Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are a delightful addition to any meal. These biscuits are tender, fluffy, and made from scratch, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish at dinner. Their rich flavor comes from the combination of cold buttermilk and butter, ensuring each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether served with gravy, jam, or alongside fried chicken, these biscuits are sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Southern Flavor: Experience the true taste of the South with each fluffy biscuit.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for any occasion—breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
- Great for Meal Prep: Bake a batch in advance and reheat them when needed.
- Family Favorite: These biscuits will become a beloved recipe passed down through generations.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make all the difference in baking Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure success:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter
- Grater
- Biscuit cutter
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine your ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Pastry cutter: This tool helps blend the shortening into the flour evenly for perfect texture.
- Biscuit cutter: Using a biscuit cutter instead of a knife ensures clean edges that rise beautifully.
Ingredients
TRIED & TRUE SOUTHERN, FROM-SCRATCH BUTTERMILK BISCUITS THAT BAKE UP TENDER AND FLUFFY! SO EASY TO MAKE!
- 2 cups White Lily Flour + more for work surface
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter-flavored shortening (cold)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter + more for brushing (cold)
- 1 cup buttermilk (cold)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, milk or heavy whipping cream (cold) (for brushing)
How to Make Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F. This temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden color on your biscuits.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Sift together:
– White Lily Flour
– baking powder
– salt
– baking soda
– granulated sugar
Step 3: Cut in Shortening
Cut in the cold butter-flavored shortening using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Grate in Butter
Grate in the cold unsalted butter. Toss occasionally to distribute it throughout the flour mixture.
Step 5: Add Buttermilk
Stir in the cold buttermilk until the dough becomes wet and sticky.
Step 6: Flour Your Surface
Generously flour your work surface to prepare for kneading.
Step 7: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto your floured surface:
1. Sprinkle flour on your hands and on top of the dough.
2. Gently knead and fold the dough several times.
3. Add just enough flour so that it remains manageable; wet dough creates fluffier biscuits!
Step 8: Shape the Dough
Pat the dough out into a rectangle about one inch thick.
Step 9: Cut Out Biscuits
Dip your biscuit cutter into flour:
1. Cut out biscuits without twisting the cutter.
2. Place them on a baking pan with sides touching for soft edges.
Step 10: Brush with Mayonnaise
Lightly brush the tops of each biscuit with mayonnaise to enhance browning.
Step 11: Bake
Bake for about 14 minutes or until tops are golden brown:
– For extra color, turn on low broil for an additional two minutes while keeping an eye on them.
Step 12: Finish Up
Remove from oven and brush tops with melted butter before serving warm.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy tender and fluffy Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits that everyone will love!
How to Serve Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Serving Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits is all about bringing out their warmth and comfort. These biscuits can complement various dishes or stand alone with delicious toppings. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.
With Gravy
- Country Sausage Gravy: Pour rich, savory sausage gravy over the biscuits for a classic Southern breakfast.
- Pepper Gravy: A spicy twist on traditional gravy that pairs perfectly with the fluffy texture of the biscuits.
As a Snack
- Honey Butter: Spread whipped honey butter on warm biscuits for a sweet treat.
- Jam or Jelly: Top with your favorite fruit preserves for added flavor and sweetness.
For Breakfast Sandwiches
- Egg and Cheese: Layer a fried egg and cheese between two biscuits for a hearty morning meal.
- Bacon or Sausage: Add crispy bacon or sausage patty for a protein-packed sandwich.
Served Alongside Dishes
- With Fried Chicken: Serve these biscuits on the side of crispy fried chicken for an authentic Southern feast.
- With Soup or Stew: Use them to soak up delicious broths from your favorite soup or stew.
How to Perfect Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
To ensure your Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keeping your buttermilk, butter, and shortening cold helps create flaky layers.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Gently knead the dough to avoid tough biscuits; overworking can lead to density.
- Flour Generously: Use enough flour on your work surface to prevent sticking, but don’t add too much to the dough itself.
- Cut Straight Down: When using a biscuit cutter, press straight down without twisting. This helps maintain the biscuit’s rise.
- Bake Immediately: Place biscuits in the oven as soon as they are cut; this keeps them light and fluffy.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding herbs or cheese into the dough for unique variations!
Best Side Dishes for Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits shine when paired with delightful side dishes. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Fried Chicken: Crispy and flavorful chicken that complements the softness of the biscuits beautifully.
- Collard Greens: A hearty side filled with nutrients that balances the richness of biscuits.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes are perfect for scooping up with a biscuit.
- Country Ham: Salty, savory ham adds depth and pairs wonderfully with buttermilk biscuits.
- Creamed Corn: Sweet creamed corn provides a delicious contrast to the flaky texture of the biscuits.
- Green Beans Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with almonds add crunch and freshness to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits can be a joy, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong flour: Not all flours are created equal! Stick with White Lily Flour for the best results.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make your biscuits tough. Gently combine until just mixed for fluffy biscuits.
- Not using cold ingredients: Cold butter and buttermilk create steam and fluffiness. Keep your ingredients chilled until you are ready to bake.
- Twisting the cutter: When cutting biscuits, don’t twist the cutter. This seals the edges and prevents them from rising properly.
- Skipping the resting time: Letting your dough rest helps improve texture. Give it at least 10 minutes before baking for optimal fluffiness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
- Wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place biscuits on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, but this may affect texture.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covered with a lid for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits.
What makes Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits so special?
The combination of cold ingredients and the folding technique creates incredibly tender and fluffy biscuits that melt in your mouth.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice added to it. This mimics the acidity of buttermilk.
How do I know when my biscuits are done?
Look for a golden-brown top. The biscuits should be firm to the touch but still soft inside.
Can I customize Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits?
Absolutely! Add herbs, cheese, or spices to create your unique flavor profile. Sweet options like blueberries or chocolate chips also work great!
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are not just delicious; they bring warmth and comfort to any meal. Their fluffy texture and buttery flavor make them versatile enough for breakfast, dinner, or as a delightful snack. Experiment with different add-ins or enjoy them plain—either way, these biscuits will surely impress!
Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Grandma’s Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are the quintessential comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal. These biscuits are expertly crafted from scratch, resulting in a tender, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 biscuits 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 2 cups White Lily Flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter-flavored shortening (cold)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold)
- 1 cup buttermilk (cold)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and sugar.
- Cut in the cold shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Grate in the cold butter and toss gently.
- Add buttermilk and stir until the dough is wet and sticky.
- Flour your work surface generously, then knead the dough gently—don’t overwork it.
- Pat the dough into a rectangle about one inch thick.
- Use a floured biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits without twisting.
- Place on a baking sheet with sides touching for soft edges.
- Brush tops lightly with mayonnaise before baking.
- Bake for approximately 14 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
