Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits: A Southern Classic Recipe

For those craving a warm, fluffy, and melt-in-the-mouth Southern-style buttermilk biscuit, this tried-and-tested Southern Buttermilk Biscuits recipe is the perfect solution. Made with simple yet distinctive ingredients such as real butter, vegetable shortening, salt, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder, this classic biscuit recipe remains a staple of Southern cuisine that has stood the test of time.

In the South, the tradition of baking buttermilk biscuits has been passed down through generations. Many recall fond memories of grandmothers rising before sunrise to prepare a fresh batch for breakfast, filling the kitchen with the comforting aroma of biscuits straight from the oven. A hot, fluffy biscuit slathered with butter and drizzled with honey captures the essence of Southern charm.

However, finding the perfect homemade buttermilk biscuit recipe can often feel like a daunting task. With countless versions available, it can be difficult to find one that keeps things simple while delivering the perfect texture and flavor.

This recipe offers foolproof instructions to achieve the ideal Southern buttermilk biscuit every time—crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. Now, it’s time to start mixing, dusting, and baking to enjoy that perfect bite!

Table of Contents

1. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
2. Ingredient List
3. The Recipe How-To
4. Substitutions and Variations
5. Serving and Pairing
6. Make-Ahead, Storing, and Reheating
7. Tips for Perfect Results
8. FAQ
   • What makes Southern biscuits different?
   • What’s the difference between Southern biscuits and regular biscuits?
   • Should you use butter or Crisco in biscuits?
   • How do you make Paula Deen’s biscuits?
9. Bottom Line
10. Nutrition Facts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Southern Buttermilk Biscuits recipe is a must-try, but it all starts with one key ingredient: buttermilk. The tangy, creamy flavor of buttermilk adds an unmistakable richness to these buttery, flaky biscuits, making them melt in the mouth with every bite.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. This recipe is tried and true, featuring the perfect balance of all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, real butter, and vegetable shortening. It’s both foolproof and flexible, allowing for ingredient substitutions when needed without compromising the texture or taste.

Imagine golden brown biscuits fresh from the oven, steaming as they’re broken open to reveal delicate, flaky layers. Whether topped with melted butter or creamy homemade gravy, every bite is pure bliss.

These Southern buttermilk biscuits are more than just a breakfast staple—they make an excellent addition to any meal. Whether paired with fried chicken, chili, or barbecue, their versatility knows no bounds.

This classic Southern recipe is one that will quickly become a favorite. With just one batch, it’s easy to see why it has stood the test of time in Southern cooking.

Ingredient List

The key to these mouth-watering Southern buttermilk biscuits lies in the carefully selected ingredients. To make approximately four cups of biscuits, the following ingredients are required:

• 3 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1½ cups of cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 cups of cold whole buttermilk

For those looking to enhance the flavor or texture, optional ingredients include:

• ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar (for extra lift)
• ¼ cup of vegetable shortening (for a flakier texture)
• ½ cup of real butter (for a richer flavor)

For a convenient shortcut, self-rising flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour. However, adjustments should be made to account for the changes in salt and leavening agents.

The Recipe How-To

The process of making Southern Buttermilk Biscuits begins with proper preparation. As any skilled chef knows, success starts with good prep work. This includes preheating the oven to 450°F and ensuring all ingredients are ready before beginning. Keeping the butter and vegetable shortening chilled in the refrigerator is essential, as they must remain cold until incorporated into the flour mixture.

The Mix

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of baking soda

Next, add 4 tablespoons (½ stick) of unsalted butter, cubed and chilled, along with 4 tablespoons of chilled vegetable shortening.

Chilling Time

Using a pastry cutter or your hands, quickly break down the fats into the dry ingredients until the mixture reaches a sandy texture. Slowly incorporate buttermilk, adding approximately ¾ cup in total. The dough should be moistened just enough to come together into a ball—overmixing should be avoided.

Shaping and Cutting

Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it briefly, about five times. Flatten the dough with your palms until it reaches about one inch in thickness. Cut out biscuits using a lightly floured biscuit cutter or a glass dipped in flour.

Baking Time

Once the oven has reached the proper temperature, place the cut biscuits at least an inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

The most challenging part may be resisting the temptation to eat them immediately after removing them from the oven. However, with a little patience, the true reward comes with that first bite—a hot, fluffy, melt-in-the-mouth Southern Buttermilk Biscuit.

Substitutions and Variations

When it comes to making Southern buttermilk biscuits, there are certain ingredients that are essential for producing a delicious, flaky result. However, if some ingredients are unavailable, there are substitutions and variations that can be used.

Firstly, if buttermilk is not available, regular milk mixed with either vinegar or lemon juice can serve as a substitute. For every cup of milk needed, one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice should be added and left to sit for five minutes before use.

If vegetable shortening or unsalted butter is not on hand, all-purpose flour and real butter can be used instead. Additionally, if self-rising flour is not available, a simple alternative is to add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt to every cup of all-purpose flour.

For those who prefer a health-conscious twist, substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour is an option. While the biscuits may be slightly denser, they will still turn out light and flaky.

To customize Southern buttermilk biscuits, additional ingredients can be incorporated into the dough. Shredded cheese or chopped herbs like rosemary or chives add extra flavor. For a savory variation, cooked and crumbled bacon or diced jalapeños can be mixed in. For a sweeter option, cinnamon and sugar can be added to the dough before baking.

When it comes to Southern buttermilk biscuits, there is always room for experimentation while still preserving the classic taste that is widely loved.

Serving and Pairing

Now that you have mastered the art of baking the perfect Southern buttermilk biscuits recipe has been mastered, it’s time to pair these flaky delights with some delicious accompaniments. These biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be served at any meal, from a hearty breakfast to a satisfying supper.

For breakfast, try serving the biscuits topped with country gravy, bacon, or sausage. Spread some sweet jam or honey on top for a delightful sweet and savory combination. For an extra indulgent morning treat, split the biscuit in half and sandwich a fried egg, cheese, and bacon inside.

If a brunch or tea party is being hosted, serve the biscuits alongside fresh fruit salad or as a base for mini sandwiches with ham and cheese or cucumber and cream cheese.

For lunch or dinner, Southern buttermilk biscuits are an excellent accompaniment to any soup or stew. They could also be used as a bread substitute in sandwiches with turkey, roast beef, or chicken salad.

Another great pairing is with traditional Southern dishes like fried chicken or catfish. It’s no secret that Southern-style cuisine often relies heavily on crispy and flavorful breading in fried dishes. Therefore, by combining fluffy buttermilk biscuits with such meals, the result is absolute perfection.

And lastly, for dessert, top a warm buttermilk biscuit with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a classic Southern twist on strawberry shortcake.

Overall, the possibilities of pairing a homemade Southern buttermilk biscuit recipe with delicious flavors are endless. Let creativity reign supreme and enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth, flaky biscuits wherever they may find themselves placed alongside!

Make-Ahead, Storing, and Reheating

Let’s face it, sometimes there isn’t the luxury of making fresh biscuits right before serving. But fear not, biscuit lovers—Southern buttermilk biscuits can still be enjoyed days after they’re made.

To make ahead, the biscuit dough should be prepared as directed in the recipe, then wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, the dough can be removed from the refrigerator, cut into the desired shapes and sizes, placed on a baking sheet, and baked as directed.

To store leftover biscuits, they should be allowed to cool completely before being wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week.

When reheating biscuits, the oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C), and each biscuit can be lightly brushed with melted butter. Placing them on a baking sheet on the middle rack and baking for 5-10 minutes will ensure they are heated through. A microwave can also be used to reheat biscuits, but they will not be as crispy as they would be from the oven.

If there is leftover biscuit dough that has already been cut into shapes but not yet baked, it can be frozen before baking for up to three months. The biscuits should be placed on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm and then transferred to an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag. When ready to bake, they should be removed from the freezer and thawed in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

With these tips and tricks, flaky and delicious Southern-style buttermilk biscuits can be enjoyed anytime.

Tips for Perfect Results

No Southern kitchen is complete without the classic buttermilk biscuit recipe. While the ingredients of this recipe are simple, making perfect biscuits requires a bit of patience and finesse. Here are some tips to ensure the perfect batch every time.

1. Keep the ingredients cold: The secret to flaky biscuits is using cold ingredients. The buttermilk, butter, and shortening should be chilled in the refrigerator until ready to use.
2. Avoid overworking the dough: Overworking the dough can cause gluten to develop, resulting in tough biscuits. The dough should be handled as little as possible to prevent this issue.
3. Use a biscuit cutter: For evenly shaped biscuits, a round biscuit cutter should be used instead of cutting the dough with a knife.
4. Add sugar for sweetness: For a sweeter version of buttermilk biscuits, a teaspoon or two of sugar can be added to the dough.
5. Brush with melted butter: After removing the biscuits from the oven, brushing them with melted butter adds extra flavor and a glossy finish.
6. Measure accurately: While it may be tempting to estimate measurements, especially with recipes passed down through generations, accuracy is key when making buttermilk biscuits. Measuring cups and spoons should be used to ensure the right amount of each ingredient.

With these tips in mind, perfect Southern-style buttermilk biscuits can be created—flaky, tender, and sure to earn rave reviews from everyone who tastes them.

FAQ

Many common questions arise when preparing a Southern buttermilk biscuit recipe. To address any concerns or uncertainties, here are some frequently asked questions along with their answers to help guide the process smoothly:

• What makes Southern biscuits different?
  Southern-style biscuits are known for their exceptional flavor and texture, largely due to the type of flour used. A particular variety of wheat flour, favored by Southern chefs, has been readily available for generations in the mid-Atlantic region and is key to achieving the traditional biscuit texture.
• What’s the difference between Southern biscuits and regular biscuits?
  Southern-style biscuits stand out due to their distinct texture, which is achieved through the generous use of butter and buttermilk. These ingredients contribute to extra fluffiness and flakiness, setting them apart from regular biscuits.
• Should butter or Crisco be used in biscuits?
  Through thorough taste testing, it has been determined that butter is the superior choice for this recipe. Not only do butter biscuits have a beautifully moist texture, but they also offer an unbeatable buttery flavor. However, experimenting with a combination of butter and shortening in future baking endeavors may yield interesting results.
• How are Paula Deen’s biscuits made?
  To recreate Paula Deen’s southern-style biscuits, key ingredients include 4 cups of self-rising flour, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Additionally, 1 cup of cold unsalted butter, freshly cubed, and 1 ½ cups of cold whole buttermilk are essential. Before serving, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter should be brushed on top of the biscuits. More butter is also recommended for serving.

Bottom Line

This Southern Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe is truly one for the books! The combination of real butter, vegetable shortening, and buttermilk creates the perfect flaky texture that melts in the mouth with every bite. Additionally, the recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for a variety of substitutions and variations to suit different tastes.

For those looking to impress guests at a Southern-style brunch or simply indulge in some old-fashioned comfort food, this recipe is an absolute must-try. With some practice and the provided tips, anyone can become an expert at making these legendary biscuits.

Now is the perfect time to roll up the sleeves, preheat the oven, and start baking. Once those golden brown biscuits come out of the oven, there is a sense of pride and satisfaction in creating something truly delicious. Just one bite is enough to understand why Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are not only a regional staple but also a beloved delicacy across the country. Giving this recipe a try is sure to make it a go-to favorite in any collection!