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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

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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

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