Southern Homemade Biscuits
Golden, flaky homemade biscuits with tender crumb and buttery flavor, perfect for breakfast or as a side, appealing to all who enjoy classic Southern comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
- Cut in the shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the buttermilk and mix well until dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured board.
- Roll out the dough and cut into biscuits.
- Bake in a 450°F oven until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use cold shortening to achieve that flaky texture. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a similar acidity. Be careful not to over-knead the dough to ensure your biscuits remain light and fluffy. For a fun twist, try adding herbs or shredded cheese like in the Soft Cutout Vanilla Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade biscuits are perfect for breakfast alongside scrambled eggs or as a side with fried chicken. They pair beautifully with gravy or a dollop of homemade jam for a sweet treat. Consider serving them with a refreshing Spicy Caesar Salad for a delightful contrast, or alongside a hearty soup for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave briefly until heated through. For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough cutouts and bake directly from the freezer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Homemade Biscuits contains roughly 31 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 475mg per serving (21% 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 the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just ensure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, simply roll it out and cut your biscuits as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
What if I don’t have shortening?
If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or vegetable oil. Butter will add a richer flavor, while oil may result in a slightly denser texture. Just remember to keep your fats cold for the best results in creating flaky layers.
How do I know when my biscuits are done?
Your biscuits are done when they are golden brown on top and have risen nicely. A good indicator is to tap the bottom; if it sounds hollow, they are likely ready. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking.
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).