If you think biscuits are just a side dish, think again! These five Southern biscuit recipes will change your mind and brighten up any meal. From the classic buttermilk biscuits that are buttery and flaky to the zesty cheddar and chive biscuits that'll have your taste buds dancing, there's something for everyone. And don't even get me started on sweet potato biscuits or biscuit cinnamon rolls! Ready to find out how to make these delicious treats?
Classic Buttermilk Biscuits
Classic buttermilk biscuits are a staple of Southern cooking, known for their flaky, tender texture and rich flavor. Perfect as a side for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with butter, jam, or even as a base for biscuits and gravy.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delightful biscuits that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
To make the biscuits, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the buttermilk and honey, if using, and stir until just combined.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle and cut out biscuits using a floured biscuit cutter.
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
For the best results, make sure your butter is very cold before incorporating it into the flour mixture, as this helps create those flaky layers. Avoid overworking the dough; a light hand is key to maintaining its tenderness.
If you want even fluffier biscuits, consider letting the baked biscuits rest for a minute or two before serving. For an extra touch of flavor, you can brush the tops with melted butter right after they come out of the oven.
Enjoy your classic buttermilk biscuits fresh out of the oven!
Cheddar and Chive Biscuits
Cheddar and chive biscuits are a delightful twist on classic Southern biscuits, combining the rich flavors of sharp cheddar cheese with the fresh, vibrant taste of chives.
These biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to your favorite meal. Their flaky texture and cheesy goodness make them a crowd-pleaser, and they come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients.
Get ready to enjoy the comforting taste of homemade biscuits that will transport you straight to the heart of the South!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives. Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, then cut out biscuits using a round cutter.
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, verify your butter is very cold before incorporating it into the flour mixture; this will help create those lovely flaky layers.
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it by mixing 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs or cheeses to customize your biscuits to your taste. Serve them warm with butter for an extra indulgent treat!
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Sweet potato biscuits are a delightful twist on the classic Southern biscuit, combining the warm flavors of sweet potatoes with a flaky, buttery texture. Perfect for breakfast or as a side dish to complement any meal, these biscuits are both comforting and satisfying.
The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes adds a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with butter or honey, making them a favorite among family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (cooked and cooled)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gently fold in the mashed sweet potatoes, milk, and vanilla extract until just combined.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently a few times before rolling it out to about 1-inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider incorporating spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients.
You can also experiment with different types of flour, like whole wheat or gluten-free, for a healthier variation.
If the dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour; if it feels too dry, a splash of milk can help.
Serve these biscuits warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of maple syrup for a truly indulgent treat!
Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls
Biscuit cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining the fluffy, buttery goodness of Southern biscuits with a sweet, spiced filling.
These rolls are quick to prepare and perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch treat. With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy the warm aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as they bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing, optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for icing, optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly on top.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 1-inch pieces. Place the rolls in the prepared baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
If desired, mix the powdered sugar with milk to create a drizzle and pour it over the warm rolls before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling.
Make sure the butter is cold when cutting it into the dry ingredients for a flakier biscuit texture.
If you have leftover rolls, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheated in the microwave or oven.
Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique twist on the traditional cinnamon flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Southern biscuit cinnamon rolls!
Sausage Gravy Biscuits
Sausage gravy biscuits are a classic Southern comfort food that combines fluffy biscuits with a rich and savory sausage gravy. This dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch and is sure to satisfy any appetite. The combination of flaky biscuits and creamy gravy makes for a hearty and indulgent meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
To prepare the biscuits, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the buttermilk until just combined. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times before rolling it out to about 1-inch thickness. Cut out biscuits using a round cutter and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
For the sausage gravy, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir for about 1 minute. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Cook until the gravy thickens, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the hot biscuits topped with the sausage gravy and garnish with parsley if desired.
When making sausage gravy biscuits, it's important to handle the biscuit dough as little as possible to guarantee they remain tender and flaky.
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or garlic powder to the sausage gravy. If you prefer a creamier gravy, you can use half-and-half instead of milk.
Finally, these biscuits can be made ahead of time and frozen; simply reheat them in the oven when you're ready to serve!