Southern-Style Baking Powder Biscuits

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Golden, flaky Southern-style baking powder biscuits with a tender crumb and buttery flavor, perfect for breakfast or alongside hearty meals, suitable for family gatherings and casual brunches.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 egg
  • 2/3 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Sift dry ingredients together, add shortening and blend until cornmeal consistency.
  2. Pour milk into the flour mixture and add the egg.
  3. Stir to form a stiff dough.
  4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes.
  5. Roll to 1/2-inch thickness.
  6. Cut into biscuits and bake on a cookie sheet for 10 to 15 minutes at 450°F.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best texture, use cold shortening and handle the dough as little as possible. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can omit it, but the final texture may vary slightly. For a richer flavor, substitute half of the shortening with butter. You can also add herbs or cheese for a twist, making them pair beautifully with Linda'S Dill Dip.

Serving Suggestions

These biscuits are perfect with a generous spread of butter or honey. They also make a delightful accompaniment to Southern dishes like fried chicken or can be served with soups and stews. For a complete meal, serve with Grandpa'S Favorite Dressing(Grandpa Simpson) and a side of Fried Broccoli(Delicious) for a comforting dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain their flaky texture. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Southern-Style Baking Powder Biscuits contains roughly 343 calories, with 6g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1125mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

343 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.6g 11% DV
Total Fat 5.8g 7% DV
Carbs 67.9g 25% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 6.9g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1125.2mg 49% DV
Potassium 1403.8mg 30% DV
Cholesterol 155.7mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 66mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 3.5mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 218.9mg 17% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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

What can I use instead of shortening?

You can substitute the shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter, which will give the biscuits a richer flavor. Alternatively, coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling it out, which will make it easier to handle.

How do I know when the biscuits are done?

The biscuits are done when they are golden brown on top and risen in the middle. You can also tap the bottom; if it sounds hollow, they are ready. Keep an eye on them while baking to avoid over-browning.

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).

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