A Touch of Home: Grandma’s Southern Biscuits
Growing up in the heart of the South, Sundays were all about family, faith, and, of course, food. I remember the comforting scent of flour and butter wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen as she prepared her famous biscuits. They were fluffy, golden, and melted in your mouth like little clouds of joy. Every bite was a reminder of love, care, and tradition, tied to generations of women before her who passed down knowledge and skills. Those biscuits became more than just a dish; they were a celebration of family gatherings, Sunday brunches, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal.
Now that the weather is turning crisp and the leaves are putting on their colorful show, it’s the perfect time to bake a batch of these glorious biscuits. They pair wonderfully with homemade jams, savory gravies, or simply a pat of butter—making them the ideal comfort food to warm your heart and home this season. Get ready to bring the warmth of Grandma’s kitchen to your own table!
Why You’ll Love These Southern Biscuits
- Fluffy and Tender: Perfectly light and airy with a buttery flavor.
- One-Bowl Wonder: Easy cleanup with minimal dishes required.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or even a dinner side.
- Kid-Approved: Loved by both kids and adults alike!
- Make Ahead: Easy to prep ahead of time and bake fresh when ready.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for tang)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This is key for that perfect rise!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
3. Cut in Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Milk:
Make a well in the center and pour in the milk (and honey, if using). Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Shape the Biscuits:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently a few times, then pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds, re-rolling scraps as needed.
6. Bake:
Place biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Slather with butter or your favorite preserves!
Tips & Variations
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Add Herbs or Cheese: Incorporate sharp cheddar cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze unbaked biscuits for up to 2 months. Bake directly from the freezer; just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze baked biscuits in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 150 calories
- Servings: 12 biscuits
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes! If using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt.
2. What if I don’t have butter?
You can substitute melted coconut oil or vegetable shortening, though this may alter the flavor slightly.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. How do I get the biscuits extra flaky?
Make sure your butter is very cold and handle the dough as little as possible for light and flaky biscuits.
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
Serve these Southern biscuits with fresh fruit preserves, honey butter, or alongside your favorite gravy. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or sweet tea for a true Southern experience!
Final Thoughts
These Southern biscuits are not just a recipe; they carry with them a legacy of family gatherings and shared moments. I hope you’ll take this recipe into your home and make it your own. I would love to hear your experiences and any personal touches you add. Please share your version in the comments below or reach out with your questions—I can’t wait to see what you create!
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Grandma’s Southern Biscuits
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fluffy and tender Southern biscuits, perfect for any meal or family gathering, bringing warmth and tradition to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for tang)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the milk (and honey, if using). Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently a few times, then pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds, re-rolling scraps as needed.
- Place biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Slather with butter or your favorite preserves!
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg