Sausage Gravy and Biscuits Breakfast Bake

My daughter started driver's training this week. And, while I am completely overjoyed for her and in total celebration of this exciting milestone in her life, I will freely admit to feelings of sadness since I know that a teenager getting their license means less of a need for mom and dad. It's a big deal. Yes, it's the beginning of a new stage in her life, but it's, also, the ending of one. Another one of our children is entering the transition in adulthood. One child closer to an empty nest.

And, let us not overlook the obvious - it's a reminder that I am getting old(er). Ughh! On the flipside, it's a reminder to cherish every moment and every stage of life. My, oh my, how the time truly does go by oh, so fast.

Since we have a few weeks of non-stop evening driver's ed classes filling up our schedule on top of quiz bowl and play practices, I know sitting down to home-cooked meals as a family right now is going to be a challenge. Our schedule will mean eating very early dinners (like, four o'clock early). Yesterday's dinner was actually a breakfast recipe that we've come to love - this breakfast bake to be exact.

There's not much to say - it's simple, scrumptious and super satisfying. It's great for a weekend breakfast or as a breakfast-for-dinner option. All of our favorite breakfast components are combined into one casserole - biscuits, sausage gravy and cheesy eggs.

NOTE: I chose this time to leave the biscuits whole, but they can be cut into fourths if you'd like. Doing so allows more of the gravy, eggs and cheese to coat more biscuit surface.

Serves 4 - 6.

Ingredients:

FOR THE GRAVY -

1/2 pound breakfast sausage, crumbled
3 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup flour
6 cups whole milk
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt
Black pepper

FOR THE EGG MIXTURE -

9 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
Salt
Black pepper

OTHER -

8 refrigerated or frozen biscuits (thaw first if using frozen)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Colby-jack cheese
Non-stick spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Prepare sausage gravy by browning sausage in large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked - breaking it apart as it cooks. Do not drain. Add in the butter and allow to melt. Sprinkle in the flour.  Whisk to incorporate flour into the sausage and grease/butter.  Allow flour to "cook out" for a few minutes while whisking occasionally. Add milk.  Whisk until it is fully incorporated ... and until the gravy just starts to thicken and bubble.  Reduce heat to low.  Season with red pepper flakes if using.  Season well with salt and a liberal amount of black pepper.  Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm until ready to assemble casserole.

Whisk together the ingredients for the egg mixture in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.

Spray a 9 x 13 or similar-size casserole dish with non-stick spray. Spread about a third of the sausage gravy into the bottom of the dish.  Lay down the biscuits in an even layer. Top biscuits with a cup of the cheese.  Pour on the egg mixture.  Spoon on the remainder of the gravy and top with the remaining cheese.

Bake for 25 - 35 minutes or until eggs appear set.

Serve immediately. Great with fried potatoes and/or fresh fruit.