Southern Raised Biscuits
Southern Raised Biscuits are fluffy, golden, and buttery delights with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or alongside hearty meals. Their subtly sweet and savory flavor makes them a versatile choice for family gatherings or comfort food cravings, embodying classic Southern baking tradition.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the yeast and warm water; let stand for 5 minutes or until bubbly.
- Add buttermilk to the yeast mixture and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the shortening or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the buttermilk and yeast mixture, gently mixing with a fork until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly 4 or 5 times.
- Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut out biscuits with a round cutter and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover the biscuits and let rise for 1 hour.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure fluffy biscuits, be careful not to overwork the dough when kneading; just a few gentle turns will do. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening.
Serving Suggestions
These Southern Raised Biscuits are perfect for breakfast, served alongside scrambled eggs or sausage. They also pair wonderfully with honey or jam for a sweet treat. For a meal, try them with hearty dishes like Kentucky Corn or Super Spuds for a satisfying combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Raised Biscuits contains roughly 408 calories, with 12g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 834mg per serving (36% 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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture will be denser. You may want to use a blend of both flours for lighter biscuits while still adding some whole grain goodness.
What should I do if my biscuits don't rise?
If your biscuits don't rise, it could be due to expired yeast or not letting them rise long enough. Always check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure the dough is in a warm spot to rise properly before baking.
What is the best way to cut out the biscuits?
Using a sharp-edged round cutter will give you clean cuts, which helps the biscuits rise evenly. Avoid twisting the cutter as you press down, as this can seal the edges and prevent proper 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).