HARDEE’S BISCUITS AND GRAVY. A HEARTY HOME STYLE DELIGHT

Hardee’s biscuits and gravy is a comforting dish synonymous with the South. Its flaky biscuits paired with rich sausage gravy create a taste sensation that warms both the belly and the soul.

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything from replicating the classic Hardee’s recipe at home to learning why this breakfast staple continues to be beloved. Buckle up for a delicious journey through the mouthwatering world of biscuits and gravy!

Table of Contents

What is Hardee’s Biscuits and Gravy?

To truly understand what makes Hardee’s biscuits and gravy so special, it’s important to understand the core components that come together to create this iconic breakfast meal. At its heart are two key elements – biscuits and gravy.

Biscuits provide the fluffy, buttery base to soak up every last drop of gravy. Hardee’s uses homemade biscuits, baked fresh daily, yielding a light and flaky texture.

Gravy is the star of the show – a rich and creamy concoction made from seasoned pork sausage, flour, butter and milk. The sausage contributes savoury depth of flavour while the milk creates an indulgent smooth consistency.

When these components unite, magic occurs. The warm biscuits act as a vessel for the flavoursome gravy, melding together into a taste sensation that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. It’s no wonder biscuits and gravy have become a Southern staple.

CopyCat Hardee’s Gravy

For those craving a taste of Hardee’s at home, replicating their signature gravy is simple using just a few ingredients. Here is a basic recipe for delightfully authentic CopyCat Hardee’s Gravy:

1 package flavored sausage
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 tsp salt
2 tsp ground black pepper

By cooking the sausage first, then making a roux of butter and flour, and gradually adding milk, a rich and creamy gravy results.

Seasoned with salt and pepper, this copycat version perfectly captures the classic sausage gravy flavor profile. Serve it alongside home-baked biscuits for a comforting meal the whole family will love.

Hardee’s Gravy Recipe:

For a more detailed gravy recipe and instructions, here is Hardee’s staple Gravy Recipe broken down step-by-step:

Brown flavored sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Remove sausage and set aside.
Add butter to the hot skillet and allow it to melt completely.
Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly to form a smooth paste (roux).
Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Continue whisking as the mixture simmers and thickens.
Return cooked sausage to the gravy. Season with salt and black pepper.
Simmer gravy for 10-15 minutes to blend flavors.
Serve gravy piping hot alongside warm biscuits for the ultimate “biscuits and gravy” experience.

By following this tried-and-true recipe, home cooks can achieve restaurant-quality gravy to enjoy anytime a comforting breakfast is desired. Stay tuned for tips on storing and reheating leftover gravy too.

Can I Buy Canned Sausage Gravy?

For those seeking convenience, pre-made canned sausage gravy takes the work out of making it from scratch.

A popular national brand is Libby’s Country Sausage Gravy, readily available at most supermarkets. Simply heat and serve for a fast solution.

Though canned gravy won’t have the same fresh and homemade texture, it still satisfies cravings when time is limited. The flavors are comparable and consistently creamy. Canned gravy adds versatility too by letting biscuits and gravy be prepared at a moment’s notice.

So for harried mornings or last-minute biscuit topper needs, don’t hesitate to try canned – it allows experiencing this classic Southrn dish with minimal fuss. Just be sure to read packaging for storage and reheating instructions.

Hardee’s Gravy Ingredients

Mastery of any recipe requires understanding what makes it tick. For authentic Hardee’s gravy, knowledge of the primary Gravy Ingredients is key:

Flavored sausage – Seasoned pork is what infuses deep savory tastes.
Unsalted butter – Its fat content creates a silky texture while allowing other flavors to shine.
All-purpose flour – As a thickening agent, flour turns the gravy luxuriously smooth.
Whole milk – Providing the body with creaminess, milk forms the base on which flavors balance.
Salt and ground black pepper – These staple spices elevate the dish with subtle seasoning.

High quality ingredients, especially the sausage, define great gravy. Selecting each component thoughtfully ensures maximum deliciousness.

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How to Make Hardee’s Gravy

Bringing the components together, here is a step-by-step guide to crafting homemade Hardee’s gravy:

Brown the Sausage – In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage patties or crumbles until fully cooked through. Remove sausage from pan and set aside.
Make the Roux – Add butter to the hot skillet and melt completely. Whisk in flour and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until a thick paste forms. This roux is the base of the gravy’s texture.
Gradually Incorporate Milk – Pour in milk little by little, whisking constantly to eliminate lumps. The mixture will become thinner before thickening.
Simmer and Thicken – Allow gravy to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a velvety pouring consistency.
Season and Complete – Return sausage to gravy, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Additional herbs may also be included, such as parsley or thyme.
Enjoy! – Ladle hot gravy atop warm buttermilk biscuits for an indulgent breakfast or brunch treat.

By following these clear steps, home cooks can achieve near-authentic Hardee’s gravy results with minimal fuss. Practice makes perfect when perfecting this comforting classic.

How to Store Hardee’s Sausage Gravy

Once you’ve prepared a batch of homemade Hardee’s gravy, you’ll want to keep it fresh for future use. Proper storage methods extend the life of any leftovers:

Refrigeration: Transfer gravy to an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days. Reheat over low heat until simmering.
Freezing: For long-term storage up to 3 months, fully cool gravy before freezing in a sealed freezer bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating frozen: Gradually thaw gravy in the refrigerator for 24 hours or in a bowl of warm water. Then heat through slowly over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, until steaming hot.

With a bit of planning, you can keep sausage gravy on hand to quickly dress biscuits whenever a craving strikes. Just be sure to smell and check gravy’s appearance before reheating or consuming refrigerated leftovers.

How to Reheat Hardee’s Sausage Gravy

Regardless of whether gravy was stored in the fridge or deep freeze, ensure it’s heated through before enjoying. Here are preferred reheating methods for leftover gravy:

Stovetop: Heat milk in a saucepan over low heat until simmering. Slowly stir in cold gravy and continue heating 3-5 minutes until hot throughout.
Oven: Place a sealed gravy container in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until piping hot. Stir halfway.
Microwave: Transfer gravy to a microwave-safe dish and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until steaming.

Always reheat gravy gently to retain moisture and prevent scorching. Once bubbling, return it to biscuits for a quick weekday meal fix. Follow these tips for gravy that’s as delicious as the first batch.

What to Serve With Homemade Hardee’s Sausage Gravy

While buttery biscuits are the classic companion, sausage gravy pairs well with a variety of breakfast sides. Expand your gravy pairings by enjoying it with:

Hash browns or potato casserole – The savory gravy complements hearty potato dishes.
Roasted vegetables – Sauteed kale, brussels sprouts or mushrooms love a drizzle of gravy.
Scrambled eggs – A poached or fried egg topping takes the protein factor up a notch.
Grits or polenta – The creamy texture marries nicely with cornmeal’s earthiness.
Toast – For a lighter version, gravy also satisfies atop toast.

Get creative in your kitchen by treating gravy as a versatile sauce. Its robust flavor profile stands up to many pairings for a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast feast.

Why We Love Hardee’s Biscuits and Gravy.

There must be a good reason why, generation after generation, Hardee’s biscuits and gravy remain a beloved choice. Here are some theories as to its enduring popularity:

Nostalgia – For many Southern families, this dish holds memories of cozy weekend mornings or special occasions. Its homey flavors evoke sentimental feelings.
Heartiness – Biscuits and gravy satisfy both belly and soul with its stick-to-your-ribs simplicity. One serving packs major calories and protein to fuel a hard day’s work.
Consistency – Ordering it means a reliably delicious experience, prepared as it has been for decades. Customers know exactly what to expect.
Accessibility – Its convenient availability at breakfast chains makes biscuits and gravy easy to obtain during time-crunched mornings or on road trips.
Familiar Comfort – Even when life gets hectic or messy, these warm, welcoming flavors provide temporary calm and normalcy. Food plays an emotional role.
Savory Flavors – While most breakfasts tilt sweet, biscuits and gravy satisfy cravings for hearty saltiness instead of sugar. The pairing feels indulgent.
Regional Pride – Southerners take pride in their culture and cuisine, of which biscuits and gravy plays an integral part. It connects people to heritage.

In a world where trends come and go, the simple goodness of biscuits blanketed in peppery gravy seems to never fail in putting a smile on faces. Its qualities stand the test of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any gluten-free options for biscuits and gravy?

Unfortunately not, as biscuits contain wheat flour and gravy is often thickened with roux made from flour.

What sides complement Hardee’s biscuits and gravy?

Popular side items include hash browns, scrambled eggs, bacon for extra protein and flavor.

How many calories are in a serving of Hardee’s biscuits and gravy?

A regular serving contains around 500-600 calories depending on biscuit size but portion sizes may vary.

Are there any secret menu variations on biscuits and gravy at Hardee’s?

While no official secret menu exists, some customers enjoy unique combinations like adding cheese or extra seasonings.

Are there vegetarian options for biscuits and gravy at Hardee’s?

The regular gravy contains pork sausage but substitutions can sometimes be made using meat-free sausage or mushroom gravy.

Can I order biscuits and gravy all day, or is it limited to breakfast hours?

Most locations serve biscuits and gravy during breakfast hours but availability may extend into lunch depending on the specific restaurant’s daily menu schedule.