Recipe Overview
Servings: About 8–10 biscuit sandwiches
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes (plus sausage cooking time)
Ingredients
Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance)
¾ cup (170 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed or grated
¾–1 cup (180–240 ml) cold buttermilk
Beef Sausage Filling
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1½–2 teaspoons dried sage
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½–1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
½ teaspoon dried thyme or marjoram
¼–½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon brown sugar or maple syrup
Optional: pinch of crushed fennel seeds or nutmeg
1½–2 cups (150–200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or sliced
Optional: melted butter for brushing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Sausage
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with all seasoning ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the beef, breaking it into crumbles, until fully browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with visible pea-sized pieces. Add ¾ cup cold buttermilk and stir gently until the dough comes together. Add more buttermilk a tablespoon at a time if the dough feels dry. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, fold it over itself 3–4 times to create layers, then pat or roll to about ¾–1 inch thick.
Step 3: Assemble the Biscuits
Cut the dough into 3-inch rounds. For stuffed biscuits, place one round on the baking sheet, add a generous spoonful of cooked beef sausage and shredded cheese, then top with another round and gently press the edges to seal. For a simpler version, mix the cooled sausage and cheese directly into the dough before cutting.
Step 4: Bake
Brush the tops with melted butter if desired. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the biscuits are tall, flaky, and golden brown with melted cheese inside.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm for best texture and flavor. These biscuits are excellent on their own or split open and topped with a fried egg or hot sauce.
Tips for Best Results
Using cold butter and cold buttermilk is key to achieving flaky layers. Do not overmix the dough or the biscuits may turn dense. Beef provides a rich, savory flavor similar to classic breakfast sausage, while lamb can be substituted for a bolder taste using the same seasoning blend.