Golden Buttermilk Biscuits are a staple in any home cook's repertoire. These buttery, flaky treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side with dinner. Let's dive into how you can make them effortlessly at home.
The foundation of these biscuits is all-purpose flour, which gives structure to the dough. Baking powder and baking soda are your rising agents, creating the light, airy texture we all love. A pinch of salt enhances the flavor, balancing the richness. The star of the show, butter, is used chilled to create those delightful flaky layers. Finally, buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and tender crumb.
These biscuits are delightful with a smear of honey butter or a dollop of your favorite jam. For a savory twist, try them with sausage gravy or as a side with a hearty stew. They also make an excellent base for breakfast sandwiches with eggs and bacon.
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your rising agents are evenly distributed, so your biscuits rise uniformly.
Add the chilled butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is where the magic happens, creating those layers we're aiming for. Think of this as gently massaging the butter into the flour.
Next, pour in the cold buttermilk and stir until just combined. The keyword here is 'just'—over-mixing can lead to tough biscuits. The dough will be sticky, which is exactly what you want.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Then, pat or roll the dough to about a 1/2-inch thickness. Using a 2-inch round cutter, cut out your biscuits. Try to keep your cuts neat to ensure even baking.
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each to allow for spreading. Bake them for 12-15 minutes or until they reach a lovely golden brown. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy watching them disappear off the plate!
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