Old-Fashioned Soda Biscuits

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

Old-Fashioned Soda Biscuits are flaky, tender, and lightly flavored with baking soda, perfect for a quick breakfast or a comforting snack that pairs well with butter or jam.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 5 tablespoons shortening
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Add the baking soda to the flour and mix well.
  2. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined.
  4. Shape the dough into biscuits and place on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your buttermilk is at room temperature before mixing; this helps create a tender biscuit. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a twist, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or herbs to the flour mixture for added flavor. These biscuits also pair wonderfully with Finger Lickin Toffee for dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these old-fashioned soda biscuits warm with butter and honey for a delightful breakfast or snack. They make an excellent side for hearty soups or stews, adding a comforting touch to your meal. Pair them with Stuffed Eggs Supreme for a complete brunch spread that guests will love.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover soda biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you wish to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each biscuit tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, which will revive their flaky texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old-Fashioned Soda Biscuits contains roughly 616 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 647mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

616 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1g 2% DV
Total Fat 68.5g 88% DV
Carbs 1.7g 1% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 1.5g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 647.1mg 28% DV
Potassium 40.8mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 3.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.1mcg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 34.6mg 3% DV
Iron 0mg
Diet fit Keto-friendly
Contains 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 for all-purpose flour, but the texture will be denser. To maintain a lighter biscuit, consider using a blend of both flours or adding a little extra buttermilk to the dough.

What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?

You can enhance the flavor by adding shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or even crumbled bacon to the dough. Just be mindful not to add too much, as it may affect the dough's consistency.

How do I know when the biscuits are done baking?

The biscuits are done when they are golden brown on the top and bottom. You can also test them by tapping the bottom; it should sound hollow. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-browning.

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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