Name: Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 stick unsalted butter (frozen); 2 cups self-rising flour; 1 cup cold buttermilk; 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked biscuits wafting through the kitchen. Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are a staple in Southern cuisine, known for their flaky layers and buttery flavor. They are perfect for breakfast or as a side for your favorite dishes, and they are surprisingly easy to make. This recipe will guide you to create those tender, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits that everyone loves.

Why This Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits Stands Out

What sets these Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits apart is the use of cold buttermilk and frozen butter, which create those coveted flaky layers. The self-rising flour ensures that they rise beautifully, yielding the perfect biscuit every time. Whether you’re slathering them with jam or using them to soak up gravy, these biscuits are a true Southern delight. They are not just a side dish; they can stand on their own as a star of the meal.

Ingredient Rundown

To make these delightful biscuits, you will need the following ingredients:

1 stick unsalted butter, frozen: The key to flaky biscuits is cold butter. Freezing it allows you to grate or cut it into the flour easily.
2 cups self-rising flour: We love using White Lily for its lightness. Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, making this recipe straightforward.
1 cup cold buttermilk: This adds moisture and a subtle tanginess that elevates the flavor of the biscuits.
2 tablespoons butter, melted: This will be brushed on top of the biscuits before serving for a rich golden finish.

Must-Have Equipment

Before you start, gather these essential kitchen tools:

Mixing bowl: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
Grater: To grate the frozen butter into the flour.
Baking sheet: To bake the biscuits evenly.
Pastry cutter or fork: For cutting the butter into the flour mixture.
Floured surface: To roll out the dough and cut the biscuits.

Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits Made Stepwise

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). A hot oven is essential for achieving the perfect rise.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 3: Grate the Frozen Butter

Remove the frozen butter from the freezer and use a grater to shred it into the mixing bowl with the self-rising flour. This will help incorporate the butter without warming it up too much.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gently toss the grated butter in with the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This is where the magic of flakiness begins!

Step 5: Add Buttermilk

Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the dough light and airy.

Step 6: Flour Your Surface

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Dust your hands and the rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Roll and Fold

Pat the dough down to about 1-inch thickness. Then, fold it over itself a few times to create those flaky layers. Roll it out again to the same thickness.

Step 8: Cut the Biscuits

Using a biscuit cutter, cut out your biscuits. Make sure to push straight down without twisting to ensure they rise properly.

Step 9: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the cut biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are touching for soft sides.

Step 10: Brush with Melted Butter

Before baking, brush the tops of the biscuits with the melted butter for a rich, golden color.

Step 11: Bake

Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and flaky.

Budget & Availability Swaps

If you’re looking to save a little or need some alternatives, consider these options:

Unsalted butter: Can be replaced with margarine if needed, but butter provides the best flavor.
Self-rising flour: You can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt (1 cup flour, 1.5 tsp baking powder, and 0.5 tsp salt for each cup of self-rising flour needed).
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.

Don’t Do This

When making your Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits, avoid these common pitfalls:

Don’t overmix the dough. This can lead to tough biscuits instead of light, flaky ones.
Don’t skip the freezing of the butter. Cold butter is essential for creating flakiness.
Don’t twist the biscuit cutter. This can seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to handle them:

Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. For meal prep, you can make the dough ahead of time and freeze the cut biscuits before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Helpful Q&A

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to add the appropriate amount of baking powder and salt to mimic self-rising flour.

How do I know when my biscuits are done?

Your biscuits are done when they are golden brown on top and have risen nicely. You can also check the bottom; it should be lightly browned.

Can I add cheese or herbs to the biscuit dough?

Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese or fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your biscuits. Just fold them in gently when mixing in the buttermilk.

What’s the best way to serve biscuits?

These biscuits are delicious served warm with butter and honey, or alongside dishes like Southern Baked Beans or Texas Roadhouse Rolls.

If you love these Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits, you won’t want to miss these delicious recipes:

Final Bite

Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are truly a labor of love, but the results are absolutely worth it. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of technique, you can create biscuits that rival any bakery. They embody the warmth and comfort of Southern hospitality and are perfect for any occasion, from a hearty breakfast to a lovely brunch with friends.

So roll up your sleeves, grab that flour, and get ready to impress your family and friends with the most delicious Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits!