Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
Introduction
Southern buttermilk biscuits are a beloved comfort food with a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Known for their buttery flavor and tender crumb, these biscuits are a staple in Southern cuisine. Whether served with butter, honey, or topped with sausage gravy, buttermilk biscuits bring warmth and comfort to any meal. This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect batch of homemade biscuits that are light, flaky, and full of flavor. With some simple ingredients and a few pro tips, you’ll master this classic recipe in no time!
Ingredients
To make Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits, you will need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (plus a little extra for brushing the tops)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing after baking)
Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 8-10 biscuits
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture will form the base of the biscuits.
Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pea-sized bits of butter throughout the flour. These bits will create the flaky texture in the biscuits as they melt during baking.
Add the Buttermilk:
Pour the cold buttermilk into the flour mixture. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the mixture until it just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough biscuits.
Turn Out the Dough and Fold:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Fold the dough over itself into thirds, similar to folding a letter. This folding technique creates layers, which lead to a flakier biscuit.
Repeat this process of patting and folding 2-3 more times. After the final fold, pat the dough out to a thickness of about 1 inch.
Cut the Biscuits:
Use a 2.5-inch round biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits. Press straight down without twisting the cutter, as twisting can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly. Gather any scraps, gently pat them together, and cut out additional biscuits.
Chill the Biscuits:
Place the cut biscuits on the prepared baking sheet. Chill the baking sheet with the biscuits in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. Chilling helps the butter firm up again, which creates a flakier texture when baked.
Brush with Buttermilk:
Lightly brush the tops of the biscuits with a bit of extra buttermilk. This will help them achieve a golden brown color as they bake.
Bake:
Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have risen to a fluffy height.
Finish with Melted Butter (Optional):
After removing the biscuits from the oven, you can brush the tops with melted butter for extra richness and flavor.
Serve:
Serve the biscuits warm, with butter, honey, or your favorite toppings. They’re perfect alongside a hearty breakfast, brunch, or as a side for dinner.
Calories and Nutritional Information
Each biscuit (assuming 10 biscuits in total) has approximately:
- Calories: 150-160
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.)
Tips for Perfect Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and buttermilk are essential for creating flaky biscuits. The cold butter will release steam as it melts in the oven, creating pockets in the dough that give the biscuits their signature flakiness.
Avoid Overmixing: Stir the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in dense, tough biscuits.
Don’t Twist the Cutter: Press straight down with your biscuit cutter. Twisting can seal the edges of the biscuits, preventing them from rising properly.
Fold for Layers: Folding the dough creates layers that lead to a flaky texture. Be gentle with the dough, as overworking it can make the biscuits tough.
Chill the Dough Before Baking: After cutting the biscuits, chilling the dough helps the butter stay solid until it hits the oven. This contributes to a flaky, tender texture.
Brush with Buttermilk for Golden Tops: A quick brush of buttermilk on top of each biscuit gives them a beautiful golden color.
Experiment with Add-Ins: For a twist, try adding shredded cheddar cheese, chopped herbs, or a pinch of garlic powder to the dough.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Prepare Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven and gathering all your ingredients. Keep the butter and buttermilk in the refrigerator until ready to use to ensure they stay cold.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for consistent rise.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add cold butter to the flour mixture, using a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it into pea-sized pieces. Be careful not to melt the butter with your hands.
Step 4: Add Buttermilk
Pour in the cold buttermilk and mix just until the dough comes together. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 5: Fold for Layers
Pat the dough into a rectangle and fold it over itself a few times to create layers. This step is key to achieving flaky biscuits.
Step 6: Cut the Biscuits
Use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds, pressing straight down. This helps the biscuits rise evenly in the oven.
Step 7: Chill, Brush, and Bake
Chill the biscuits on a baking sheet, brush the tops with buttermilk, and bake until golden brown.
Variations and Add-Ons
Cheddar and Chive Biscuits: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives to the dough for a savory twist.
Honey Butter Biscuits: Mix a tablespoon of honey into the melted butter for brushing the tops after baking.
Garlic Herb Biscuits: Add 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp dried herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) to the dry ingredients for a flavorful variation.
Why You’ll Love These Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Classic Southern Flavor: These biscuits have all the traditional flavors of Southern buttermilk biscuits, making them a true comfort food.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Versatile: Serve these biscuits with breakfast, brunch, or dinner. They’re delicious with a range of toppings and sides.
Tender and Flaky Texture: Thanks to the cold butter and folding technique, these biscuits have a light, flaky crumb that’s irresistible.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a family meal or a special occasion, these biscuits are sure to impress.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve these buttermilk biscuits with:
- Sausage Gravy: A classic Southern pairing, sausage gravy is creamy, rich, and perfect spooned over warm biscuits.
- Butter and Honey: Keep it simple with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey for a delightful breakfast or snack.
- Fried Chicken: For a true Southern meal, serve these biscuits alongside crispy fried chicken.
- Jam or Jelly: Spread with your favorite fruit preserves or jam for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Final Thoughts
Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are a timeless, comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. With their buttery, flaky texture and golden crust, these biscuits are perfect for serving with breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for lunch or dinner. By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve the