags without ice crystals so your hashbrowns bake instead of steam.
- Pillsbury Grands buttermilk biscuits: Puff up and give a golden flaky finish. Gently press at the can’s seam for an easy opening.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharp meltiness that ties all the layers together. Buy a block and shred it fresh for the best flavor and melt.
- Milk: Binds with the gravy mix for creamy richness. Whole milk adds extra decadence but any variety works.
- Garlic powder: Lends a subtle depth and savory backnote. A fine aromatic powder is best for even mixing.
- Black pepper: Helps every flavor pop. Freshly cracked always brings more brightness than preground.
- Salt: Ensures the casserole tastes fully seasoned. Kosher salt spreads more evenly for every bite.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan:
- Heat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit which is one hundred ninety degrees Celsius. Generously grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so every piece comes out cleanly and there is no sticking.
- Brown the Sausage:
- Place the pork sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks stirring until all the pink disappears which should take about eight minutes. Drain off all the fat so your finished casserole is not greasy but stays crisp.
- Layer the Hash Browns and Sausage:
- Evenly spread all shredded hashbrowns into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cooked sausage on top making sure to distribute it so every serving gets both potato and sausage.
- Mix and Pour the Gravy:
- Whisk gravy mix with milk in a bowl until the powder dissolves completely and there are no lumps left. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the hashbrowns and sausage making sure every spot is covered.
- Add Cheese Layer:
- Scatter shredded cheddar over the surface to create a blanket. Gently press down so the cheese nests slightly into the gravy.
- Place the Biscuits:
- Carefully open the biscuit can and cut each biscuit into four pieces. Arrange these pieces on top of the casserole so they touch or slightly overlap for extra golden edges.
- Bake and Rest:
- Slide the pan into your hot oven. Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the biscuits have puffed and turned deeply golden brown. Remove from the oven and let everything rest for five minutes so the layers set and it scoops up neatly.

The best part for me is always the cheddar cheese melting into the gravy. I once made this with my niece and she took so much care sprinkling every last shred with a big grin knowing she got to eat the first scoop.
Storage Tips
Once cooled tightly cover the pan with foil or transfer pieces to airtight containers. It keeps fresh in the fridge for up to four days. I prefer reheating slices in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees so the biscuits stay golden and the cheese remelts.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap pork sausage for turkey sausage or a plant based crumble for a lighter or meatless option. Cheddar is classic but any cheese melts well—I have tried Monterey Jack for a creamier bite. If time allows homemade biscuits are an extra treat but the canned ones never fail.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a meal on its own but a fruit salad makes a bright contrast. For a more complete brunch I like serving a green salad with tangy vinaigrette. For a full Southern spread set out some hot sauce or pepper jelly for drizzling.
Cultural and Historical Context
Biscuits and gravy comes from Southern tradition where it fueled farmers through hard mornings. Hashbrowns and cheese are newer additions that make it a true American comfort food classic. My version is inspired by the church potlucks of my childhood where every cook shared their signature twist on this comforting casserole.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use spicy sausage and pepper jack cheese for a warming winter version. In spring and summer stir in chopped scallions or diced bell pepper for pops of color. Top with sliced garden tomatoes in late summer for bright flavor and color.

This breakfast casserole is reliable, comforting, and always a crowd pleaser. It is sure to become a family favorite for busy mornings and special gatherings alike.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I keep biscuits crisp on top?
Arrange biscuit pieces evenly and bake until puffed and deeply golden. Let it rest so biscuits set and maintain a slight crunch.
- → Can I use fresh instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, just squeeze out extra moisture from fresh shredded potatoes so the layers remain crispy and not watery.
- → Is it okay to swap sausage types?
Absolutely. Try turkey or meatless sausage, or even your own spiced blend for a personalized flavor profile.
- → How do you reheat for best texture?
For the best crust and gooey cheese, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and biscuits revive their crispness.
- → Can I prepare this casserole ahead?
Assemble the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning for a fresh and hearty start to the day.
- → What sides pair well with it?
Serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a tangy green salad to balance the savory flavors and round out your brunch spread.