Grandma'S West Virginia Buttermilk Biscuits
Fluffy, golden-brown buttermilk biscuits with a tender crumb and buttery flavor, perfect for breakfast or alongside hearty meals, appealing to both traditional and contemporary tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except shortening in a bowl.
- Melt the shortening in a pan in the oven.
- Roll the dough with fingers or a rolling pin to about 1/2-inch thick.
- Cut the dough into biscuits.
- Coat both sides of the biscuits with melted shortening.
- Bake the biscuits for 15 minutes at 400°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For lighter biscuits, make sure your baking powder is fresh and sift the flour before measuring. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity. When mixing, avoid overworking the dough to keep the biscuits tender, similar to methods used in other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits are perfect served warm with butter or honey. They make a delightful addition to breakfast alongside scrambled eggs or sausage. For a comforting dinner, pair them with Southern Buttermilk Pie or as a side for a hearty stew. They can also be enjoyed with jam or preserves for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover biscuits, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S West Virginia Buttermilk Biscuits contains roughly 126 calories, with 4g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1134mg per serving (49% 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 not rising?
If your biscuits aren't rising, it could be due to expired baking powder or not enough moisture in the dough. Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately and mix just until combined. The oven should also be preheated to ensure the biscuits rise properly during baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the biscuit dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and cutting to ensure even baking.
What can I add to the biscuit dough for extra flavor?
For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs like rosemary or thyme, or shredded cheese such as cheddar. You could also fold in cooked bacon bits or chopped green onions for a savory twist. These additions can elevate the flavor profile while keeping the traditional biscuit base.
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).