Southern Butter Biscuits are a staple in Southern cuisine, cherished for their flaky texture and rich buttery flavor. These biscuits are versatile, serving as the perfect accompaniment to any meal, whether it's breakfast with jam or gravy, a side for your dinner, or just a delightful snack on their own. Making them from scratch is simpler than you might think and offers a taste of Southern hospitality right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, packed (if using self-rising flour, omit baking powder and salt)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (leave out if using self-rising flour)
- ½ teaspoon salt (leave out if using self-rising flour)
- ½ cup butter, salted, cut into small pieces (if using unsalted butter, add an additional ¼ teaspoon salt)
- 1 cup milk (regular or buttermilk)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent the biscuits from sticking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. If you're using self-rising flour, remember to omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe.
Step 3: Add the small pieces of salted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key is to work quickly to keep the butter from melting.
Step 4: Gradually pour in the milk (regular or buttermilk), stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough biscuits.
Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Then, roll the dough out to about 1 inch thick.
Step 6: Use a biscuit cutter or a round glass to cut out biscuits. Press straight down without twisting to ensure the biscuits can rise properly. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut out additional biscuits until all the dough is used.
Step 7: Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are slightly touching each other for soft sides or spaced apart for crispier edges.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.
Step 9: Remove the biscuits from the oven and, if desired, brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and a shiny finish.
Cooking Note:
For the best results, ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter and milk, are cold. This helps create those coveted flaky layers as the cold butter steams during baking.
Serving Suggestions:
Southern Butter Biscuits are best served warm, fresh out of the oven. They're delicious on their own, slathered with butter, drizzled with honey, or served alongside your favorite meal.
Tips:
- For lighter biscuits, avoid over-kneading the dough.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute buttermilk for regular milk.
- If you prefer a crispier exterior, place the biscuits further apart on the baking sheet.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 12-15 minutes
Total Time:
- 27-30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 per biscuit (varies by size and specific ingredients used)
- Protein: About 4g per biscuit
- Sodium: Approximately 300mg per biscuit
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