Denver Biscuits

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

Denver Biscuits are a classic, hearty bread ideal for breakfast or brunch, offering a tender, flaky texture with a subtle yeasty flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or weekend indulgence, they pair wonderfully with butter, jam, or savory sides, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pint milk
  • 1/2 cup Crisco
  • 1 package yeast
  • 5 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

  1. Scald and cool 1 pint of milk.
  2. Cream the Crisco and add 1/2 cup sugar.
  3. Dissolve 1 package of yeast in a little warm water and add to the milk mixture.
  4. Add 2 1/2 cups of sifted flour and let the mixture rise for about 2 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For lighter biscuits, ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh. If you don't have Crisco, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. When adding yeast, the water should be warm but not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. For a hint of sweetness, consider adding a tablespoon of sugar to the flour mix, reminiscent of flavors from American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Denver biscuits warm with butter or jam for breakfast or brunch. They pair beautifully with Sauteed Onions and can be enjoyed alongside savory dishes like grilled meats or as a base for stews. For a sweet treat, try them with a drizzle of honey or serve alongside Icebox Blueberry Pie for dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Denver biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they remain soft and fluffy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Denver Biscuits contains roughly 1353 calories, with 38g protein, 282g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (96% of the Daily Value), protein (75% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1454mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).

1353 kcal 68% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 37.7g 75% DV
Total Fat 5.8g 7% DV
Carbs 281.8g 100% DV
Fiber 10.3g 37% DV
Sugar 1.2g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1453.6mg 63% DV
Potassium 515mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 9mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.2mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 358.3mg 28% DV
Iron 17.3mg 96% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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

What is the best way to tell if my yeast is active?

To check if your yeast is active, dissolve it in warm water with a little sugar. After about 5-10 minutes, it should become frothy and bubbly. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be expired and should be replaced for best results.

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).

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