Southern biscuits are a staple in comfort food, known for their buttery, flaky layers and golden crust. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, these biscuits are incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients. Whether you enjoy them with a dollop of jam, a drizzle of honey, or just a pat of butter, these biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
To make these classic Southern biscuits, you will need:
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1/2 cup lard, shortening, or butter (for this recipe, butter is used)
- 1 cup sweet milk or buttermilk (for this recipe, sweet milk is used)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Notes:
- Self-Rising Flour: No need to add extra salt, baking powder, or baking soda as they are already included in the self-rising flour.
- Sweet Milk: This refers to whole vitamin D milk, typically found with a red lid.
Directions
Preparing the Dough
-
Sift the Flour:
Sift 2 cups of self-rising flour into a large mixing bowl to ensure it is light and free of lumps. -
Work in the Butter:
Cut 1/2 cup of cold
butter into small pieces and add it to the flour. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re using lard or shortening, the process is the same.
-
Add the Milk:
Pour 1 cup of sweet milk into the flour mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or your hands until the ingredients are just combined. The dough should be wet and sticky, so avoid overmixing.
Shaping the Biscuits
-
Prepare the Work Surface:
Lightly flour your countertop or work surface. Turn the wet dough out onto the floured surface, and gently toss the dough in the flour to coat it lightly. -
Flatten and Fold:
Using your hands, flatten the dough into a square shape. Fold all four sides towards the center to create layers. Repeat this process a few times; the more you fold, the more layers your biscuits will have. -
Cut Out the Biscuits:
Using a biscuit cutter or a round/square cutter of your choice, cut the dough straight down without twisting. Twisting the cutter can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly. Gather any leftover dough, reshape, and cut out more biscuits.
Baking the Biscuits
-
Prepare the Skillet:
Lightly oil a hot cast-iron skillet and arrange the biscuits in the skillet so that they are slightly touching. This helps them rise higher as they bake. -
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the biscuits for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. -
Serve:
Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, jam, honey, or any topping of your choice.
Tips for Perfect Southern Biscuits
Ingredient Quality
- Butter: Use high-quality, unsalted butter for the best flavor. Make sure the butter is cold to create flaky layers.
- Milk: Whole milk or buttermilk works best for a rich, tender biscuit.
Technique
- Handle the Dough Gently: Overworking the dough can result in tough biscuits. Mix and knead just enough to bring the dough together.
- Cold Ingredients: Keeping the butter and milk cold helps create steam in the oven, leading to flakier biscuits.
Baking
- Hot Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F to help the biscuits rise quickly.
- Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet helps achieve a nice, crispy bottom. If you don’t have one, use a baking sheet.
FAQs About Southern Biscuits
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Self-Rising Flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour. For every cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to make your own self-rising flour.
What Is Sweet Milk?
Sweet milk refers to whole milk, which has a higher fat content than reduced-fat or skim milk. It contributes to the richness and tenderness of the biscuits.
Can I Substitute Buttermilk for Sweet Milk?
Absolutely! Buttermilk adds a slight tang and can make the biscuits even more tender. Use it in the same quantity as sweet milk.
How Do I Store Leftover Biscuits?
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Can I Make Biscuits Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Shape the biscuits and place them on a baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked biscuits and bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy these classic Southern biscuits with your favorite toppings or as a delightful accompaniment to any meal. Happy baking!