Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon buttermilk divided
Substitution Tips:
- If you don’t have buttermilk mix 3/4 cup milk with 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Salted butter can be used; just reduce added salt slightly.
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Tip: A hot oven ensures a strong rise.
Freeze the Butter
- Cut 8 tablespoons of butter into small cubes and place in the freezer for 10 minutes. Tip: Cold butter is key for flaky layers.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Tip: Use a large mixing bowl to allow space for gentle mixing.
Cut in Butter
- Add cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to work the butter in until it resembles coarse crumbs. Tip: Leave some pea-sized butter pieces for extra flakiness.
Add Buttermilk
- Pour in 3/4 cup buttermilk and stir gently until a shaggy dough forms. Tip: Don’t overmix; the dough should just come together.
Fold and Shape
- Turn dough onto a floured surface. Pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold like a letter into thirds. Repeat this pat-and-fold process 2 more times. Tip: Folding creates layers for that classic biscuit rise.
Cut Biscuits
- Roll or pat dough to 1-inch thickness. Cut with a floured 2.5-inch biscuit cutter. Tip: Press straight down without twisting to help the biscuits rise evenly.
Arrange and Brush
- Place biscuits on the baking sheet. For softer sides, place them touching; for crispier edges, space them apart. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush tops.
Bake and Finish
- Bake for 13–15 minutes until golden brown. Brush tops with remaining 1 tablespoon buttermilk for a glossy finish. Tip: Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
- Light Touch: Handle the dough gently to avoid tough biscuits.
- Sharp Cutter: Use a sharp-edged cutter to help the biscuits rise.
- Preheat Matters: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
- Add-Ins: Mix in shredded cheese, herbs, or cooked bacon for fun variations.