Last updated on September 10th, 2024
When you think of biscuits and gravy, it’s hard not to conjure up the comforting image of a warm, Southern breakfast. But while those fluffy biscuits drenched in creamy, sausage-studded gravy can certainly stand on their own, the magic really happens when you pair them with the right sides. You can want to turn this into a hearty meal, or maybe you’re just thinking of giving your snack an extra level of goodness. Whatever you’re wanting, these pairings will not fail you!
What are Biscuits and Gravy?
So, if it’s your first time encountering this American favorite, Biscuits and gravy are popular breakfast dishes in the United States.
Not to be confused with the sweet cookies you get from the UK, this dish features biscuits made from soft dough, slathered with a generous serving of gravy. The gravy is made from sausage meat and its drippings including milk, white flour, and black pepper.
While the ingredients may vary from different places, this is the general makeup of biscuits and gravy.
What to Serve with Biscuits and Gravy?
Biscuits and gravy is a a great breakfast dish all on its own. But who’ll say no to good sides? Not me!
Southern Fried Potatoes
Southern fried potatoes are the perfect side to serve alongside any savory breakfast meal. They’re surprisingly light and oh so delightful.
The potatoes are steamed, to begin with, then fried in bacon dripping to produce a golden, crisp exterior with a very satisfying and fluffy interior.
Dip these fried potatoes in your creamy gravy for a wonderful addition to your meal.
Cheese Stuffed Hash Browns
We have a recipe for air fryer hash browns, but have you tried stuffing them with cheese?
Cheese-stuffed hash browns are the next best thing on this list because they pair well with just about anything. Crispy on the outside while warm and gooey on the inside, complete with a cheesy center – yum!
These work great when paired with a breakfast sausage. Serve this alongside some ketchup or hot sauce for a fantastic addition to any main dish.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are the perfect side to have on any breakfast menu.
If you’re looking to keep things authentic, these are the best options with biscuits and gravy. Made by dipping unripe tomatoes in cornmeal and deep-fried them till they’re crisp and crunchy.
Maple Bacon Pancakes
These maple bacon pancakes are best served warm and sprinkled with salt before serving. This side dish pairs wonderfully with almost any breakfast dish, including bacon and eggs, sausages, and ham. The maple syrup tastes amazing when coupled with bacon.
Brimming with incredible contrasting textures and flavors, serve this alongside a fresh glass of orange juice for maximum enjoyment.
Bacon
Keep things simple with just bacon!
For best results, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Thick-cut bacon provides a more substantial texture and flavor. When selecting bacon, consider options like applewood-smoked or maple-flavored for variety.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed velvety mushrooms are the perfect accompaniment to any gravy dish. They also happen to be an incredible source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants, so that’s something to consider!
Heat some butter in a pan until completely melted, then add your mushrooms and a sprinkle of salt. Allow the mushrooms to cook without stirring for five minutes. Then stir them all over the pan, and fry for a few minutes to finish.
You should have finished with a plate of beautifully sautéed mushrooms, plump and oozing with deliciousness, promising a delicious meal.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to sautéing, you can also boil your mushrooms!
Sausage Balls
Sausage balls are a delightful side dish that can easily be made at home or ordered from any local restaurant. They’re best served warm and sprinkled with chopped parsley served alongside flakey buttermilk biscuits and gravy for a breakfast worth devouring.
Chorizo Sausages
Chorizo sausages are rich in flavor and pair well with fluffy biscuits and creamy gravy.
There are two types of chorizo that can be served with biscuits and gravy: Spanish and Mexican chorizo. If you’re planning to use Spanish chorizo, then you can simply slice them up and serve. However, Mexican chorizo requires some cooking before serving, as it’s a fresh sausage.
Egg and Cheese Sandwich
An egg and cheese sandwich is a versatile meal – and a classic staple for any breakfast menu. Which is why it’ll work so well in creating a complete meal out of biscuits and gravy.
Egg and cheese sandwiches are best served warm, sprinkled with black pepper.
Scrambled Eggs
Whisk eggs with a small amount of milk, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the eggs are set but still moist. For added flavor, add cheese, herbs, or finely chopped vegetables.
Scrambled eggs are also a breakfast staple so they’re clearly perfect but it will also provide a lighter texture and milder flavor that balances the richness of biscuits and gravy.
Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is almost as popular as biscuits and gravy, which is why many people prefer to serve them alongside each other. The wonderful creamy texture of corn pudding will complement any type of meat, not just biscuits and gravy!
This side dish is best served cold but tastes just as good when served warm.
Eggs Benedict
When you’re serving eggs for breakfast, you already know the meal is about to become tasty. While fried eggs certainly make for a quick and easy breakfast, they’re also incredibly delicious when served alongside a main.
Eggs benedict served alongside creamy biscuits and gravy creates a wonderful contrasting breakfast that’ll render you completely satiated. They also pair very well with other kinds of meat like ham, sausage balls, or bacon.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs for breakfast might seem like too much of an ask, but if you’re dealing with some leftovers, then they can work when served alongside biscuits and sausage gravy.
Home Fries
One of the best things to serve with the ultimate comfort food is home fries. Seasoned and fried to perfection, they won’t disappoint.
Irresistibly good fried potatoes add a wonderfully crisp texture to warm and gooey sausage gravy.
Try air fryer curly fries, to spice it up!
Breakfast Meats
If you want to stock up on some protein, breakfast meats should be added to your menu. Sausages to bacon, links, or even steak, there’s no limit to what could make your already delicious breakfast more delicious.
The meats make the perfect accompaniment to the creamy and milky gravy, with soft pillowy biscuits to make your mouth water.
Veggie Salad
The richness of biscuits and gravy requires a simple textured salad to balance out the overpowering, gorgeous flavors. There’s nothing that compares to a salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and some peppers.
You can even drizzle some gravy over the top of your salad if you wish to take the flavors one step further!
Fresh Fruit Salad
Biscuits and gravy can make quite the hefty meal, with all the buttery drippings and flour that biscuits contain. The best way to encourage a delicious outcome is to add a side of light and refreshing fruits.
Summer fruits are the best choice to go for, including melon, kiwi, and strawberries. Just chop them up and add them to a bowl, with a drizzle of lemon juice for good measure.
Grilled Vegetables
Any type of vegetable will pair perfectly with your biscuits and gravy, so why not add a side of grilled vegetables?
Sprinkle some of your favorite seasonings and fresh herbs to your grilled veggies for an incredible addition to your breakfast meal.
Roasted Veggie Medley
To add color and variety, simply roast vegetables.
Mix bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and herbs. Roast them until caramelized for a sweet and savory side dish that complements the main course.
Tip: Prepare a large batch of roasted vegetables in advance for quick and easy sides throughout the week.
Sautéed Greens with a Twist
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in 4 cups of chopped greens (about 1 bunch) and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon).
For added texture and flavor, consider including 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts or crispy bacon bits. To toast pine nuts, dry-roast them in a small pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, shaking frequently to prevent burning. For bacon bits, cook 2 slices of chopped bacon until crispy before adding the greens.
Grilled Asparagus Spears
Grilled asparagus is another healthier and lighter alternative to many traditional sides.
Brush the spears with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill or pan-sear them quickly. The slightly charred flavor pairs well with creamy gravy, and the spears are great for dipping.
Herb-Roasted Root Vegetables
For a heartier vegetable option, try herb-roasted root vegetables. Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes seasoned with rosemary and thyme provide a substantial side dish. These vegetables hold up well against the richness of biscuits and gravy while offering a different flavor profile.
Caramelized Peaches
Start with 2-3 ripe but firm peaches. Halve, pit, and slice each half into 4-6 wedges. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Place peach slices in a single layer in the skillet, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly soft. The sugar and peach juices will form a warm, syrupy sauce.
For added flavor, include a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon in the final minute of cooking. Serve warm immediately.
Maple-Glazed Apple Slices
To make this side, core and slice a firm apple, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, into 1/4-inch thick wedges. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the apple slices and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they begin to soften. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup over the apples and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, occasionally stirring gently, until the apples are tender and coated with a glossy maple glaze.
Honey-Drizzled Yogurt
Serve Greek yogurt drizzled with honey!
Start with 1/2 cup of cold, plain Greek yogurt per serving. Choose full-fat or 2% for a creamier texture. Drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of raw, local honey over the yogurt. For best results, warm the honey slightly to make it more pourable. Optionally, add 2 tablespoons of your favorite granola for crunch.
To elevate the flavor, consider a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of vanilla extract. Prepare this just before serving to maintain the yogurt’s coolness and the granola’s crispness.
Coleslaw with a Twist
Forget heavy mayo-based slaws – a light, tangy coleslaw can be the perfect counterpoint to rich biscuits and gravy. This vinegar-based version adds a refreshing crunch to your plate.
Thinly slice a mix of green and purple cabbage (about 4 cups total), then add 1 cup julienned carrots and 1/4 cup sweet onion for depth. For the dressing, whisk together:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Toss the veggies with the dressing and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The result? A crunchy, slightly sweet side that cuts through the richness of your gravy beautifully.
Pimento Cheese and Smoked Salmon
Coastal regions incorporate local flavors into their biscuits and gravy sides. In the Carolinas, pimento cheese is a popular addition.
To make it, blend 8 oz grated sharp cheddar, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 oz diced pimentos, and a dash of hot sauce until smooth. Chill for at least an hour before serving. In the Pacific Northwest, smoked salmon is a common side. To cold-smoke salmon at home, cure a 1-pound fillet with 1/4 cup each of salt and sugar for 4 hours. Rinse, pat dry, and smoke at 80°F for 4-6 hours using alder or applewood chips.
The result is a delicate, smoky flavor that complements the rich gravy.
Beverage Pairings
Coffee
Cold brew has less acidity and doesn’t overpower the gravy’s taste. A vanilla latte adds a sweetness that balances the savory flavors. Regular drip coffee is a reliable option.
For better results, make your coffee stronger than usual to match the dish’s rich flavors. To make cold brew, prepare it the night before by soaking coarse-ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours.
Tea Selections
English Breakfast tea is strong enough to pair with this hearty dish. Sweet tea, popular in the South, adds sweetness that contrasts with the savory gravy. Green tea is a lighter option that can offset the richness.
When making sweet tea, mix equal parts sugar and hot water to create a syrup. This helps you sweeten your tea evenly and prevents undissolved sugar from settling at the bottom of your glass.
Juice Options
Fruit juices can provide a contrast to the heavy meal. Orange juice adds a citrus flavor. Apple juice offers sweetness that can clear your palate between bites. Cranberry juice’s sourness can balance the rich flavors of the dish.
To add variety, try mixing juices. A combination of apple and cranberry juice creates a balance of sweet and sour that works well with biscuits and gravy.
Smoothies
A green smoothie with spinach, banana, and honey offers a fresh taste alongside the heavy dish. A berry smoothie made with mixed berries and yogurt can add a sour element to contrast with the gravy.
To save time, prepare your smoothie ingredients the night before and store them in the freezer. In the morning, blend with your chosen liquid for a quick drink that pairs with your biscuits and gravy.
How to Make the Perfect Homemade Sausage Gravy
This Southern classic comes in two separate parts. The flakey buttermilk biscuits and the savory homemade southern sausage gravy (made from the drippings of cooked sausages). Often, the gravy may come with bacon bits, sausage slices, ground beef, or bacon, and seasoned with black pepper to perfection. Here are some tips on making the perfect gravy.
Use the Right Type of Sausage
Traditionally, sausage gravy is made from breakfast sausage, but it’s not uncommon to use any type of sausage you fancy. The best types of sausage to use for breakfast gravy are spicy sausage or sweet sausage.
Use Plain Almond Milk
If you can’t consume whole milk, substitute for almond milk instead, though the gravy will emerge thinner and clearer if you do. Alternatively, you can add chicken or vegetable broth to the soup.
Cook Sausage Gravy
Cook your sausage gravy over medium-high heat and whisk continuously to ensure that your gravy will emerge silky smooth and lump-free.
What to Serve with Biscuits and Gravy – A Lot Goes Great with This Dish!
The beauty of biscuits and gravy is in their versatility. Pair them with bold flavors, fresh bites, or even a little sweetness, and you’ve turned a simple dish into a memorable meal.
The next time you’re enjoying this classic comfort food, don’t hesitate to mix it up—you might just discover your new favorite combination!
What to Serve with Biscuits and Gravy – FAQs
What Side Goes With Biscuits and Gravy?
Biscuits and gravy are a classic breakfast dish in the United States. This dish is best when served with: Fried green tomatoes, bacon and eggs, hash browns, pancakes, sautéed mushrooms, poached eggs, chorizo sausages, and Southern fried potatoes.
What Does Sausage Gravy go With?
Sausage gravy is traditionally served as part of the classic dish consisting of biscuits and gravy, which can be accompanied by other breakfast items such as fried eggs, sliced tomatoes, and bacon.
Can You Eat Biscuits and Gravy for Dinner?
Despite biscuits and gravy being a traditional breakfast meal, you can enjoy it for dinner if you wish. If you want to eat biscuits and gravy for dinner, you can pair it with stir-fries, meatballs, or sausages to make them taste even better.
Is Biscuits and Gravy Dinner or Breakfast?
Made with just three ingredients, slow cooker sausage, and gravy biscuits are a fantastic and easy meal for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
