Biscuits With Cracklings
Crumbly, flavorful biscuits with crunchy cracklings, perfect for breakfast or snack time, offering a savory twist on traditional baked goods that pairs well with butter or jam.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the cake yeast in lukewarm milk.
- Combine flour and salt, then work in chopped cracklings as for a pie crust.
- Mix the egg with sour cream and add to the flour mixture along with the dissolved yeast.
- Mix quickly until combined.
- Shape the dough into a ball and refrigerate for a few hours.
- Roll out on a floured board and fold up like a handkerchief.
- Chill the dough again.
- Repeat rolling, folding, and chilling about three times.
- Roll out on a floured board to 1/2-inch thickness and cut with a round cutter.
- Place the cut biscuits on a greased cookie sheet.
- Let the biscuits rise until about double in size.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your milk is not too hot as it can kill the yeast. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast; just dissolve it in the milk and let it activate for 5-10 minutes before mixing. Incorporate the cracklings gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the biscuits tough. You can also experiment with adding herbs or spices for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits are perfect served alongside soups or stews, or as a hearty breakfast option with butter and jam. They pair beautifully with a side of scrambled eggs or can be enjoyed as a base for breakfast sandwiches. For a sweet twist, try serving them with honey or alongside Molasses Sponge Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through to maintain their flaky texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Biscuits With Cracklings contains roughly 193 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value) and calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 735mg per serving (32% 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
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and cutting. Alternatively, you can bake the biscuits and store them, allowing you to have fresh biscuits ready quickly when needed.
What can I use instead of cracklings?
If you want a vegetarian option, you can substitute cracklings with crispy cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor. Alternatively, try using shredded cheese mixed into the dough to create a cheesy version of these biscuits.
How do I know when the biscuits are done baking?
The biscuits are done when they have risen nicely and are golden brown on top. You can also tap the bottom of a biscuit; if it sounds hollow, that’s a good indication they are ready. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
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).