Old Fashioned Southern Biscuits
Old Fashioned Southern Biscuits are flaky, tender, and buttery, perfect for breakfast or alongside hearty meals, offering a nostalgic taste of Southern comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Put the sifted self-rising flour into a large mixing bowl.
- Make a well in the center of the flour and add the lard and buttermilk.
- Work the flour into the milk and lard, squeezing through your fingers until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Lift the dough from the bowl and place it on a well-floured surface.
- Sprinkle a little flour on top of the dough, then gently knead and fold until it is no longer sticky.
- Pat the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Cut out biscuits using a 2-inch cutter and place on the baking sheet.
- For a crispy outside, space the biscuits about an inch apart; for soft biscuits, place edges touching.
- Bake for about 8 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Serve hot from the oven.
Tips & Substitutions
For perfectly flaky biscuits, ensure your lard is cold before mixing. If you don't have self-rising flour, substitute with all-purpose flour and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup. Avoid overworking the dough to maintain its tenderness. For a twist, consider adding shredded cheese or herbs to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these biscuits hot with butter and honey for a delightful breakfast treat. They also pair beautifully with Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken Or Turkey Dressing for a comforting meal. Consider offering them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a warm bowl of Vegetable Cream Soup for a balanced brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, place directly in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Southern Biscuits contains roughly 341 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 31g fat.
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 butter instead of lard?
Yes, you can substitute lard with an equal amount of cold butter for a slightly different flavor. However, lard is traditional for achieving the best texture in Southern biscuits, so keep that in mind for optimal results.
What if I don't have buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
How can I make these biscuits healthier?
To make these biscuits a bit healthier, consider using whole wheat self-rising flour instead of white flour. You can also reduce the amount of lard and replace it with a healthier fat, like coconut oil or a blend of yogurt and oil, for a lighter version.
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).