QUICK ANSWER
It’s critical to understand calories in order to manage our health. Calories are found in everything we eat and provide our bodies with energy. However, we can gain weight if we consume more calories than we burn. Knowing the calorie content of biscuits and gravy is crucial because they are frequently high in fats and carbohydrates.
Introduction
Gravy and biscuits are a popular comfort food that many people enjoy. These items are commonly served in Southern America and are a beloved part of breakfast or dinner. But if you are watching your health or counting calories, you might be wondering: how many calories are in gravy and biscuits?
Understanding calories is important for maintaining good health. Everything we eat contains calories, which provide energy for our body. But if we consume more calories than we burn, we may gain weight. Since biscuits and gravy are typically rich in fats and carbohydrates, it’s essential to know their calorie content.
In this article, we’ll explore in detail the calories and nutritional information of gravy and biscuits. We’ll also examine how preparation methods and ingredients affect calorie content. You’ll learn how many calories are in homemade versions versus restaurant-made ones. We’ll also offer tips for healthier choices and portion control so you can enjoy this delicious dish without guilt.
What Are Biscuits?
History and Origin
Biscuits are soft and flaky bread rolls that are often mistaken for cookies. However, in America, biscuits are a different item entirely. Their origin traces back to Europe, where people made quick breads without yeast. American biscuits became especially popular in the Southern U.S. due to their light and buttery texture.
Originally, biscuits were made with simple ingredients like flour, butter or shortening, milk or buttermilk, and baking powder. They were easy to prepare and gained popularity quickly.
Calories in Various Types of Gravy
Here are approximate calorie counts for common gravies per half-cup serving:
| Gravy Type | Calories (per 1/2 cup) |
|---|---|
| Sausage Gravy | 150–200 kcal |
| White/Country Gravy | 90–130 kcal |
| Brown Gravy | 50–90 kcal |
| Vegetarian Gravy | 30–70 kcal |
Common Ingredients and Variations
The following are commonly used to make biscuits:
- Flour: Usually all-purpose flour, but sometimes whole wheat or gluten-free flour is used.
- Fat: Butter, shortening, or lard for flakiness and taste.
- Leavening Agent: Baking soda or powder helps the biscuits rise.
- Liquid: Milk or buttermilk makes biscuits soft and moist.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor.
There are many variations of biscuits, such as cheese biscuits, herb biscuits, or sweet biscuits made with syrup, garlic, or cheese.
Nutritional Breakdown of a Typical Biscuit
A standard homemade biscuit (about 60 grams or 2.1 ounces) typically contains:
- Calories: 180 to 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20 to 25 grams
- Protein: 3 to 4 grams
- Fat: 8 to 12 grams
- Fiber: 1 to 2 grams
Calories and fat vary depending on the size and how the biscuit is made. Store-bought or fast-food biscuits usually contain more preservatives and sodium.
Calories in Different Types of Biscuits
- Homemade Biscuits: 180 to 220 calories
- Fast-Food Biscuits: McDonald’s biscuits have about 180 calories; KFC biscuits can have up to 210 calories
- Cheese Biscuits: Higher calorie range (230 to 270) due to added cheese and fat
- Whole Wheat Biscuits: Similar calorie count but with more fiber and protein
Gravy and Biscuits – Calories & Tips Table
| Category | Tips & Advice |
|---|---|
| 📊 Average Calories | 1 serving (2 biscuits with sausage gravy): ~700–1100 kcal |
| 🍽️ Portion Control | Order a half portion or split with someone to reduce calorie intake |
| 🥛 Gravy Tips | Sausage gravy is high in fat & sodium — request light gravy if possible |
| 🍞 Biscuit Tips | Choose whole grain or smaller biscuits to cut carbs and calories |
| 🍳 Pairing Suggestions | Skip fatty sides like bacon or hash browns — add a side of fruit instead |
| 💧 Healthier Swaps | Ask for gravy on the side; choose egg whites or fresh veggies as sides |
| 🧂 Sodium Alert | Sausage gravy can have over 1000 mg of sodium per serving |
| 🕒 Best Time to Eat | Best as an occasional indulgent breakfast, not a daily item |
| 🏃 Burn It Off Tip | A brisk 60–90 minute walk or light workout may help burn the calories |
| ⚖️ Who Should Limit It | People on low-sodium, low-fat, or calorie-restricted diets |
What Is Gravy?
Types of Gravy
Gravy is a sauce made from milk or broth thickened with flour or cornstarch, or from meat drippings. Common types include:
- Sausage Gravy (White or Country Gravy): Made with milk, cooked sausage, flour, and spices. This is the most common gravy served with biscuits. It’s creamy and contains sausage pieces.
- Brown Gravy: Made with beef or chicken drippings, flour, and broth. It’s brown and savory, often paired with mashed potatoes or roast beef.
- Red-Eye Gravy: Made from coffee and ham drippings. It’s thin and slightly bitter, a Southern specialty not commonly paired with biscuits.
- Vegetarian/Mushroom Gravy: Made with vegetable broth, mushrooms, onions, and flour or cornstarch.
Gravy and Biscuits – Menu Table with Calories
| Restaurant / Type | Serving Size | Calories (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homemade (Standard Recipe) | 2 biscuits + ½ cup gravy | 700–900 kcal | Varies by meat type and biscuit size |
| First Watch | 2 biscuits + turkey gravy | ~850 kcal | Lighter than sausage gravy |
| Cracker Barrel | Biscuit & Gravy (Full order) | ~960 kcal | High sodium and saturated fat |
| Hardee’s | Biscuit ‘N’ Gravy | ~850 kcal | 2 biscuits with sausage gravy |
| Bob Evans | Sausage Gravy & Biscuits | ~1,020 kcal | Rich gravy and buttermilk biscuits |
| Denny’s | Biscuits & Gravy | ~1,050 kcal | Seasoned gravy with 2 biscuits |
| IHOP | Biscuits with Gravy Combo | ~1,100–1,250 kcal | Often includes eggs and hash browns |
| Homemade (Light Version) | 2 small biscuits + light gravy | ~500–600 kcal | Uses lean turkey sausage and reduced-fat milk |
Ingredients and Preparation Methods
Gravy usually starts with a roux (a mix of butter or sausage drippings and flour) to create thickness and flavor. In sausage gravy, cooked sausage is added, followed by milk, salt, black pepper, or red pepper for a bit of spice.
Brown gravy is made from meat stock or drippings, often with added onions or mushrooms.
Quick Calorie Comparison
| Option | Lower Calorie | Higher Calorie |
|---|---|---|
| Biscuit Type | Small, whole wheat | Jumbo, buttermilk |
| Gravy Type | Turkey/light gravy | Sausage cream gravy |
| Serving Size | 1 biscuit | 2–3 biscuits |
Nutritional Content of Different Gravies
Calories in gravy mainly come from fat and carbohydrates (from the roux):
- Sausage Gravy: 1/2 cup = 150 to 200 calories
- White Gravy (no sausage): 90 to 130 calories per 1/2 cup
- Brown Gravy: 50 to 90 calories per 1/2 cup
- Vegetarian Gravy: 30 to 70 calories depending on ingredients
Conclusion
Gravy and biscuits are a beloved and comforting dish that many enjoy with friends and family. However, if you’re health-conscious or managing your calorie intake, knowing how many calories they contain is essential. Like everything, this food has consequences, and its calorie load can impact your weight and overall health.
This guide has covered the ingredients, calories, and nutritional breakdown of biscuits and gravy. We’ve also compared various types and restaurant versions and shared tips for healthier options. By adjusting ingredients and watching your portions, you can still enjoy this hearty dish without guilt.
Remember: balance is key to a healthy lifestyle. It’s okay to indulge occasionally, but making informed decisions can help you meet your health goals. Mindful eating allows you to enjoy life and stay on track—one biscuit at a time.