Fluffy Southern-Style Buttermilk Biscuits: A Taste of the South

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats Southern-style buttermilk biscuits. These fluffy delights, with their flaky layers and buttery goodness, are a staple in Southern cuisine. Whether slathered with honey, topped with sausage gravy, or enjoyed on their own, these biscuits are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Prepare to embrace the aroma of freshly baked biscuits wafting from your oven!

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 biscuits
• Serving Size: 1 biscuit

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fat: 9g
• Dietary Preference: Vegetarian

Ingredients List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (115g)
• ¾ cup buttermilk, cold (180ml)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Detailed Method of Preparation

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
3. Incorporate the butter:
   Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, break the butter into pea-sized pieces until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork it; the small butter pieces create flaky layers.
4. Add the buttermilk:
   Pour the cold buttermilk into the bowl, stirring gently with a spatula until the dough just comes together. The dough will be sticky—this is normal!
5. Turn out the dough:
   Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out. Gently pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Fold the dough over itself 3-4 times to create layers, which will result in flakier biscuits.
6. Cut the biscuits:
   Pat the dough out again to a ¾-inch thickness. Use a 2.5-inch biscuit cutter (or a drinking glass) to cut out circles, pressing straight down without twisting. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut more biscuits.
7. Bake:
   Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet with their sides touching (this helps them rise higher). Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Brush with butter:
   As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Use very cold butter: This helps the butter pieces stay intact, creating steam during baking for flaky layers.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Minimal handling keeps the biscuits light and tender.
• Buttermilk substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ¾ cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Freezing option: You can freeze unbaked biscuits and bake them straight from the freezer—just add 3-4 minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make buttermilk biscuits without a pastry cutter?

Yes! You can use your fingertips or two knives to incorporate the butter into the flour. Just work quickly to keep the butter cold.

What if my biscuits don’t rise well?

Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, and avoid twisting the biscuit cutter when cutting the dough—it compresses the edges and prevents a good rise.

Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that includes xanthan gum for structure.

How do I store leftover biscuits?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) to refresh their texture.

There’s nothing quite like the warm, flaky perfection of Southern-style buttermilk biscuits. Whether served alongside eggs and bacon, topped with your favorite jam, or drowned in gravy, these biscuits are guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. With this easy recipe, you can bring a touch of Southern charm to your table anytime you crave comfort food.