Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits is a nostalgic Southern dish that surprises anyone who has never tried it before. At first glance, chocolate and gravy may sound unusual, but one spoonful explains why this recipe has been passed down for generations. The gravy is rich, smooth, and deeply chocolatey, with a texture similar to a loose pudding, while the biscuits provide a buttery, flaky contrast that soaks it up beautifully. I first tried this dish warm on a quiet weekend morning, and it instantly felt comforting and indulgent without being overly sweet. It is simple, economical, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dessert-style treat. This recipe relies on pantry staples and straightforward technique, yet the result feels special and memorable every time.
Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits: A Southern Breakfast Classic Worth Rediscovering
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits is a beloved Southern comfort breakfast featuring fluffy homemade biscuits smothered in a rich, smooth chocolate gravy made from cocoa, milk, sugar, and butter.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk (for biscuits)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for gravy)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add milk and stir just until combined.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, pat out, and cut biscuits.
- Bake biscuits for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- While biscuits bake, whisk cocoa powder, sugar, and flour in a saucepan.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
- Serve warm biscuits topped with chocolate gravy.
Notes
- Stir constantly to prevent lumps in the gravy.
- Serve immediately while gravy is warm.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance chocolate flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking & Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour forms the base of the gravy and is responsible for thickening it to the proper consistency.
Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the deep chocolate flavor. Using unsweetened cocoa keeps the sweetness balanced.
Granulated sugar sweetens the gravy and rounds out the bitterness of the cocoa.
Milk creates the smooth, pourable texture of the gravy. Whole milk produces the richest result, though lower-fat milk can be used.
Unsalted butter adds richness and a glossy finish to the gravy.
Vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
Salt balances the sweetness and sharpens the overall flavor.
Prepared biscuits, either homemade or store-bought, serve as the base for the chocolate gravy and complete the dish.
Directions
Begin by baking the biscuits according to your preferred method or package instructions. Keep them warm while preparing the gravy.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined. This step helps prevent lumps later.
Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth mixture. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens. This usually takes 5 to 8 minutes.
Once the gravy reaches a smooth, pourable consistency, remove it from the heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated.
Split the warm biscuits in half and spoon the chocolate gravy generously over the top. Serve immediately while warm.
Equipment needed
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.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of about 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover chocolate gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore the original consistency. Biscuits are best stored separately and reheated briefly before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits is easy to adjust to personal taste. For a darker, more intense flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder. If you prefer a sweeter gravy, increase the sugar slightly, tasting as you go.
You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor without overpowering it. For a dairy-free version, plant-based milk and butter substitutes work well, though the gravy may be slightly thinner.
Some families enjoy adding a small splash of cream at the end for extra richness, while others prefer a thinner gravy that soaks deeply into the biscuits. This flexibility is part of what makes the recipe so beloved.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Protein (g) | 8 |
| Carbs (g) | 56 |
| Fat (g) | 18 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 10 |
| Fiber (g) | 3 |
| Sugar (g) | 28 |
| Sodium (mg) | 520 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Consistency control: Remove the gravy from heat slightly early, as it thickens more as it cools.
Smooth texture: Whisk continuously while heating to prevent lumps.
Flavor depth: Use high-quality cocoa powder for best results.
Serving idea: Add fresh berries on the side for contrast.
FAQs
Is chocolate gravy a dessert or breakfast?
It is traditionally served as a breakfast dish in the Southern United States.
Does it taste like pudding?
It is similar but thinner and less sweet than pudding.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently with added milk before serving.
What biscuits work best?
Flaky buttermilk biscuits are ideal.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of cocoa?
Cocoa powder is recommended for proper texture and balance.
Is this recipe very sweet?
It is moderately sweet and can be adjusted easily.
Can children enjoy this dish?
Yes, it is very popular with children.
Does it contain eggs?
No, this recipe is egg-free.
Can I freeze chocolate gravy?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
Is this recipe traditional?
Yes, it is a long-standing Southern comfort recipe.
Conclusion
Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits is a comforting, old-fashioned dish that showcases the charm of simple ingredients used well. Whether you grew up with it or are discovering it for the first time, this recipe delivers warmth, nostalgia, and undeniable comfort in every bite.
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