Sausage Gravy Puff Pie

This hearty Sausage, Gravy, and Biscuit Pie transforms the classic American breakfast into a showstopping dish that satisfies any time of day. The buttery puff pastry envelops a rich, savory sausage gravy for a comfort food experience that feels both familiar and special.

I first created this recipe during a particularly cold winter when my family needed something more substantial than our usual weekend breakfast. The moment I pulled it from the oven watching the golden flaky crust puff up around the savory filling I knew we had found our new favorite tradition.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sausage: the foundation of flavor choose high quality breakfast sausage with visible herbs for best results
• 2 cups milk: creates the creamy base whole milk produces the richest gravy but 2% works well too
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour: essential thickening agent make sure to cook it with the sausage to eliminate raw flour taste
• 1 teaspoon salt: balances the richness use kosher salt for better flavor distribution
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: adds classic warmth freshly ground delivers more pronounced flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage: complements the sausage beautifully rubbing dried sage between your fingers releases more aroma
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: optional but adds wonderful dimension adjust according to your heat preference
• 1 package puff pastry thawed: creates the flaky golden crust butter based varieties yield superior texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. The goal is an even browning which typically takes about 7 minutes. Look for caramelized bits on the bottom of the pan these contain concentrated flavor.

Create the Roux:

Sprinkle flour directly over the cooked sausage stirring continuously to coat every piece. Continue cooking for a full 2 minutes allowing the flour to lose its raw taste and begin to toast slightly. The mixture will look somewhat dry and pasty this is perfect.

Develop the Gravy:

Pour in the milk gradually while stirring constantly with a whisk to prevent lumps from forming. Increase heat to medium high and continue stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. The gravy will begin thickening noticeably as it heats.

Season and Simmer:

Reduce heat to low and add salt pepper sage and optional red pepper flakes. Let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally as it thickens to the consistency of pudding. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Prepare the Pastry:

Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 11 inches then gently transfer to a 9 inch pie dish. Press into corners leaving overhang around edges.

Fill the Pie:

Pour the warm sausage gravy into the pastry lined dish spreading it into an even layer. The filling should be thick enough to mound slightly in the center.

Top with Second Pastry:

Roll out the second pastry sheet to the same dimensions and carefully drape over the filling. Trim excess pastry leaving about 1 inch overhang then fold and crimp edges decoratively to seal.

Vent and Bake:

Cut 4 to 5 small slits in the top pastry to allow steam to escape. Transfer to a preheated 375°F oven placing on the middle rack for even heating.

Achieve Golden Perfection:

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the pastry has risen dramatically and turned a deep golden brown. The filling should be bubbling around the edges and through the vents.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the pie to rest for 10 minutes before slicing which helps the filling set and prevents it from spilling out when cut.

Pin it

The ground sage in this recipe is truly the secret ingredient. When I first made this pie I almost skipped it thinking the sausage would provide enough flavor. Adding that half teaspoon transformed the entire dish bringing a warmth and depth that reminds me of holiday meals at my grandmothers table.

Make Ahead Options

This pie responds wonderfully to advance preparation perfect for busy households. You can prepare the sausage gravy up to two days ahead storing it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake simply warm the gravy slightly before assembling the pie. You can also assemble the entire pie advance refrigerate for up to 24 hours then bake directly from the refrigerator adding about 10 minutes to the baking time. The pastry actually benefits from chilling which makes this a fantastic option for entertaining.

Pin it

Substitution Ideas

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Consider swapping traditional pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version. Vegetarians can use plant based sausage crumbles with excellent results. For a dairy free version substitute unsweetened almond milk and increase the flour to 1/3 cup for proper thickness. Add sautéed mushrooms bell peppers or caramelized onions to incorporate vegetables into this hearty dish. Each variation maintains the comforting essence while offering customized nutrition profiles.

Serving Suggestions

While this pie stands beautifully on its own a few thoughtful accompaniments elevate it further. Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. For breakfast presentation add a side of fresh fruit especially berries or citrus segments. When serving for dinner roasted vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts make excellent companions. A drizzle of hot honey or maple syrup over individual slices offers a surprising sweet heat dimension that particularly complements the savory elements.

Southern Tradition Reimagined

This dish honors the beloved Southern breakfast tradition of biscuits and gravy while transforming it into an elevated presentation. Historically sausage gravy emerged as a practical way to use every part of home butchered animals creating filling meals for hardworking families. The addition of puff pastry rather than traditional drop biscuits modernizes the concept while respecting its roots. This approach maintains the satisfying essence of the original while creating something special enough for celebration meals making it a beautiful bridge between everyday comfort and special occasion dining.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the pastry flaky?

Ensure the puff pastry is cold before baking. This helps the layers expand and create a flaky texture.

→ Can I use homemade pastry instead?

Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry works beautifully if you have the time to prepare it.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Try adding garlic powder, shredded cheese, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a flavor boost.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.

→ What side dishes pair well with this pie?

Fresh fruit salad, roasted vegetables, or a light green salad complement the richness of the pie.