Famous Buttermilk Biscuits

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Famous buttermilk biscuits are flaky, tender, and golden, with a buttery flavor and soft crumb. Perfect for breakfast or alongside savory dishes, appealing to all biscuit lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sifted self-rising flour
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/3 cup shortening
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Sift together self-rising flour, sugar, and baking soda.
  3. Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Stir in the buttermilk until just combined.
  5. Knead the dough on a floured surface 10 times or until smooth.
  6. Roll to 1/2-inch thickness and cut into 2 1/2-inch rounds with a floured biscuit cutter.
  7. Place the biscuits, touching, on an ungreased baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Brush the biscuits with melted butter immediately after removing from the oven.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flakier biscuit, make sure your shortening is very cold before cutting it into the flour. 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. Experiment with adding herbs or cheese for unique flavors, which is a delicious twist similar to what you might find in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These buttermilk biscuits are perfect for breakfast or brunch and pair beautifully with gravy, honey, or jam. They also complement savory dishes like fried chicken or BBQ, making them a versatile side. For a sweet treat, serve them alongside Ole Buttermilk Pie for a delightful dessert duo.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover 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 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, keeping them soft and tasty.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Famous Buttermilk Biscuits contains roughly 154 calories, with 5g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 679mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

154 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5g 10% DV
Total Fat 3.1g 4% DV
Carbs 26g 9% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 3g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 679.3mg 30% DV
Potassium 114.6mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 8.5mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.2mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 73.7mg 6% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal 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

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While using regular milk will alter the flavor and texture slightly, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will create a similar acidity that helps achieve the desired biscuit texture.

How do I know when my biscuits are done baking?

Biscuits are done when they are golden brown on top and slightly risen. You can also gently tap the top; if it sounds hollow, they are likely cooked through. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. When you're ready to bake, roll and cut the biscuits as directed, and adjust the baking time if they're chilled.

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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