Basic Biscuit Recipe
Fluffy, buttery biscuits with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or as a side. Their simple, classic flavor appeals to all, especially when served warm with butter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut shortening into self-rising flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add milk and stir until the mixture leaves the sides of the bowl, using a fork if desired.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board.
- Knead the dough gently until smooth.
- Pat the dough into a 1/2-inch thick sheet.
- Cut out biscuits using a 2-inch cutter.
- Place the biscuits on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your shortening is cold before cutting it into the flour, which helps create flaky layers in the biscuits. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour and add 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup. Experiment with adding herbs or cheese for a savory twist.
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits are perfect served warm with butter and honey or alongside a hearty breakfast. They pair beautifully with American recipes like sausage gravy or can be enjoyed with a bowl of soup. For a sweet treat, serve with jam or alongside desserts like Duke'S Cream Pie.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover biscuits, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the biscuits in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Biscuit Recipe contains roughly 434 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 42g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour. Just add 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt for each cup of flour to mimic the effects of self-rising flour.
What can I do if my biscuits turn out tough?
If your biscuits are tough, it may be due to over-kneading the dough. Knead gently just until combined, and also ensure not to overwork the dough when patting it out. Use cold ingredients to help maintain tenderness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can cut the biscuits and freeze them unbaked, then bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).