Southern Buttermilk Biscuits (Big Mama’s Recipe!)

There’s nothing quite like old-fashioned buttermilk biscuits straight from the heart of Southern traditions. This cherished recipe, passed down from my dear Big Mama, encapsulates the essence of warm family gatherings and heartfelt memories around the table. These buttermilk biscuits are more than just a dish; they’re a taste of our family’s history. Crafted with love, they promise to be the best buttermilk biscuits you’ve ever had. With their soft, flaky interior, these fluffy buttermilk biscuits are a testament to timeless culinary traditions that never go out of style.

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.  Whenever she used to visit us in Chicago, that’s one of the first things I would ask for, her homemade biscuits.  I can’t think of any other food in my family that has such a rich history.

Thanksgiving, 2012, while in Winona, my husband and I taped a how-to video with Big Mama making her famous biscuits.  We got our entire family, including a special cameo from Big Daddy, involved and ended up having a blast!  She makes it look so easy, but the truth is I am still trying to master them, even 10 years later.  I think the video will not only help all of you, but it still helps me today. So, if you want to give these buttery and delicious biscuits a try, scroll down to the recipe and watch the video!

P.S.: I can’t tell you how special the experience of making this video with my family was. It was a moment I will never forget or take for granted. If there are any family recipes or historical information you want to know about the elders in your family, I suggest you sit down and record it or write it down. We take their stories, knowledge, and wisdom for granted sometimes, and an experience like this is worth a lifetime!

Why you’ll love these homemade buttermilk biscuits

• Family Tradition: The recipe we have here is a classic that Big Mama swore by, and let me tell you -when it comes to biscuits, Big Mama knows best! They carry the heartwarming essence of a cherished family tradition.
• Versatile: Whether you’re enjoying them with jam and butter at breakfast, making a biscuit sandwich for lunch, or pairing them with a hearty dinner, these buttermilk biscuits are perfect for any time of day.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can whip up these easy buttermilk biscuits in a jiffy. No need for any fancy kitchen gadgets or hard-to-find elements.
• Extra Fluffy: With the perfect balance of shortening and buttermilk, these biscuits achieve a heavenly fluffiness that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients to make old-fashioned buttermilk biscuits

• Self-rising flour (Big Mama’s brand of choice is Martha White): Self-rising flour is a must-have for biscuit perfection. It already contains the right amount of leavening agents, so you don’t need to worry about adding baking powder.
• Shortening: This trusty ingredient is what gives Big Mama’s buttermilk biscuits their irresistible tender, and fluffy center. It’s a solid fat, typically made from vegetable oil, that creates those delicate layers in the dough as it bakes.
• Granulated sugar: Don’t worry, these biscuits won’t turn out sweet. The granulated sugar is just there to add a touch of subtle flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Salt: This will help to balance the sweetness from the sugar.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk not only lends its signature flavor but also works its magic with the leavening agents in the self-rising flour, helping the biscuits rise to new heights.
• Melted butter: Brushing melted butter on top of the homemade buttermilk biscuits adds an irresistible richness and glossy sheen that’ll leave everyone craving more.

How to make fluffy buttermilk biscuits

1. Add the buttermilk to the bowl with the shortening and flour mixture.
2. Next, use your hands to bring together the buttermilk and flour mixture. This will be a shaggy dough somewhat.
3. Turn the buttermilk biscuit dough onto a kitchen board. Work together with your hands on the board until a dough consistency forms. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough to preferred thickness. Cut biscuit dough into circles using a round cutter or the back of a can.
4. Place cut biscuits onto a greased baking pan and bake.

Tips for making the best buttermilk biscuits

1. Don’t Overmix: When combining the buttermilk with the flour, be gentle and mix only until everything comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits, and you want them to be as soft as a cloud.
2. Rolling Matters: Aim for a uniform thickness when rolling out your dough to ensure even baking. Whether you like them thick or thin, consistency is key.
3. Sharp Edges: Use a sharp biscuit cutter to ensure clean cuts. This helps the biscuits rise uniformly. You don’t want to twist the cutter or can in the dough. Twisting can seal the edges of the dough together and keep the biscuits from rising.
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.

Popular substitutions & additions

• Butter: Want to add an even richer, buttery flavor to your biscuits? Swap out the shortening with an equal amount of cold unsalted butter.
• DIY Buttermilk: No buttermilk on hand? No worries! 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, and voilà! You’ve got a tangy buttermilk substitute.
• Cheddar Cheese and Chives: Add a savory kick to your homemade buttermilk biscuits by mixing in shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped chives into the dough.
• Berries: Take your biscuits to the next level by adding a burst of fruity goodness! Gently fold in fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries into the dough.
• Honey Butter: Upgrade your buttery topping with some honey! Mix together softened butter with a drizzle of honey to create a luscious honey butter spread, and slather it on your warm biscuits.

What to serve with your Southern buttermilk biscuits

• Add an extra dose of Southern charm to your meal by serving your biscuits with a side of perfectly seasoned and simmered Black Eyed Peas, Collard Greens, and Chicken Fried Steak.
• Smother your biscuits in rich, flavorful Giblet Gravy and serve alongside Dressing, Mustard Greens and Fried Turkey!
• Combine the heavenly fluffiness of the biscuits with the ooey-gooey goodness of Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese!
• Last but certainly not least, crispy, golden Buttermilk Fried Chicken alongside some Buttermilk Biscuits is a classic match made for the ages. Try it if you haven’t already!

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. Properly stored, these gems can stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature.

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?

To keep the buttermilk biscuits fresh and tasty, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they will stay delicious for up to 5-6 days.

Can I freeze buttermilk biscuits?

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I make the biscuit dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing the biscuit dough in advance can be a time-saver. After forming the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, then refrigerate. Just remember to bring the dough back to room temperature before rolling it out and baking for the best results.

Do I have to use buttermilk?

While buttermilk is the traditional choice for making these Buttermilk Biscuits, you can use a simple homemade buttermilk substitute if you don’t have it on hand. Just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice, let it sit for a few minutes, and you’ll have a tangy buttermilk alternative ready to go!

Can I make these biscuits without shortening?

Yes! If you prefer to avoid shortening or don’t have it on hand, you can swap it out with an equal amount of cold, cubed butter. The biscuits will turn out just as flaky and delightful with that buttery goodness.

Thanks to Big Mama’s recipe, we’ve unlocked the secrets to creating homemade Buttermilk Biscuits easy that are tender, fluffy, and simply irresistible! With each bite, you’ll experience the love and warmth passed down through generations, just like the cherished family traditions of Big Mama. These biscuits are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing food made with care and affection.

More Biscuits Recipes

• Big Mama’s Biscuits Turned Up- Herb Cheese Biscuits
• Angel Biscuits
• Sour Cream 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)!!