Homemade Biscuits
Homemade biscuits offer a warm, flaky treat with a tender crumb and buttery flavor. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner sides, these biscuits are quick to make and versatile, ideal for pairing with jam, gravy, or savory dishes. Their soft or crusty texture can be customized by touching or leaving apart.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Cut shortening into flour until mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Stir in just enough milk so dough leaves side of bowl and rounds up into a ball.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly 10 times.
- Roll out to 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cut with a floured 2-inch biscuit cutter.
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, about 1 inch apart for crusty sides or touching for soft sides.
- Bake until golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier biscuit, use cold shortening and handle the dough as little as possible. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. Consider adding herbs or cheese for flavor variations. If you prefer a sweeter biscuit, a tablespoon of sugar can be mixed in. For a savory twist, incorporate finely chopped green onions.
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits are perfect served warm with butter and jam for breakfast, or as a side with soups and stews. They pair beautifully with Oven-Fried Vegetables for a comforting meal. For a delightful dessert, enjoy them with a scoop of ice cream and fresh strawberries. They also make an excellent base for savory toppings like sausage gravy or chicken pot pie.
Storage & Reheating
Homemade biscuits are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze biscuits in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Biscuits contains roughly 327 calories, with 6g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% 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 and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before baking. If you want to make them even further ahead, freeze the cut biscuits and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, unsalted butter or margarine are great alternatives. Use the same amount, but keep in mind that butter will give a richer flavor and slightly different texture.
Why are my biscuits not rising?
If your biscuits aren't rising, it may be due to the self-rising flour being old or not using enough liquid. Make sure your baking ingredients are fresh and measure accurately. Also, avoid over-kneading the dough, as this can lead to dense biscuits.
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).