Introduction:
Ah, Buttermilk Biscuits – the cornerstone of Southern comfort food. These biscuits are not just bread, they’re a tender embrace for your taste buds. Crispy on the outside, fluffy and soft on the inside, they’re the perfect companion for savory dishes like fried chicken and gravy or sweet accompaniments like jams and honey. With their delightful buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, here’s how to make these classic favorites from scratch.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Melted butter (for brushing)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the buttermilk. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it comes together, then pat or roll it out to a 1-inch thickness.
- Using a round biscuit cutter, cut out the biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re close together for soft edges.
- Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
Notes:
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes before using.
- For even fluffier biscuits, consider folding the dough over itself a few times before rolling it out.
FAQ:
- How can I store leftover biscuits?
- Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
- Can I add anything to the biscuit dough?
- Certainly! Consider mixing in grated cheddar cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or even cooked bacon bits for added flavor.
- Why is my biscuit dough too sticky or too dry?
- If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour while kneading. If it’s too dry, drizzle in a little more buttermilk until the desired consistency is achieved.