Southern Style Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk biscuits are a staple in Southern cuisine and have been enjoyed for generations—a freshly baked biscuit’s warm and flaky texture pairs perfectly with any main course. While making biscuits may seem daunting to some, anyone can create a delicious batch of Southern-style buttermilk biscuits with the right recipe and technique.

This blog will provide an easy-to-follow recipe for buttery, fluffy, and irresistible buttermilk biscuits. So, grab your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with your baking skills!

Can you make buttermilk at home?

Buttermilk is a tangy and acidic liquid often used in baking and cooking. Although you can buy buttermilk from grocery stores, which is very convenient, making it at home is also very easy. Homemade buttermilk has a fresher taste and is often less expensive than store-bought buttermilk. Here’s what you have to do:

Combine one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Stir the mixture well and let it sit for five to ten minutes. This will allow the acid to react and thicken the milk, creating a tangy and slightly thickened liquid similar to buttermilk that’s great for biscuits.

How can I make these biscuits fancy?

Although Southern Style Buttermilk Biscuits taste good, adding a few extra ingredients can make them taste even better. Here are some ideas for you to try:

• Cheese: Cheese is an excellent way to add flavor and texture to the biscuits. Add shredded cheddar or grated parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste and texture.
• Bacon: Adding bacon bits to the biscuits takes the flavor up a notch and makes them more savory.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, etc., add a pleasant flavor to the biscuits. You can also add dried herbs for taste and aroma.
• Cinnamon: To sweeten these savory biscuits, add honey and cinnamon. You can also add sweet potatoes for a more refined sweetness.
• Dried fruits/nuts: You might find adding dried fruits or nuts a bit unusual, but trust me, they add a unique flavor and crunch to these buttermilk biscuits.
• Glaze: adding a sweet glaze on top will make these biscuits enjoyable and tasteful.

How to store Southern Style Buttermilk Biscuits?

If you have leftovers or want to make a big batch for later, it’s essential to know how to store them properly to keep them fresh and delicious. Here’s how you can store Southern-style buttermilk biscuits:

• Let the biscuits cool to room temperature before you store them.
• Once the biscuits have reached room temperature, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. If using a plastic bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing it.
• Store the biscuits in the refrigerator for up to five days.
• If you want to store buttermilk biscuits for longer, wrap the biscuits individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze them for up to three months.

Southern Style Buttermilk Biscuits – The Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 6 Biscuits

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

2 tsp. baking powder

1 stick butter, unsalted

1 cup buttermilk

½ tsp. salt

Preparation

1. Prepare the oven and preheat it to 450 degrees F.
2. Add baking powder, salt, and 2 cups flour in a bowl and whisk until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Cut butter into small cubes using a sharp knife.
4. Add butter to the flour mixture and rub your fingers to mix all the buttermilk biscuit ingredients thoroughly.
5. Now add butter and milk and mix everything using a wooden spatula until the dough leaves the sides of the bowl and gathers in the center.
6. Take the dough out of the bowl, place it on the flour-dusted surface, and roll it using a rolling pin until it becomes a 1″ thick rectangle.
7. Gently bring the top half of the dough towards the bottom and press it down to its initial shape.
8. Continue folding the dough 8 times by alternating from each side, the top and the bottom. Finally, the dough should feel slightly springy to the touch.
9. Flatten the dough to 1″ thick and make 6 biscuits using a 3″ round cutter. If you don’t have 6 biscuits, press together the leftover dough, flatten it again, and cut more. Don’t use the scraps of dough.
10. Place the biscuits closely together in a 10″ cast iron skillet, ensuring that they do not touch the sides of the skillet. Raise the oven temperature to 500 degrees F and bake the buttermilk biscuits for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Once the buttermilk biscuits are ready, remove them from the oven, transfer them to the serving dish, and serve hot.