One of the first things i ever learned to bake was biscuits. Growing up my mom used to pull out the can of biscuits and hit it on the counter until it opened. They were fine and we ate them. One day, i decided i could do this better. I set out to make the best biscuit recipe. Some people prioritize having the flakiest biscuit ever, but i always found them too dry. My preferred biscuits are nice and fluffy.
Whether it’s biscuits and gravy on a Sunday morning or for breakfast sandwiches throughout the week, this biscuit recipe never disappoints.
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Watch me make these sourdough biscuits
Why make biscuits from scratch
- Simple Ingredients: You know exactly what ingredients you are feeding your family.
- Texture variation: Depending on the amount of liquid you add, you can change the texture of the biscuits. Adding more liquid yields fluffier biscuits, while less will leave you with flakier biscuits.
- Taste better: canned biscuits are not as delicious as homemade ones
Ingredients for the best biscuit recipe
- Flour: The foundation of the recipe, providing structure and texture.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and enhances the tenderness of the biscuits. If you dont have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk.
- Butter: Butter adds flavor and creates layers in the biscuits.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the biscuits.
- Baking powder and Baking soda: The leavening agents in the biscuit recipe.
- Mayonnaise: This is an optional ingredient that helps the biscuits brown
Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter
- Whisk
- Cast iron skillet or pie dish
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions for the best biscuit recipe
Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a cast-iron skillet or pie plate.
Combine dry ingredients
Whisk flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl.
Cut in Butter
Dice butter into cubes and, using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
Add milk
Pour in half the milk to begin, then gradually add more until the mixture comes together. There should be no dry pieces for a fluffy texture.If you want a flakier texture, mix until just combined.
Shape
Flour your work surface and roll out the dough. Once rolled out, fold it over itself 3-4 times to create layers. Then roll the dough to about an inch thick and use a biscuit or cookie cutter to cut out the biscuits.
Bake
Place the biscuits into a prepared cast iron skillet or pie plate, optionally brush with mayo, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Serving suggestions for the best biscuit recipe
- Biscuits and gravy: Serve with a creamy sausage gravy for a comforting breakfast.
- Breakfast sandwiches: Layer biscuits with eggs, bacon or sausage, and cheese. These are perfect for meal prep or the freezer.
- Sweet Biscuits: Spread with honey, jam, or butter for a simple treat.
- Dinner side: perfect for a side with a roasted chicken or a comforting chili.
Tips
- Don’t overwork the dough: This will lead to dense, hard biscuits and cause the butter to melt and ruin the texture of the biscuits.
- Keep ingredients cold: Cold ingredients ensure the butter doesn’t melt to maintain the fluffy texture.
- Use a sharp cutter: This prevents smushing the biscuits as you cut them, preventing the proper rise.
- Place biscuits close together: This helps the biscuits rise tall.
The Best Biscuit Recipe FAQ
Why did my biscuits turn out flat or hard?
This can happen if the dough is overworked or the ingredients are not cold enough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can mix the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months until you are ready to use it.
How do I get tall, fluffy biscuits every time?
Use more liquid, you want the dough to be fully hydrated to achieve the fluffy texture. You also must use a sharp cutter and place the biscuits close together to gett them to rise tall.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover biscuits?
I pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to reheat them.
Can I add cheese, herbs, or other mix-ins to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with mix-ins. Depending on what you add, you may need to adjust the baking time
Fluffy Biscuit Recipe
These homemade biscuits are soft, fluffy, and buttery, perfect for breakfast or as a side dish for any meal.
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
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a cast-iron skillet or pie plate.
Combine dry ingredients
Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Cut in Butter
Dice butter into cubes. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
Add milk
Pour half the milk to begin, then gradually add more until the mixture comes together. There should be dry pieces for a fluffy texture. If you want a flakier texture, mix until just combined.
Shape
Flour your work surface and roll out the dough. Once rolled out, fold it over itself 3-4 times to create layers. Then roll it to about an inch thick and use a biscuit or cookie cutter to cut out the biscuits.
Bake
Place the biscuits into a prepared cast iron skillet or pie plate, optionally brush with mayo, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Place biscuits close together to help them rise taller
Use sharp cutter to prevent smushing the dough and ruining the texture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 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.
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