For those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, the thought of giving up classic comfort foods like biscuits and gravy can be disheartening. Fortunately, with a few clever ingredient swaps, it's entirely possible to enjoy a keto-friendly version of this beloved Southern breakfast staple. This article will guide you through creating delicious keto biscuits and gravy that capture the essence of the original while keeping your carb count in check.
What is Traditional Biscuits and Gravy?
Traditional sausage gravy is a southern classic breakfast dish that is usually served over biscuits. It’s made with loose sausage that you brown in a pan. Then you take it out and make a roux which is a technique of browning all purpose flour with the remaining pork fat in the pan along with some seasonings.
The Keto Transformation
The key to transforming biscuits and gravy into a keto-friendly dish lies in replacing high-carb ingredients with low-carb alternatives. This primarily involves swapping all-purpose flour and milk, which are staples in traditional recipes, with ingredients like almond flour, heavy cream, and cream cheese.
Keto Biscuits: Light, Fluffy, and Flavorful
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ Teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (or medium cheddar)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, or spray with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cut in the cold butter with a fork or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Use a fork to mix in the heavy whipping cream a little at a time, and then mix in the eggs until well combined.
- Cut in the white cheddar cheese until it forms a dough.
- Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions (using a 3 tablespoon scoop or spoon out 3 tablespoons worth of batter for each biscuit) and gently roll each into a ball or slightly flattened disks.
- Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, placing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Storage
Store leftover biscuits covered in the fridge for up to 3 days or wrapped well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, toast them in a toaster oven (if frozen, thaw them first).
Keto Sausage Gravy: Creamy, Savory, and Satisfying
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (such as Bob Evans ground pork sausage)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (or water, or even beef broth)
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for thickening)
- Garlic powder and onion powder to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste (though some find it unnecessary depending on the sausage)
- Optional: a pinch of hot pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat
Instructions
- Get out a large skillet and heat to medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat. Once it starts to brown, turn the heat down to medium heat. When it's all nice and browned, take out of the pan and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Turn the heat down to medium and add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the same pan.
- Whisk well to combine and when the cream cheese has fully melted you will have a nice creamy gravy. If using xanthan gum, sprinkle it in and stir.
- Add back the cooked sausage to the creamy mixture and stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and continue to simmer until the gravy is thick, about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat.
Tips and Variations
- Thickness: For a thicker gravy, simmer for a longer time or add a small amount of xanthan gum. If the gravy becomes too thick, add more chicken broth or heavy cream to reach the desired consistency.
- Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Flavor: Experiment with different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage or chorizo, for a unique flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free: You could also use unsweetened almond milk (or non-dairy milk of choice) and a keto-friendly thickening agent like xanthan gum or glucomannan root to make a keto gravy.
Storage
Store leftover sausage gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Serving Suggestions
To serve, split the warm keto biscuits in half and spoon a generous amount of keto sausage gravy over each half. This dish is delicious on its own as a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Alternative Serving Ideas
- Spoon over low carb biscuits or bread
- Keto bread
- Low carb English muffins
- Keto cheese waffles
- Eggs
- Breakfast casserole
Why This Recipe Works
This keto biscuits and gravy recipe works because it replaces high-carb ingredients with low-carb alternatives without sacrificing flavor or texture. The almond flour biscuits are surprisingly light and fluffy, while the cream cheese and heavy cream-based gravy is rich, creamy, and savory. The addition of sausage provides a hearty and satisfying element that will keep you feeling full and energized for hours.
Addressing Common Concerns
Can I use other flours besides almond flour for the biscuits?
While almond flour is the preferred choice for keto biscuits due to its low carb content and slightly sweet flavor, you can experiment with other low-carb flours like coconut flour or a blend of almond and coconut flour. However, keep in mind that these flours may require adjustments to the liquid ingredients to achieve the desired consistency. These gluten free flours are not the best choice to thicken gravy. Yes, they will help thicken a bit, but they create a gritty texture and not a smooth, creamy gravy, so it is best to use cream cheese and heavy cream as thickeners.
Is xanthan gum necessary for the gravy?
Xanthan gum is an optional ingredient that can help thicken the gravy, but it is not essential. Many people prefer to omit xanthan gum due to potential digestive issues. If you choose to leave it out, simply simmer the gravy for a longer time to allow it to thicken naturally.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, both the keto biscuits and the sausage gravy can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the biscuits in a toaster oven or microwave before serving, and warm the gravy on the stovetop over low heat.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Biscuits and Gravy History
Growing up in southern Missouri, biscuits and gravy was everywhere. I think it's fair to say it's something that's often on the breakfast table.
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