Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Biscuits and Chorizo Gravy takes the comforting, beloved Southern breakfast staple and adds a vibrant kick with smoky, spicy chorizo. The result is a hearty, flavor-packed dish where tender, fluffy biscuits soak up rich, savory gravy infused with paprika, garlic, and chili. What makes this recipe truly special is how the chorizo transforms the gravy—its spices bloom in the skillet, creating depth and warmth that traditional sausage gravy can’t quite match. I once made this using half chorizo and half breakfast sausage, and it worked great, giving the gravy both heat and classic creaminess. Whether you’re serving brunch, hosting guests, or simply craving a cozy morning meal, Biscuits and Chorizo Gravy delivers bold comfort in every bite.
Biscuits and Chorizo Gravy: A Bold, Spicy Twist on a Southern Classic
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Fluffy homemade biscuits smothered in a rich, smoky chorizo gravy for a bold twist on the classic Southern breakfast favorite.
Ingredients
- Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
- Chorizo Gravy:
- 1 lb Mexican chorizo
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the biscuits: whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add buttermilk and gently mix until dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface, fold several times, and pat into a 1-inch-thick round.
- Cut biscuits with a round cutter and place on baking sheet. Brush tops with buttermilk.
- Bake 12–14 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make the chorizo gravy: in a skillet, cook chorizo over medium heat until browned. Remove excess grease if needed.
- Add butter to skillet, melt, then sprinkle flour over the chorizo. Stir to coat and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in milk while stirring. Simmer until thickened, 5–7 minutes.
- Season with smoked paprika, pepper, and salt to taste.
- Serve warm biscuits smothered in the chorizo gravy.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños to the gravy.
- Use spicy or mild chorizo depending on preference.
- Biscuits can be made ahead and frozen; reheat in the oven.
- Thicken the gravy with extra flour or thin with a splash of milk as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking & Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chorizo (Mexican-Style)
Mexican chorizo delivers bold spices, vibrant color, and a rich depth that forms the base of the gravy.
Butter
Butter adds smoothness and supports the roux, balancing the rich, spicy oils released by the chorizo.
Flour
Flour thickens the gravy, creating that signature creamy texture perfect for spooning over biscuits.
Milk
Whole milk gives the gravy its velvety consistency. It blends with the chorizo drippings to create a warm, comforting sauce.
Onion (Optional)
Diced onion adds sweetness and depth, complementing the spiciness of the chorizo.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory notes and pairs beautifully with the spices already present in the chorizo.
Paprika or Smoked Paprika
Boosts color and adds subtle smokiness to deepen the flavor of the gravy.
Salt and Black Pepper
Season sparingly, as chorizo is naturally flavorful and salty—adjust only as needed.
Biscuits
Homemade or store-bought biscuits serve as the perfect base, soaking up the rich, spicy gravy.
Directions
Begin by cooking the chorizo in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it browns. If using onion, add it once the chorizo is partly cooked and let it soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Reduce the heat slightly and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sprinkle flour over the chorizo and stir to form a roux. Cook for about a minute to eliminate raw flour flavor.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth, thick gravy. Continue simmering until the mixture is creamy and coats the back of a spoon. Add paprika, salt, and black pepper as needed.
While the gravy simmers, prepare the biscuits according to your recipe or package instructions. Split them open, place on plates, and ladle the hot chorizo gravy generously over the top. Serve immediately for maximum comfort and flavor.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it becomes too thick. Biscuits can be stored separately at room temperature for 1–2 days. Freezing the gravy is not recommended due to its dairy base, but biscuits freeze well for up to 2 months.
Variations and Customizations
Half-and-Half Sausage Blend
Mix chorizo with mild breakfast sausage for a balanced heat and classic flavor.
Chorizo Mushroom Gravy
Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth and extra texture.
Cheesy Chorizo Gravy
Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack for creamy, melty richness.
Green Chile Twist
Add roasted green chiles for a mild, smoky heat.
Spicy Jalapeño Version
Sauté diced jalapeños with the onion for bold, fresh heat.
Pico de Gallo Topping
Spoon fresh pico over the finished dish for brightness and acidity.
Herb Finish
Add fresh cilantro or scallions to balance the richness.
Biscuit Alternatives
Serve the gravy over toast, fried potatoes, or breakfast burritos.
Dairy-Free Option
Use plant-based milk and butter; note that the flavor will be slightly different.
Low-Heat Version
Choose mild chorizo or reduce spices for a gentler dish.
FAQs
Can I use Spanish chorizo?
No, Spanish chorizo is cured and too firm; Mexican chorizo is ideal for gravy.
Will the gravy be very spicy?
It depends on your chorizo—choose mild or spicy based on preference.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, make the gravy in advance and reheat gently with added milk.
Why did my gravy become too thick?
It thickens as it cools—simply add more milk when reheating.
Can I use low-fat milk?
Yes, but whole milk yields the creamiest texture.
Do I need to drain the chorizo?
Some chorizo releases a lot of fat; drain lightly if needed before adding butter.
What biscuits work best?
Flaky buttermilk biscuits or homemade drop biscuits pair wonderfully.
Can I freeze chorizo gravy?
Not recommended due to dairy separation.
How do I reduce the spice?
Use mild chorizo or add extra milk to mellow flavors.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach blend well.
Conclusion
Biscuits and Chorizo Gravy brings bold, spicy energy to a classic comfort dish, turning a familiar breakfast into something unforgettable. With its creamy texture, rich chorizo flavor, and tender biscuits, this recipe offers the perfect balance of heat and comfort. Whether enjoyed on a slow weekend morning or served as a hearty brunch centerpiece, it delivers satisfying warmth in every bite. Enjoy experimenting with variations and making this spicy twist your new go-to breakfast favorite.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share