Can you make lower calorie Sausage Gravy & Biscuits that still taste good?

Can you make lower calorie Sausage Gravy & Biscuits that still taste good? is a medium American recipe that serves 2. 705 calories per serving. Recipe by Ethan Chlebowski on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 52 min

Cost: $13.07 total, $6.53 per serving

Ingredients

  • 150 g Self-Rising Flour (for biscuits, sifted)
  • 75 g Heavy Cream (cold, for biscuit dough)
  • 75 g Non-Fat Plain Yogurt (for biscuit dough, adds tang)
  • 10 g Unsalted Butter (melted, brushed on biscuits before baking)
  • 227 g Lean Ground Turkey (1/2 lb, 93% lean)
  • 3.5 g Salt (about 1/2 tsp)
  • 0.5 clove Garlic (grated)
  • 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Sage
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 240 ml Non-Fat Milk (cold)
  • 1 g Xanthan Gum (about 1/4 tsp, for thickening gravy)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 450°F (232°C) and let it fully preheat while you prepare the biscuits.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 450°F

  2. Mix Biscuit Dough

    In a mixing bowl combine 150 g self‑rising flour, 75 g heavy cream, and 75 g non‑fat yogurt. Stir until the mixture begins to clump, then gently knead with clean hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms; avoid over‑mixing.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Fold and Shape Biscuits

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a rough 3/4‑inch‑thick square. Fold the right third into the center, then the left third over the center. Rotate 90°, pat again, and repeat the folding twice more. Finally roll to a 6‑inch square and cut into four equal squares.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Brush and Bake Biscuits

    Place the four squares on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter (or a little extra cream). Bake for 10‑12 minutes, until lightly golden brown.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 450°F

  5. Prepare Turkey Sausage Mix

    In a bowl combine 227 g lean ground turkey, 3.5 g salt, 0.5 clove grated garlic, 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes, 0.5 tsp ground sage, 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Loosely mix with hands until just combined.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Cook Turkey Sausage

    Heat the cast‑iron skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage mixture, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Make Milk‑Xanthan Slurry

    While the sausage cooks, whisk 240 ml non‑fat milk in a separate bowl and sprinkle 1 g xanthan gum over it. Whisk until the gum is fully dispersed and the mixture begins to thicken slightly.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Combine Sausage and Slurry

    Reduce the skillet heat to low. Pour half of the milk‑xanthan mixture into the skillet with the cooked turkey, stirring constantly until it begins to simmer and thicken. Then add the remaining milk, continuing to stir until the gravy reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Season Gravy

    Taste the gravy and finish with a pinch more salt if needed and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper (about 30 cranks). Stir and remove from heat.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Assemble and Serve

    Remove the biscuits from the oven. Place each biscuit whole (or split open) on a plate and ladle the hot turkey sausage gravy over the top. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
705
Protein
43 g
Carbohydrates
88 g
Fat
19 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: High protein, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Low calorie compared to traditional version

Allergens: Milk, Butter, Cream, Yogurt

Last updated: April 12, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Can you make lower calorie Sausage Gravy & Biscuits that still taste good?

Recipe by Ethan Chlebowski

A healthier take on the classic American diner breakfast of sausage gravy and biscuits. Fluffy two‑ingredient biscuits are made with half heavy cream and half non‑fat yogurt, while the gravy uses lean ground turkey, non‑fat milk, and xanthan gum instead of a traditional butter‑flour roux. The result is a satisfying, protein‑packed meal with 70% fewer calories than the traditional version.

MediumAmericanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
29m
Prep
24m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 3m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.07
Total cost
$6.53
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not over‑mix the biscuit dough; it should stay slightly sticky.
  • Properly fold the biscuit dough to create flaky layers.
  • Disperse xanthan gum evenly in cold milk to avoid lumps.
  • Cook turkey sausage until fully done to ensure food safety.
  • Adjust gravy thickness with milk or additional xanthan as needed.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw turkey with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven mitts when removing hot baking sheet.
  • Xanthan gum can form clumps if added too quickly; whisk thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of sausage gravy and biscuits in American diner cuisine?

A

Sausage gravy and biscuits originated in the Southern United States as a hearty, inexpensive breakfast for farmworkers. Over time it became a staple of American diner culture, symbolizing comfort and weekend brunch traditions.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of sausage gravy and biscuits in the United States?

A

In the South, the gravy is often made with pork breakfast sausage and a butter‑flour roux, while in the Midwest some cooks add cheese or use buttermilk biscuits. Some regions serve the gravy over fried chicken instead of biscuits for a twist.

cultural
Q

How is authentic sausage gravy traditionally served in Southern American cuisine?

A

Traditionally, the gravy is ladled hot over freshly baked, flaky biscuits that have been split open or served whole, often accompanied by a pat of butter on top and a side of eggs or hash browns.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is sausage gravy and biscuits traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

It is a classic weekend brunch dish, popular at family gatherings, church potlucks, and Southern holiday breakfasts such as Thanksgiving morning or New Year's Day.

cultural
Q

What makes this low‑calorie turkey sausage gravy and yogurt‑cream biscuit version special in American breakfast cuisine?

A

The recipe swaps high‑fat pork sausage for lean turkey, replaces the butter‑flour roux with a xanthan‑milk thickener, and uses half yogurt in the biscuit dough, cutting about 70% of the calories while keeping the comforting texture and flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making low‑calorie turkey sausage gravy and biscuits?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the biscuit dough (which makes it tough), adding xanthan gum too quickly (causing clumps), and under‑cooking the turkey sausage, which can lead to food‑safety issues.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use xanthan gum instead of a traditional butter‑flour roux for the gravy?

A

Xanthan gum thickens the gravy without adding extra fat or calories, allowing a creamy texture while keeping the dish low‑calorie and suitable for those watching their fat intake.

technical
Q

Can I make the low‑calorie sausage gravy and biscuits ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Biscuits can be baked and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer. Gravy can be refrigerated for 3 days; reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the biscuits are done?

A

The biscuits should be golden‑brown on top, with a slightly crisp edge and a tender, fluffy interior. They should rise a little and not be doughy in the center.

technical
Q

How do I know when the turkey sausage gravy is finished cooking?

A

The gravy is done when it coats the back of a spoon, has a smooth, creamy consistency, and the turkey is fully cooked (no pink). Taste for seasoning before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Ethan Chlebowski specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Ethan Chlebowski focuses on home‑cooking experiments, finding healthier or more efficient ways to make classic comfort foods, and sharing detailed, science‑backed cooking techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Ethan Chlebowski's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Ethan Chlebowski emphasizes nutritional tweaks, ingredient substitutions, and precise technique explanations, often comparing traditional and lower‑calorie versions side‑by‑side, which sets his channel apart from more traditional recipe‑only channels.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Make-Ahead Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
7

Make-Ahead Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches

These fluffy egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches are perfect for busy mornings, work, school, or camping. Made ahead, wrapped individually, and frozen, they reheat quickly for a wholesome, homemade breakfast.

1 hr 11 minServes 6$22
American
Batch Cook 8 Quick Breakfast Freezer Meals in 2 hours
10

Batch Cook 8 Quick Breakfast Freezer Meals in 2 hours

Hearty, savory muffins that combine fluffy cornbread, seasoned breakfast sausage, creamed corn, green onions, and cheddar cheese. Made in a muffin pan, baked until golden, then frozen for grab‑and‑go breakfasts all week.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$8
American
Have Breakfast Ready in 60 Seconds Each Morning with these Freezer Friendly Breakfast Burritos
41

Have Breakfast Ready in 60 Seconds Each Morning with these Freezer Friendly Breakfast Burritos

High‑protein breakfast burritos made with lean turkey sausage, scrambled eggs, veggies, hash browns, and cheese. Perfect for meal‑prepping: freeze individually and reheat in 60‑75 seconds for a quick, nutritious start to the day.

1 hr 13 minServes 17$20
American
Pour Eggs Over Bread. Easy and Delicious! A New Breakfast That Melts in Your Mouth
7

Pour Eggs Over Bread. Easy and Delicious! A New Breakfast That Melts in Your Mouth

A quick and easy baked breakfast featuring sourdough bread soaked in a fluffy egg mixture, topped with tomato sauce, fresh vegetables, bacon, and mozzarella. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch, this dish is crispy on the outside and soft inside.

57 minServes 2$5
American
TASTIEST High Protein McDonald’s Copycat Chicken Nuggets! 132g protein! 🔥🍗
4

TASTIEST High Protein McDonald’s Copycat Chicken Nuggets! 132g protein! 🔥🍗

A healthier, high‑protein version of fast‑food chicken nuggets that packs double the protein of the restaurant version for a fraction of the calories. These nuggets are seasoned, coated, frozen to set, then baked or air‑fried to a golden crisp.

1 hr 2 minServes 4$6
American
Baked chicken tutorial
3

Baked chicken tutorial

A simple, comforting oven‑baked chicken thigh recipe from CulinaryFlaire. Bone‑in, skin‑on thighs are butterflied, marinated in a fragrant blend of spices, baked with onion and bell pepper, then finished with a quick cornstarch‑thickened broth and instant gravy mix. Perfect for a weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

1 hr 55 minServes 4$22
American
Good, Better, Best Protein Muffins (3 Ways)
19

Good, Better, Best Protein Muffins (3 Ways)

Moist, low‑calorie pumpkin muffins packed with whey protein, Greek yogurt and pumpkin puree. They have a crunchy cinnamon‑sugar topping and optional high‑protein cream cheese frosting. Each muffin is only 96 calories and 9 g protein (plus frosting adds 20 cal and 3.5 g protein). Perfect for a fitness‑friendly snack or quick breakfast.

48 minServes 12$98
American
MOST DELICIOUS Easy & High protein Breakfast Muffin Meal Prep🔥🍳ONLY 395 Calories!
2

MOST DELICIOUS Easy & High protein Breakfast Muffin Meal Prep🔥🍳ONLY 395 Calories!

Meal‑prep friendly breakfast sandwiches packed with 40 g of protein and only 380 calories each. A fluffy baked egg square, a spicy honey‑chipotle beef patty, melty cheese and sriracha mayo on a toasted English muffin. Wrap, refrigerate, and reheat in 2 minutes for a quick, satisfying start to the day.

43 minServes 6$10
American