Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are the epitome of comfort food—a fluffy, golden biscuit with a crisp exterior and a tender, buttery inside. These biscuits are a staple in Southern cuisine, perfect for breakfast with gravy, jam, or honey, or as a side for hearty meals like fried chicken or stews. The key to a perfect biscuit lies in using cold butter and tangy buttermilk, which create a light, flaky texture. With just a few simple ingredients and a little technique, you can whip up these classic biscuits that melt in your mouth and bring a taste of the South to your table.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (plus a little extra for brushing)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with small pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Add the buttermilk: Pour the cold buttermilk into the flour and butter mixture, stirring gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will make the biscuits tough.
- Form the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Fold the dough in half and gently pat it down again. Repeat this folding process 2-3 more times to create flaky layers.
- Cut the biscuits: Using a floured biscuit cutter or a round glass, cut out biscuits from the dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the edges touch slightly for higher-rising biscuits.
- Brush with buttermilk: Lightly brush the tops of the biscuits with a little extra buttermilk for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and baked through.
- Serve: Let the biscuits cool slightly, then serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite jam.
These Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, where their buttery, flaky layers can shine. Perfect for any meal, they’re a true comfort food classic!
