Quick Answer
Biscuits and gravy can have a high calorie count depending on the recipe and portion size. A typical serving of biscuits and gravy contains around 500-800 calories. The high calories come from the refined carbohydrates in the biscuits and the high fat content of the gravy. However, the calorie count can vary significantly based on factors like:
- Biscuit ingredients – Buttermilk biscuits are lower in calories than flaky biscuits made with butter.
- Gravy ingredients – Using sausage or bacon adds more calories than mushroom or vegetable gravy.
- Portion size – Larger portions of biscuits and bigger ladles of gravy means more calories.
- Additions – Adding extras like cheese, eggs, or hash browns increases the calorie count.
Overall, a single small biscuit with 2-3 tablespoons of sausage gravy contains 200-400 calories. A large biscuit with 1/2 cup of gravy is 500-800 calories. Making homemade biscuits and gravy allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes.
Calories in Biscuits
Biscuits are typically high in calories, carbohydrates, and fat. Here is the calorie count for different types of biscuits:
- Buttermilk biscuit (2 inches) – 110 calories
- Flaky butter biscuit (2 inches) – 140 calories
- Drop biscuit (2 inches) – 100 calories
- Cheddar cheese biscuit (2 inches) – 140 calories
- Jumbo biscuit (3 inches) – 250-350 calories
As you can see, a plain 2-inch biscuit contains around 100-140 calories. Jumbo-sized biscuits contain significantly more at 250-350 calories each. Increasing the fat and ingredients also increases the calorie count.
The main sources of calories in biscuits are:
- Refined flour – Enriched or all-purpose white flour is high in carbohydrates and calories. A 2-inch biscuit made with flour has around 100 calories.
- Butter/shortening – Adding solid fats like butter or shortening increases the calorie density. Butter biscuits contain around 140 calories for 2-inches.
- Cheese – Full-fat cheese adds protein but also more fat and calories. A 2-inch cheese biscuit has 140 calories.
- Milk – Milk contains carbohydrates (lactose) and fat, adding to the calorie total. Buttermilk biscuits have around 110 calories.
You can reduce the calories in biscuits by using lower fat ingredients, avoiding shortening, and cutting back on portion sizes.
Calories in Sausage Gravy
The ingredient that adds most of the calories to biscuits and gravy is the gravy. Traditional milk-based sausage gravy has a high calorie density.
Here are the calories for 1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons of different types of gravy:
- Sausage gravy – 220 calories
- Bacon gravy – 200 calories
- Mushroom gravy – 110 calories
- Vegetable gravy – 60 calories
A 1/4 cup ladle of sausage gravy alone contains 220 calories. Meat-based gravies with sausage, bacon, ham, or chorizo are the highest in calories. Veggie gravies made with mushrooms, onions, or other vegetables are significantly lower in calories.
The main sources of calories in gravy are:
- Fat – Meat fats and added butter provide a high number of calories per gram.
- Milk – Whole milk has carbohydrates and fat that get absorbed into the gravy.
- Flour – Enriched flour adds thickening ability but also carbohydrates and calories.
- Meat – Sausage, bacon, and other meats add protein but also more fat and calories.
To make lower calorie gravy, use vegetable broth instead of milk, mushrooms instead of sausage, and omit extra butter.
Calories in Biscuits and Gravy
Now that we looked at the calorie count of biscuits and gravy separately, we can estimate the total calories in a typical serving of biscuits and gravy.
Here are the approximate calories for common biscuit and gravy portion sizes:
| Serving | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 small biscuit + 2 tbsp gravy | 200-300 |
| 1 regular biscuit + 1/4 cup gravy | 300-400 |
| 1 large biscuit + 1/2 cup gravy | 500-600 |
| 2 biscuits + 1 cup gravy | 700-900 |
As shown, a single small biscuit with just a bit of gravy provides 200-300 calories. Very large servings with multiple biscuits and lots of gravy can add up to 700-900 calories.
Some additional factors that increase the calorie count include:
- Larger or jumbo biscuits
- Biscuits made with butter, shortening or cheese
- Sausage, bacon, or ham gravy
- Using whole milk or cream for the gravy
- Extra butter in the gravy
- Adding cheese, eggs, or hash browns
Preparing homemade biscuits and gravy allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes to keep calories in check.
Low Calorie Options
There are several ways to enjoy biscuits and gravy while reducing the calorie count, including:
- Use a 2-inch buttermilk biscuit rather than a jumbo biscuit
- Make gravy with vegetable broth instead of whole milk
- Use turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage for the gravy
- Add mushrooms, onions, spinach, or other veggies to the gravy
- Use just 1 tablespoon of butter in the gravy instead of 3-4 tablespoons
- Stick to a single biscuit and 1/4 cup gravy
- Avoid packing on extra cheese, eggs, or fatty meats
With some simple substitutions and smaller portions, you can enjoy a 300-400 calorie biscuit and gravy breakfast instead of one with 600-800 calories.
Healthy Biscuits and Gravy
Here is a recipe for lighter and healthier biscuits and gravy:
Ingredients:
For the biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the gravy:
- 1 pound lean turkey sausage
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups skim milk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
- Stir in the buttermilk and oil until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly just to combine. Pat into a 1-inch thick round.
- Cut out biscuits and arrange on the baking sheet. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the onion and cook 5 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in the cooked sausage.
- Season with pepper. Serve gravy over warm homemade biscuits.
This lighter version uses lean turkey sausage, skim milk, minimal butter and low-fat buttermilk biscuits. Each biscuit provides around 140 calories while the gravy has 180 calories for 1/4 cup. One biscuit with gravy totals just 320 calories.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition breakdown for a typical serving of biscuits and sausage gravy prepared with a 2-inch buttermilk biscuit and 1/4 cup of gravy:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Total Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 115 mg |
| Sodium | 730 mg |
As you can see, one standard serving provides over 400 calories, 36 grams of carbohydrates, 26 grams of fat, and 730 milligrams of sodium. Pay attention to portion sizes, gravy ingredients, and condiments to reduce the calorie count.
Tips for Lightening Up
Here are some tips for lightening up traditional biscuits and gravy:
- Use turkey or vegetarian sausage for the gravy
- Choose lower fat milk like 1% or skim
- Limit butter or shortening in the biscuit recipe
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach or tomatoes to the gravy
- Use one small 2-inch biscuit instead of a large flaky biscuit
- Stick to 1/4 cup gravy rather than 1/2 cup or more
- Avoid packing on extra cheese, bacon, or other fatty toppings
- Enjoy biscuits and gravy as an occasional treat rather than a regular habit
With some simple substitutions and paying attention to portions, you can still enjoy biscuits and gravy without overdoing the calories. Balance it with protein like eggs or yogurt and fruit on the side.
High Calorie Add-Ons
While biscuits and gravy can already be high in calories, loading it up with extra ingredients makes it even more indulgent. Here are some popular high-calorie add-ons:
- Cheese – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack. 50-100 extra calories per ounce.
- Meat – Bacon, ham, sausage patties. 50-150 calories per ounce.
- Eggs – Fried, scrambled, over easy. 70-90 calories per egg.
- Hash browns – Potatoes fried in oil. 150 calories per 1/2 cup.
- Gravy – Double portions of gravy can double the calories.
- Jelly – High sugar jellies or jams. 30 calories per tablespoon.
- Cream – Heavy cream, half and half. 50 calories per tablespoon.
While those extras taste delicious, they can push your breakfast into 1,000+ calorie territory. Go easy on high-calorie add-ons if watching your waistline.
Portion Control
One of the biggest factors in keeping biscuits and gravy from becoming too high in calories is practicing portion control. Here are some tips:
- Stick to one small 2-3 inch biscuit instead of a giant biscuit
- Use a 1/4 cup ladle for the gravy instead of pouring from the pan
- Limit yourself to 1 pat of butter rather than slathering it on
- Choose a light spread of jelly instead of dolloping on spoonfuls
- Have just one egg or slice of bacon instead of 3-4 pieces
- Take it easy on the cheese and hash browns
- Share the biscuits and gravy family style instead of having your own platter
Controlling portions and avoiding going back for second and third helpings is key. Slow down and savor the meal to feel satisfied with less.
Healthier Alternatives
If you love biscuits and gravy but want a healthier breakfast, consider these lower calorie alternatives:
- Egg white omelet with veggies – Around 200 calories
- Oatmeal with fruit – 150-250 calories
- Whole grain toast with peanut butter – 250-300 calories
- Greek yogurt parfait with berries and granola – 300-350 calories
- Avocado toast on whole grain – 250-300 calories
- High protein smoothie with fruit, yogurt, protein powder – 250-350 calories
Aim for a breakfast around 300-400 calories with a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you energized. Enjoy biscuits and gravy in moderation along with healthier options.
Conclusion
Biscuits and gravy can be high in calories, especially larger portions with sausage or bacon gravy. A single biscuit with gravy averages 400-500 calories. Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and portions. Opt for lighter baking methods for biscuits along with low-fat milk and turkey sausage or veggie gravy. Watch your portion sizes, and avoid packing on high-calorie extras. Balance out heavier comfort foods like biscuits and gravy with lighter meals and plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins as part of an overall healthy diet. With some adjustments, you can still enjoy this Southern favorite without going overboard on calories.
