Buttermilk biscuits

buttermilk_biscuits

Southern Buttermilk biscuits are a classic staple in Southern cuisine. These biscuits are known for their light and fluffy texture, golden brown crust, and rich buttery flavor. They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and go well with a variety of toppings.

The key to making perfect Southern Buttermilk biscuits is in the ingredients and technique. The recipe is simple, but it requires attention to detail and a good amount of practice to get it right every time.

First and foremost, choosing the right flour is crucial. Southern bakers swear by White Lily flour, which is made from soft winter wheat and has a low protein content. This type of flour is essential in creating a tender, fluffy biscuit. If White Lily flour is not available, any brand of all-purpose flour will suffice.

The other ingredients in a Southern Buttermilk biscuit recipe are also essential. Butter, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and of course, buttermilk, are all necessary to create the perfect biscuit. The butter adds flavor and creates a flaky texture, while the leavening agents, baking powder and baking soda, help the biscuit to rise. Salt is added to enhance the flavor, while buttermilk provides a tangy richness that elevates the taste of the biscuit.

In terms of technique, the key to making perfect Southern Buttermilk biscuits is to handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking the dough can result in tough, dense biscuits. The dough should be handled gently and quickly to create a light and fluffy texture.

To make Southern Buttermilk biscuits, the dry ingredients are mixed together first. Then, chilled butter is cut into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Next, the buttermilk is added to the mixture and mixed until just combined. The dough should be soft and sticky, but not wet.

The dough is then turned out onto a floured surface and gently kneaded a few times to bring it together. It is then patted or rolled out to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or a drinking glass. The scraps can be gathered and re-rolled once to create additional biscuits.

The biscuits are then placed onto a baking sheet and coated with melted butter. This step is optional but highly recommended as it creates a golden brown and crispy top. The biscuits are then baked in a preheated oven at 450°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Once baked, the biscuits can be served hot with butter, jam, gravy, or any other toppings of choice. They also pair well with fried chicken, sausage gravy, or honey.

In conclusion, Southern Buttermilk biscuits are a beloved Southern staple that has been passed down for generations. They are simple to make but require attention to detail and practice to perfect. The key to making the perfect biscuit is to use the right ingredients, handle the dough gently, and bake them until golden brown. With a little bit of practice, anyone can master the art of making Southern Buttermilk biscuits and enjoy this delicious treat anytime.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda.

  3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the dry mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  4. Create a well in the center of the mixture, and pour the buttermilk into the well.

  5. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture together, being careful not to overwork the dough. If the dough seems too dry, add more buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time.

  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead it gently a few times until it forms a smooth ball.

  7. Pat the dough out into a 1/2-inch thick circle, and use a biscuit cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out biscuits. Place the biscuits 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  8. Gather the remaining dough scraps, and repeat the cutting process until all the dough has been used.

  9. Bake the biscuits for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.

  10. Serve warm with butter, jam, or gravy. Enjoy your Southern Buttermilk biscuits!