Biscuits and Gravy Week (Sept 14-20, 2025)
Biscuits and gravy is a quintessential Southern American dish with deep historical roots dating back to the early 19th century. This classic comfort food combines soft, flaky biscuits with a creamy, savory gravy, typically made from meat drippings, flour, milk, and seasoned generously with black pepper. The origins of biscuits and gravy can be traced back to the rural South, where inexpensive, simple, and readily available ingredients influenced the development of local cuisine. Biscuits themselves evolved from the breads of European settlers, particularly English scones and French pastries. These settlers adapted their traditional baking methods to the abundant local southern ingredients, resulting in the biscuit as a quick and easy bread option that could be prepared over an open hearth or primitive stove.
Gravy was a practical way to utilize every part of the hog, especially the flavorful drippings left from cooking ham or bacon. After cooking the meat, settlers would deglaze the pan with a bit of flour and milk to create a thick, rich sauce. This gravy was typically seasoned simply with salt and black pepper, reflecting the modest pantry staples that were commonly available on frontier farms and homesteads. The combination of biscuits and gravy soon became a hearty and affordable breakfast that could sustain hardworking laborers through long and strenuous days. It gained popularity among farmers, railroad workers, and miners throughout the Southern United States.
Over time, variations on the dish emerged, including the now-famous sausage gravy, which incorporates ground pork sausage rendered and cooked directly in the gravy base, adding additional richness, texture, and depth of flavor. By the 20th century, biscuits and gravy had become a beloved staple in Southern diners and homes alike, celebrated for its comforting and nourishing qualities. Today, this iconic dish remains a symbol of Southern hospitality and culinary ingenuity, frequently enjoyed nationwide as a beloved emblem of the traditional American breakfast.
