The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the rich aroma of fluffy Southern biscuits smothered in warm, homemade chocolate gravy. This classic Southern breakfast recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, buttery, and comforting—bringing nostalgic memories of family kitchens and lazy weekend mornings. Whether you grew up with it or are trying it for the first time, this dish is a cozy favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch. In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to whip up the flakiest buttermilk biscuits and a silky chocolate gravy using pantry staples like cocoa powder, milk, and sugar. Get ready to impress your taste buds with a comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Why Southern Biscuits with Chocolate Gravy Are a Comfort Food Classic
Few dishes capture the heart of Southern comfort quite like biscuits and chocolate gravy. This rich and satisfying meal has deep roots in the Southern United States, especially in states like Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi, where it has been passed down through generations. Originally born out of necessity, chocolate gravy was a creative way to turn simple pantry ingredients—like cocoa powder, flour, and milk—into something special for the family breakfast table.
What makes this dish so beloved is its balance of textures and flavors: warm, fluffy buttermilk biscuits with tender, buttery layers, paired with a smooth, sweet, chocolatey sauce that feels like dessert—but is totally acceptable for breakfast. It’s the kind of food that feels like a hug—especially on a chilly morning.
Chocolate gravy may sound unusual to some, but for many in the South, it’s a treasured taste of childhood. Whether served during Sunday brunch, holidays, or a quiet weekend morning, this dish evokes a sense of nostalgia and home. It’s a reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be made with love and a little cocoa.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy
Making Southern biscuits with chocolate gravy is easier than you might think—and it starts with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need for both the fluffy buttermilk biscuits and the rich chocolate gravy that goes on top.
🧈 For the Buttermilk Biscuits:
These biscuits are soft, tender, and slightly crispy on the outside. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour – The base for your biscuit dough. Use unbleached for best results.
- Baking powder – Gives your biscuits lift and that classic fluffy texture.
- Salt – Balances out the richness of the butter and the tang of the buttermilk.
- Cold unsalted butter – The secret to flaky layers. Cold butter creates steam pockets while baking.
- Buttermilk – Adds a delicious tang and makes the dough moist. If you don’t have it on hand, you can mix milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
🍫 For the Chocolate Gravy:
This warm, silky sauce is what makes this dish so unique. It’s part chocolate sauce, part nostalgic magic.
- Granulated sugar – Provides the sweetness that balances the richness of the cocoa.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – The star of the show. Use a good-quality cocoa for deep chocolate flavor.
- All-purpose flour – Thickens the gravy as it simmers.
- Salt – Just a pinch enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Milk – Whole milk is best for a creamy, smooth texture, but you can use 2% or even plant-based milk if preferred.
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the finished gravy.
- Butter – Adds a glossy finish and a touch of richness to the sauce.
🔄 Optional Add-ins or Variations:
- Cinnamon or nutmeg – A dash of spice adds warmth and complexity.
- Espresso powder – For a mocha twist.
- Heavy cream – Swirl in for an extra decadent gravy.
- Fresh fruit or whipped cream – Great toppings if serving this as a dessert.
These ingredients come together to create a sweet, savory, and satisfying Southern classic. In the next section, we’ll show you exactly how to turn them into a delicious homemade breakfast!
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
🥣 Biscuit Tools
To make tender, flaky biscuits, you’ll need a large mixing bowl, a whisk or fork, a pastry cutter (or two knives), and a biscuit cutter or round glass. A baking sheet and parchment paper will help ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
🍫 Chocolate Gravy Tools
For smooth, lump-free chocolate gravy, use a medium saucepan, a whisk, and a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accuracy.
🔌 Appliances
You’ll need a preheated oven to bake the biscuits at 425°F (220°C), and a stovetop to prepare the chocolate gravy. Keep butter and buttermilk cold in the refrigerator before using.
🧪 Measuring Tools
Use standard measuring cups and spoons for dry and liquid ingredients. A kitchen scale is optional but useful for precision, especially in baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Homemade Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy
Making Southern biscuits with chocolate gravy from scratch is a rewarding and comforting process. It’s simple enough for a cozy weekend breakfast, but special enough to impress your family or guests. Just follow these easy steps to create soft, flaky biscuits and smooth, rich chocolate gravy.
🧁 Step 1: Make the Buttermilk Biscuits
1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with butter.
2. Combine the dry ingredients.
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
3. Cut in the cold butter.
Add ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cold butter is key to flaky biscuits.
4. Stir in the buttermilk.
Pour in ¾ cup (180ml) cold buttermilk and mix gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Knead and cut.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it 3–4 times—just enough to bring it together. Pat it out into a ¾-inch (2 cm) thick circle and cut out biscuits using a round cutter or glass.
6. Bake.
Place biscuits on the baking sheet so they’re just touching. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
🍫 Step 2: Make the Chocolate Gravy
1. Combine the dry ingredients.
In a saucepan (off the heat), whisk together:
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
2. Add milk slowly.
Gradually whisk in 2 cups (480ml) of milk, making sure to avoid lumps.
3. Cook the mixture.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble—about 7–10 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.
4. Finish with butter and vanilla.
Remove from heat and stir in:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This adds richness and a velvety texture to the gravy.
🍽️ Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Split warm biscuits in half and pour generous spoonfuls of hot chocolate gravy over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, comforting blend of textures and flavors.
Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor
To make truly memorable Southern biscuits with chocolate gravy, it’s all about getting the right texture and balancing the flavors just right. Below are some tried-and-true tips to help your biscuits turn out flaky and tender, and your chocolate gravy velvety-smooth and deeply flavorful.
🧈 1. Keep Your Butter and Buttermilk Cold
The flakiness of your biscuits depends on cold fat. When cold butter hits a hot oven, it releases steam, which creates the layers you want.
Tip: Cut your butter into small cubes and chill it again after mixing into the flour if it starts to soften. The same goes for your buttermilk—cold ingredients make all the difference.
🔪 2. Don’t Overwork the Dough
Once you add the buttermilk, mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing or kneading too much can lead to tough, dense biscuits instead of light and fluffy ones.
Tip: Pat the dough gently with your hands rather than rolling it out to keep the structure soft and airy.
🍫 3. Use Good-Quality Cocoa Powder for the Gravy
The flavor of your chocolate gravy depends heavily on the cocoa powder you use. Choose a high-quality unsweetened cocoa—Dutch-processed cocoa will give you a smoother, richer taste, while natural cocoa has a slightly tangier flavor.
Optional boost: A tiny pinch of espresso powder can enhance the depth of the chocolate without making it taste like coffee.
🍶 4. Whisk the Gravy Constantly to Avoid Lumps
As your gravy cooks, whisk it continuously to prevent lumps and achieve that silky texture. Slowly adding the milk before heating will help the dry ingredients fully dissolve.
Pro tip: Use a fine-mesh strainer if needed to remove any last-minute lumps for the smoothest finish.
🌟 5. Taste and Adjust Sweetness
Everyone has their own sweetness preference. You can adjust the amount of sugar in the chocolate gravy to suit your taste.
Want something more dessert-like? Add a little extra sugar and a splash of vanilla.
Prefer it less sweet? Scale the sugar back slightly and add a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for complexity.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Once your Southern biscuits and chocolate gravy are warm and ready, it’s time to enjoy them to the fullest. Whether you’re serving them as a special breakfast, a brunch centerpiece, or even a cozy dessert, here are some tasty pairing ideas and smart storage tips to help you make the most of every bite.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
1. Classic Southern Style:
Serve the biscuits warm, split in half, and generously topped with chocolate gravy. A pat of butter or a drizzle of warm milk or cream can make it even richer.
2. Add Savory Sides for Balance:
This dish is sweet and indulgent, so pairing it with something savory helps round out the meal. Try serving alongside:
- Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
- Scrambled or fried eggs
- Cheddar cheese grits
3. Make It a Dessert:
Turn your biscuits and chocolate gravy into a full dessert with a few extras:
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Sliced bananas, strawberries, or berries
- A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon for a bakery-style touch.
🧊 Storage Tips
1. Store Biscuits Separately from the Gravy
To keep your biscuits from getting soggy, store them apart from the gravy:
- Biscuits: Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Chocolate Gravy: Let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
2. Reheating Instructions
- Biscuits: Wrap in foil and warm in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 8–10 minutes to refresh the texture.
- Gravy: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk if it thickened too much.
3. Can You Freeze It?
Yes!
- Biscuits: Freeze after baking; reheat in the oven straight from frozen.
- Gravy: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly while stirring.
