Name: Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 stick unsalted butter ((frozen)); 2 cups self-rising flour ((We love White Lily)); 1 cup buttermilk ((cold)); 2 tablespoons butter ((melted))

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, flaky biscuit fresh from the oven. As the aroma wafts through your kitchen, it’s hard not to feel nostalgic for family gatherings and hearty breakfasts. Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits have a rich history in Southern cuisine, and they bring joy to any meal, whether it’s a simple breakfast or a festive dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up these delightful biscuits that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Let’s dive into the magic of making your very own batch of Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits!

Reasons to Love Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are a staple in Southern kitchens for several reasons:

1. **Quick and Easy**: With minimal prep time, these biscuits can be on your table in no time.
2. **Versatile**: Perfect as a side for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they pair wonderfully with gravies, jams, or even just butter.
3. **Flaky and Tender**: The use of cold butter and buttermilk creates layers that result in a beautifully flaky texture.
4. **Made from Scratch**: There’s a special satisfaction that comes from making your food from scratch, and these biscuits are no exception.

Ingredients at a Glance

To make your Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits, you will need the following ingredients:

1 stick unsalted butter (frozen)
2 cups self-rising flour (We love White Lily)
1 cup buttermilk (cold)
2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Must-Have Equipment

Before you start baking, make sure you have these essential tools on hand:

Mixing Bowl – For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
Pastry Cutter or Fork – To cut the frozen butter into the flour.
Baking Sheet – For baking the biscuits to golden perfection.
Rolling Pin – While not mandatory, it helps in rolling out the dough evenly.
Oven – Preheated to ensure the biscuits bake quickly and rise beautifully.

Cooking Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits: The Process

Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making these delicious biscuits:

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of self-rising flour. This flour is key to achieving that perfect rise and tender biscuit texture.

Step 3: Cut in the Frozen Butter

Take your frozen stick of unsalted butter and grate it using a box grater directly into the flour mixture. Alternatively, you can use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Add the Buttermilk

Make a well in the center of your flour mixture and pour in 1 cup of cold buttermilk. Gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to preserve those flaky layers!

Step 5: Turn the Dough onto a Floured Surface

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, gently knead the dough a few times until it comes together.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Biscuits

Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Cut out biscuits using a biscuit cutter or a glass. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are touching slightly for soft sides.

Step 7: Brush with Melted Butter

Before baking, brush the tops of the biscuits with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter for a shiny, golden finish.

Step 8: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite jam.

Budget & Availability Swaps

If you’re looking to make some adjustments based on what you have at home, here are some great swaps:

Self-Rising Flour – If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Buttermilk – If you’re out of buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Unsalted Butter – If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to maintain balance.

Chef’s Rationale

Creating the perfect biscuit is all about technique and ingredient choice. The use of frozen butter is crucial in achieving that flaky texture, as it creates steam when baking, resulting in layers. Using self-rising flour ensures that you get the right lift without needing to measure out baking powder and salt separately. Every step, from grating the butter to brushing the biscuits with melted butter before baking, contributes to the overall flavor and texture of these Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits.

Storage Pro Tips

To keep your Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits fresh and delicious, consider these storage tips:

Room Temperature – Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration – For longer storage, you can refrigerate biscuits for up to a week. Just be sure to reheat them in the oven to regain that fresh-baked texture.
Freezing – To freeze, place baked biscuits in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

Common Qs About Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour by adding baking powder and salt to achieve a similar effect. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of salt to make your own self-rising flour.

What’s the best way to reheat biscuits?

The best way to reheat biscuits is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the biscuits on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Why are my biscuits not rising?

If your biscuits aren’t rising, it may be due to old baking powder in self-rising flour or overmixing the dough. Make sure your ingredients are fresh, and mix just until combined for optimal rise.

Can I add cheese or herbs to the biscuit dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to add shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or even spices to the biscuit dough for a flavorful twist. Just remember not to overmix, or you’ll lose that flaky texture.

Hungry for More?

If you loved making these Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits, there’s a whole world of Southern baking waiting for you. From cornbread to peach cobbler, the charm of Southern cuisine offers endless delicious possibilities. Explore, experiment, and share your creations with friends and family for a truly delightful experience!

There’s nothing quite like the taste of Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits, warm and fresh from your oven. Whether enjoyed alone or with a hearty meal, these biscuits are sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. So gather your ingredients and start baking; your taste buds will thank you!