Real Southern Biscuits
Golden, flaky Southern biscuits with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or with hearty meals, delighting those who love classic comfort foods and simple homemade baking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sifted flour, salt, baking powder, and soda together in a bowl.
- Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or knife until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the buttermilk and stir gently until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times.
- Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle and cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter.
- Place biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, make sure to use cold shortening and buttermilk. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. Avoid over-kneading the dough to keep your biscuits light and fluffy. You can also experiment by adding herbs or cheese for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Southern biscuits are perfect served warm with butter and honey. They pair beautifully with dishes like fried chicken or can be enjoyed alongside a hearty bowl of soup. For a delicious breakfast, serve them with egg dishes or alongside Waffle Iron Cookies for a sweet twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. To reheat, simply place the biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, maintaining their flaky texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Real Southern Biscuits contains roughly 70 calories, with 3g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1002mg per serving (44% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before baking. Just ensure you wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. When ready, simply roll out and cut the biscuits, then bake as directed.
What if my biscuits are too dry?
If your biscuits turn out dry, it may be due to over-mixing or too much flour. To fix this, you can add a bit more buttermilk to the dough next time and mix just until combined. For this batch, serve them with gravy or a creamy soup to add moisture.
How can I make these biscuits healthier?
To make these biscuits healthier, consider replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the amount of shortening and substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. This will change the flavor slightly, but it maintains a good texture.
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).