Biscuits From Scratch
Homemade biscuits with flaky texture and buttery flavor, perfect for breakfast or as a side dish. Soft, tender, and easy to customize for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Sift the mixture into a larger mixing bowl.
- Add cold shortening to the flour mixture.
- Combine the shortening thoroughly with the flour.
- Make a well in the center and add cold milk.
- Stir rapidly until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 30 seconds.
- If the dough is too sticky, lightly dust with flour.
- Roll the dough out to half an inch thickness for light biscuits or thinner for crusty biscuits.
- Cut out biscuits with a floured biscuit cutter.
- Place biscuits in a lightly greased pan, brushing tops with melted shortening or oil.
- Arrange biscuits to touch for browning on top and bottom, or half an inch apart for lightly crusted sides.
- Bake in a preheated 475°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use cold ingredients, especially the shortening and milk, to achieve fluffy biscuits. If you don’t have shortening, butter or margarine can be used as a substitute. When rolling out the dough, keep the thickness consistent for even baking. You can also add herbs or cheese to the dough for extra flavor, making these biscuits a versatile addition to your meal.
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits are perfect for breakfast, served warm with butter and jam, or as a side to your favorite Southern dishes like Marian'S Scalloped Corn. They can also be enjoyed with soups or stews, adding a delightful texture to your meal. For a more indulgent treat, serve them alongside Cake Top Chocolate Pudding for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, restoring their flakiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Biscuits From Scratch contains roughly 134 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1005mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
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
Why are my biscuits tough?
Tough biscuits often result from overworking the dough. To prevent this, mix the ingredients until just combined and knead gently. Also, ensure you are using the right flour type; all-purpose flour is best for biscuits, as it provides the right balance of protein for tenderness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply roll it out and cut your biscuits. This is a great way to save time during busy mornings or when entertaining guests.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the biscuits?
You can add various ingredients to enhance the flavor of your biscuits. Try incorporating shredded cheese, fresh herbs like rosemary or chives, or even spices like garlic powder or paprika to the dough. This customization allows you to pair your biscuits with different meals or enjoy them on their own.
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).