Southern Buttermilk Biscuits (Big Mama’s Recipe!)

They’re Lovin’ It! Here’s what They’re Sayin’:

“This biscuit recipe is the best recipe I have ever tried! Makes the best biscuits! I will definitely be making this recipe again!”

—ANN

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The Lowdown of These Buttermilk Biscuits

My Big Mama’s Southern-style buttermilk biscuits have always been a staple in my life.  Every visit to Winona, Mississippi was complete with biscuits made from scratch for breakfasts every morning.  I can’t think of any other food in my family that has such a rich history.

Big mama made it look so easy, but the truth is I am still trying to master them. This buttermilk biscuits recipe is about as close to hers as it gets, and it couldn’t be easier.

Ingredients to make an old-fashioned buttermilk biscuits recipe

• Self-rising flour (Big Mama’s brand of choice is Martha White): Big mama only used Martha White and White Lily. This flour already contains the right amount of leavening agents, so you don’t need to worry about adding anything extra.
• Shortening: This gives Big Mama’s biscuits their tender and fluffy center because of its fatty oil base. You can also swap out the shortening with an equal amount of cold unsalted butter. I recommend using a grater if you go this route.
• Granulated sugar: Just a little enhances subtle flavor.
• Salt: This will help to balance the sweetness from the sugar.
• Buttermilk: It gives that signature tangy flavor and adds moisture while helping the biscuits to rise.
• Melted butter: Big mama brushed right on top for richness and a glossy sheen.

How to make fluffy buttermilk biscuits

Step 1: Make the Biscuit Dough

1

In a large bowl, add flour, sugar, and salt and stir to combine.

2

Create a well in the center of the flour then add shortening to the center.

3

Using your hands, add cold shortening into the middle of the flour mixture and start mixing into the flour, keeping in larger pieces, about the size of a nickel.

4

Pour in cold buttermilk and use a fork to mix until you have a shaggy dough. Do not overmix.

5

Flour your hands and turn dough onto lightly floured surface (it’s okay to have small unmixed flour at the bottom of the bowl) and gently bring dough together until more cohesive.

Step 2: Roll and Bake Up

6

Turn the biscuit mixture onto a kitchen board. Work together with your hands on the board until a dough consistency forms and add flour as/if needed.

7

Using a floured rolling pin, roll dough into a round of 1/2- 1 inch thickness. (You should see streaks of shortening peeking through the dough.) If dough sticks as you roll it out, add a little flour to your dough and/or board.

8

Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter (or a cleaned out back of a can) to cut out 12 biscuits. Place in prepared pan. The biscuits will fit snugly and the sides will touch.

9

Bake until biscuits have risen and are light golden brown, about 15-18 minutes then brush biscuits with melted butter.

Tips for making the best buttermilk biscuits

1. Don’t Overmix: Just be gentle and mix only until everything comes together so your biscuits don’t end up tough.
2. Rolling Matters: Make sure you uniformly roll out the dough so the biscuits are all the same size and bake evenly.
3. Sharp Edges: Use a sharp biscuit cutter or a clean round cutter so the biscuits rise uniformly. Also make sure you don’t twist as you cut as it can seal the edges preventing them from rising when baking.
4. Biscuit Placement: For biscuits with softer edges, place them touching each other on the baking sheet. If you prefer crispy edges, space them apart.

Recipe substitutions & additions

• DIY Buttermilk: Make your own DIY version by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly before using.
• Add cheese: You can toss a cup of shredded cheese into your biscuit dough for a nice flavor profile change.
• Berries: Gently fold in fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries into the dough for a fruity twist.

What to serve with your Southern buttermilk biscuits

• With Jam or Preserves: Smear your biscuits with strawberry preserves for classic enjoyment.
• Easy Southern Breakfast: Get these biscuits on the table with grits, candied bacon, and hash browns.
• Sunday Supper: Serve your biscuits with a side of perfectly seasoned and simmered Black Eyed Peas, Southern mac and cheese, Collard Greens, and Chicken Fried Steak.

The Top Gravies to serve your biscuits with

Sawmill gravy has that delish creamy texture that’s perfect with these biscuits.

Brown gravy is the OG, and is pretty easy to pull together just like these biscuits.

Chicken gravy is wonderful to serve along with these biscuits and som baked chicken.

Red eye gravy uses ham drippings, coffee and butter to make a flavorful gravy.

How to store & reheat buttermilk biscuits

Once the biscuits have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. You can leave them at room temp for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply pop the biscuits in the microwave for a few seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. But if you want to keep it fluffy and soft I suggest preheating your oven to 300°F and let the biscuits gently reheat for a few minutes.

How long will buttermilk biscuits last in the fridge?

They will stay delicious for up to 5-6 days.

Can I freeze buttermilk biscuits?

Yep for sure boos! Just transfer your cooled biscuits into an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag, and pop them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 3 whole months!

Frequently asked questions

Big mama’s buttermilk biscuits are so easy to make yet tender and so fluffy! With each bite, you’ll experience the love and warmth passed down through generations, just like the cherished family traditions of Big Mama.

More Biscuits Recipes

• Big Mama’s Biscuits Turned Up- Herb Cheese Biscuits
• Angel Biscuits
• Sour Cream Biscuits
• Cathead Biscuits
• Homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Garlic Cheddar Biscuits)
• 7 Up Biscuits (With How To Video!)

*Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating and leave comments below!* Post a photo of how your version of the recipe came out on Instagram (using #grandbabycakes)!!

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