How to Make Southern Biscuits

Nothing says hospitality on a plate more than Southern biscuits. These light, flaky breads are a staple at any true southern breakfast, or any meal for that matter. Whether having them with a piece of sausage or ham inside, slathering it with butter or just using it to sop gravy, making southern biscuits can become a staple in any recipe collection.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups flour
• ¾ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. baking soda
• 4 tsps. baking powder
• 2 tbsps. shortening
• 2 tbsps. butter
• 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions

1. Combine all dry ingredients-2 cups of flour, ¾ tbsp. of salt, ½ tsp. baking soda and 4 teaspoons of baking powder-in a bowl.

2. Incorporate 2 tbsps. of butter and 2 tbsps. of vegetable shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Make an indention in the middle of the mixture and add in 1 cup of buttermilk. Stir until just blended.

4. Place dough on a floured surface, also scattering flour on the top of the dough. Turn the dough by folding it on itself several times. This will give the biscuit a flaky, layered appearance. Roll out to about 1 inch with a floured rolling pin.

5. Cut out biscuits with a biscuit cutter and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. The biscuits can slightly touch on the baking sheet. Re-roll remaining dough and continue cutting biscuits until no dough remains.

6. Bake biscuits in a pre-heated 450 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly golden. Serve warm.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace butter and shortening with lard for an authentic, old-fashioned southern biscuit.

• The less the dough is worked, the more tender the biscuits will be.

• Use a Kitchen Aid mixer for easier mixing.

Resources

• Get all sorts of recipes at the Food Network's website.
• Food and Wine magazine online shares their recipes here.