New Basic Biscuits

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

Homemade basic biscuits with flaky texture and buttery flavor, perfect for breakfast or as a side, suitable for all ages and occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
  2. Mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl.
  3. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and cut it into the flour mixture using two knives, a pastry blender, or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Add the half and half and stir gently until the mixture forms a ball.
  5. Gather the dough into a ball and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
  6. Knead the dough for about 30 seconds, then pat it out to form a 3/4-inch thick rectangle.
  7. Cut into biscuits and bake until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best texture, ensure your butter is very cold before cutting it into the flour mixture. If you don't have half and half, you can substitute with a mix of milk and cream for creaminess. Additionally, if you're out of baking powder, you can use a mixture of baking soda and cream of tartar as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

These biscuits are perfect for breakfast, served warm with butter and jam. They pair beautifully with soups, like Hamburgs In Onion Soup, or can be used as a side for fried chicken. For a delightful dessert, serve alongside Mile High Lemon Pie to round out your meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover biscuits 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 pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of New Basic Biscuits contains roughly 71 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 482mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

71 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.2g
Total Fat 7.6g 10% DV
Carbs 1.3g
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 481.9mg 21% DV
Potassium 7.7mg
Cholesterol 20.2mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 64.1mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Calcium 135.1mg 10% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the biscuits may turn out denser. If using whole wheat, consider adding a bit more liquid to maintain moisture.

What can I add to the biscuit dough for extra flavor?

For added flavor, try mixing in shredded cheese, herbs, or even a touch of garlic powder. This can elevate your biscuits and make them a delicious accompaniment to any meal.

How do I know when the biscuits are done baking?

The biscuits are done when they have risen and turned a golden brown on top. You can also tap them lightly; they should sound hollow if cooked through.

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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