Southern Biscuits
Southern Biscuits are flaky, tender, and buttery treats that are a staple in Southern breakfast tables. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side, these biscuits have a light, crumbly texture with a subtly savory flavor. They pair wonderfully with jams, honey, or savory dishes like fried chicken.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Work in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the buttermilk gradually to form a soft dough.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to a 1/2-inch thickness.
- Use a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits from the dough.
- Place the biscuits into a greased pan.
- Bake in a hot oven at 425°F for 15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, make sure your ingredients are cold, especially the shortening and buttermilk. If you don't have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. For a twist, try adding shredded cheese or herbs for extra flavor. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the biscuits light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Southern biscuits are perfect served warm with butter and honey or alongside a hearty breakfast. They pair beautifully with dishes like sausage gravy or fried chicken. For a delightful dessert, serve with jam or as a base for a banana split smoothie. Enjoy them fresh or use them to soak up delicious sauces.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. This will help restore their flaky texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Biscuits contains roughly 83 calories, with 3g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 987mg per serving (43% 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 in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to develop, but be sure to bring the dough to room temperature before rolling it out. You can also freeze the cut biscuits and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both options will give a slightly different flavor but will still result in deliciously flaky biscuits. Just ensure that whichever substitute you choose is cold to maintain the texture.
Why are my biscuits not rising?
If your biscuits are not rising, it could be due to old baking powder or baking soda. Make sure they are fresh and active. Also, avoid overmixing the dough, as this can develop gluten and lead to dense biscuits. Lastly, ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature for optimal rising.
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).