One of the first things I ever learned to bake was biscuits. Growing up, my mom would grab a can of biscuits, smack it against the counter until it popped open, and throw them in the oven. They were fine—nothing bad ever happened—but I always wondered if homemade biscuits could be better.
One day, I decided to try making them from scratch. Some people prioritize ultra-flaky biscuits, but I always found those too dry. Instead, I prefer biscuits that are soft, fluffy, and slightly buttery. My favorite way to enjoy them? Smothered in sausage gravy on a cozy Sunday morning. They’re also perfect for breakfast sandwiches or as a simple side dish for dinner.
If you love breakfast ideas that are simple, homemade, and delicious, this biscuit recipe is a must-try! Plus, it pairs beautifully with my long-fermented pancakes recipe—a make-ahead option that makes mornings even easier.
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Why Make Biscuits from Scratch?
While popping open a can is convenient, making biscuits from scratch has so many benefits:
- Better ingredients – No preservatives, artificial flavors, or unnecessary additives.
- Always on hand – You likely already have these ingredients in your pantry.
- Homemade tastes better – There’s something special about baking from scratch and serving fresh, warm biscuits to your family.
If you’re looking for breakfast ideas that are easy, satisfying, and family-friendly, this is the perfect go-to recipe!
Ingredients & Why You Need Them
- Flour – The foundation of the biscuits, providing structure and texture.
- Baking powder & baking soda – These leavening agents help the biscuits rise, making them fluffy instead of dense.
- Granulated sugar – A small amount enhances the flavor and balances the saltiness.
- Salt – Essential for bringing out the flavors in the biscuits.
- Cold butter – Keeping the butter cold creates flaky layers and a rich, buttery taste.
- Buttermilk or milk – Buttermilk adds a slight tang and enhances the tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix a little vinegar into regular milk as a substitute.
- Mayonnaise – This might sound unusual, but mayo keeps the biscuits ultra-moist and gives them a richer flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Pastry cutter (or fork) – To cut the butter into the flour.
- Rolling pin – Helps roll out the dough evenly.
- Round biscuit cutter (or a glass) – For cutting out biscuits.
- Whisk – Keeps the dough light and airy.
- Cast iron skillet or pie dish – Gives biscuits a crispy bottom and even baking.
- Pastry brush – For brushing mayo on top to achieve a golden finish.
How to Serve These Biscuits
- Classic Biscuits and Gravy – Serve with creamy sausage gravy for the ultimate comfort breakfast.
- Breakfast Sandwiches – Layer biscuits with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage.
- Sweet Biscuits – Spread with honey, jam, or butter for a simple treat.
- Dinner Side – Serve alongside roasted chicken, soup, or chili.
If you’re planning a stress-free breakfast routine, these biscuits fit right in. I talk more about simplifying meals in my post Meal Planning Made Simple, where I share tips on prepping ahead to save time.
Fluffy Biscuit Recipe
These homemade biscuits are soft, fluffy, and buttery—perfect for breakfast or as a side dish for any meal. Made with simple ingredients, they come together quickly and bake to golden perfection. Enjoy them with sausage gravy, as a breakfast sandwich, or slathered with butter and jam for a delicious, homemade treat!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 stick (½ cup) cold butter, cut into small pieces
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and butter a cast iron skillet or pie plate.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into small pieces and use a pastry cutter or fork to mix it into the dry ingredients until it resembles small crumbs.
- Pour in half of the buttermilk and stir gently. Add the remaining buttermilk and mix until just combined. The dough should be slightly wet—this keeps the biscuits soft and fluffy.
- Lightly flour your counter and turn out the dough. Roll it to about ¾-inch thickness.
- Fold the dough over itself, then roll it out again. Repeat this folding process 4-5 times to create layers.
- Roll the dough out again to about ½ to ¾ inch thick, then use a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits.
- Place the biscuits in the buttered skillet, letting them touch slightly.
- Brush the tops with a thin layer of mayonnaise for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or sausage gravy. Enjoy!
Notes
Cold Butter is Key – Keeping the butter cold ensures flaky, tender biscuits. You can even freeze the butter for a few minutes before cutting it in.
No Buttermilk? No Problem! – If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice into regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Don’t Overwork the Dough – Overmixing or kneading too much can make the biscuits tough. Handle the dough as little as possible for the best texture.
The Folding Technique – Folding the dough over itself multiple times helps create flaky layers.
Baking in a Cast Iron Skillet – This gives the biscuits a crispy, golden bottom. If you don’t have a skillet, use a buttered baking dish or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Let the Biscuits Touch – Placing them close together helps them rise higher as they bake.
Brushing with Mayo – This might sound unusual, but a thin layer of mayo on top gives a golden, slightly crispy crust. You can also use melted butter instead.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 210Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 881mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 5g
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
Homemade biscuits are worth the effort, and once you taste these, you’ll never go back to the canned version! Whether you’re looking for breakfast ideas or a go-to biscuit recipe, this one is simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
Pair these biscuits with my long fermented pancakes recipe for a breakfast that’s both homemade and gut-friendly. And if you want to make meal planning easier, don’t forget to check out my meal planning made simple guide!
Let me know if you try this recipe—I’d love to hear how they turn out! 😊
