Southern Biscuits
Southern biscuits are a delicious, flaky bread that pairs wonderfully with many meals. They’re a staple in Southern cooking and are loved for their soft texture and buttery flavor. Whether you enjoy them with gravy, jam, or as a side to your favorite dinner dishes, these biscuits are a comforting addition to any table.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Southern biscuits from scratch is an easy way to bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen. They are quick to prepare, and the ingredients are simple and inexpensive. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh biscuits baking in your oven! They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can impress your family and friends.
How to Make Southern Biscuits
Making Southern biscuits is straightforward. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, knead gently 3-4 times, then pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
- Cut out biscuits using a round cutter and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
How to Serve Southern Biscuits
Southern biscuits are best served warm, right out of the oven. You can enjoy them plain, with a pat of butter, or slather them with your favorite jam or honey. They also make a great side to fried chicken, sausage gravy, or any hearty meal.
How to Store Southern Biscuits
To store leftover biscuits, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the biscuits. Just wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and they will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and reheat in the oven.
Tips to Make Southern Biscuits
- Use cold butter for flakiness. This helps create layers.
- Don’t overwork the dough; mix until just combined.
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs or cheese to the dough before baking.
- Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
Variation
If you want to add a twist to your Southern biscuits, try adding shredded cheese or cooked bacon bits into the dough for a savory treat. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar for a sweet variation!
FAQs
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk, but for the best flavor and texture, buttermilk is recommended. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can sour regular milk by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
2. Why are my biscuits not rising?
Biscuits may not rise if the baking powder is old or if the dough was overworked. Make sure to check the expiration date on your baking powder and handle the dough gently.
3. How can I make my biscuits extra flaky?
To make your biscuits flakier, try grating the cold butter instead of cutting it into cubes. This allows for more small pieces of butter to be distributed in the dough, creating those delicious layers.
Baking Southern biscuits is a simple and rewarding process that brings a touch of comfort to any meal. With just a few easy steps, you can create warm, flaky biscuits that everyone will love!
