Keto Sausage Gravy and Biscuits: Comfort Food Redefined
Keto sausage gravy and biscuits? Yes, you can! This recipe delivers all the comfort food flavors you crave, without the carbs. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy weeknight dinner, this keto-friendly version of a classic is surprisingly simple to make. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and satisfying result. Prepare for a creamy, savory gravy ladled over perfectly textured, keto-friendly biscuits.
Why Keto Sausage Gravy and Biscuits?
Traditional sausage gravy and biscuits are loaded with carbs, making them a no-go for those following a ketogenic diet. This recipe swaps out high-carb ingredients like flour and traditional biscuits for keto-friendly alternatives. By using almond flour, coconut flour, and clever thickening agents, you can enjoy this comforting meal without derailing your ketogenic goals. Enjoy the taste of home without the guilt!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down the ingredients for both the sausage gravy and the biscuits:
For the Keto Sausage Gravy:
- 1 pound ground pork sausage (ensure it’s sugar-free to keep it keto)
- 4 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 4 tablespoons almond flour (for thickening)
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, but helps with thickening)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For the Keto Biscuits:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- â…“ cup coconut flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but adds flavor)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
Making the Keto Sausage Gravy: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps for perfectly creamy and flavorful keto sausage gravy:
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Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground sausage. Cook until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
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Create a Roux: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter (or olive oil) to the skillet and let it melt. Sprinkle the almond flour over the sausage and butter mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This helps thicken the gravy.
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Whisk in the Liquid: Gradually whisk in the almond milk (or heavy cream) into the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture starts to thicken.
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Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the gravy isn’t thick enough, whisk in the xanthan gum (if using) a little at a time. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the gravy gummy.
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Season to Perfection: Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
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Keep Warm: Keep the gravy warm while you prepare the biscuits.
Baking Keto Biscuits: A Simple Guide
Here’s how to bake light and fluffy keto biscuits:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape the Biscuits: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough onto the prepared baking sheet. You can also gently shape them into rounds with your hands.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
- Serve: Let the biscuits cool slightly before serving with the keto sausage gravy.
Tips for Perfect Keto Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your keto sausage gravy and biscuits turn out perfectly every time:
- Use Sugar-Free Sausage: It’s crucial to use sugar-free sausage to maintain a ketogenic diet. Check the label carefully.
- Don’t Skip the Roux: Creating a roux with almond flour and butter is essential for thickening the gravy.
- Whisk Constantly: Whisking the almond milk into the roux prevents lumps from forming.
- Xanthan Gum: Use Sparingly: Xanthan gum is a powerful thickening agent. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to avoid a gummy texture.
- Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter for the biscuits ensures a flaky texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the biscuit dough can result in tough biscuits. Mix until just combined.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add different herbs and spices to the gravy and biscuits to customize the flavor to your liking. Try adding sage, thyme, or rosemary.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the biscuits. Parmesan or mozzarella would also work well.
Variations and Customizations
Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are some ideas:
- Spicy Sausage Gravy: Use hot sausage or add extra red pepper flakes for a spicier gravy.
- Cream Cheese Biscuits: Add 2-4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the biscuit dough for extra moisture and flavor.
- Herb and Garlic Biscuits: Add chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or rosemary, along with garlic powder, to the biscuit dough.
- Coconut Flour Biscuits Only: Some people are sensitive to almond flour. You can try making the biscuits with only coconut flour, but you’ll need to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly. Start with 1/4 cup of heavy cream and add more as needed until the dough comes together. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
- Add Vegetables: Sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the sausage for extra flavor and nutrients in the gravy.
- Use Different Keto-Friendly Milk: While unsweetened almond milk is a common choice, you can also use coconut milk (the carton kind, not the canned kind) or hemp milk. Be aware that these alternatives might slightly alter the flavor.
Health Benefits of Keto Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
This keto-friendly version offers several potential health benefits compared to the traditional recipe:
- Low Carb: Significantly reduces carbohydrate intake, which can help with weight management and blood sugar control.
- High Fat: Provides a good source of healthy fats, which are essential for energy and hormone production.
- Moderate Protein: Offers a moderate amount of protein, which is important for muscle building and repair.
- Gluten-Free: Suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Improved Blood Sugar Control: The low carbohydrate content can help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it a good option for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
- Increased Satiety: The high fat and protein content can help you feel fuller for longer, which can aid in weight loss.
Nutritional Information
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Per Serving (estimated, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 400-500
- Fat: 30-40g
- Protein: 20-25g
- Net Carbs: 5-7g
Disclaimer: Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Gravy Too Thin: If your gravy is too thin, whisk in a small amount of xanthan gum (a pinch at a time) or simmer for a longer period to allow it to thicken. You can also make a slurry with a teaspoon of almond flour and a tablespoon of cold water and whisk that into the gravy.
- Gravy Too Thick: If your gravy is too thick, add a little more almond milk or heavy cream to thin it out.
- Biscuits Too Dry: If your biscuits are too dry, try adding a little more heavy cream to the dough next time. Make sure not to overbake them.
- Biscuits Too Dense: If your biscuits are too dense, make sure your baking powder is fresh. Also, be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Sausage Too Greasy: After browning the sausage, drain off as much excess grease as possible to prevent the gravy from being too greasy.
Serving Suggestions
Keto sausage gravy and biscuits are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:
- Eggs: Serve with scrambled, fried, or poached eggs for a classic breakfast or brunch.
- Bacon or Sausage: Add crispy bacon or extra sausage on the side.
- Salad: Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich gravy and biscuits.
- Avocado: Top with sliced avocado for added healthy fats and flavor.
- Hot Sauce: Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheese: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top of the biscuits and gravy.
- Vegetables: Add a side of cooked vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus.
Storing and Reheating
Storing:
- Gravy: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Biscuits: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Gravy: Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little more almond milk or heavy cream to thin it out. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture.
- Biscuits: Reheat the biscuits in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a short time, but they may become slightly rubbery.
Check Out These Keto Resources!
This keto sausage gravy and biscuits recipe proves that you don’t have to sacrifice your favorite comfort foods while following a ketogenic diet. With a few simple ingredient swaps, you can enjoy a creamy, savory gravy and light, fluffy biscuits without derailing your progress. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to indulge in a delicious and satisfying keto-friendly meal! This recipe is not just about satisfying cravings; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that allows you to enjoy food while achieving your health goals. So go ahead, enjoy a plate of keto sausage gravy and biscuits – you deserve it!
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