Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Bake

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with shortening or cooking spray.

In 10-inch skillet, cook sausage until browned. Transfer cooked sausage to plate lined with napkins. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of drippings from skillet.

In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour (mixture will be thick). Slowly add 2 cups milk to skillet, beating constantly with whisk. Once all of the milk has been incorporated, increase heat to medium-high. Cook about 5 minutes or until thickened, beating constantly with whisk. Stir in the cooked sausage, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; remove from heat.

In medium bowl, stir Bisquick mix and 1/2 cup milk. Drop dough by spoonfuls into baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the Cheddar cheese.

In large bowl, mix eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pour over biscuits. Spoon the sausage gravy over the top, and cover with remaining cheese.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until browned and bubbling. Garnish with fresh chives. Serve immediately.