How To Make Grandma Barb's Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

How To Make Grandma Barb's Southern Buttermilk Biscuits is a easy American Southern recipe that serves 4. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Divas Can Cook on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 14 min | Total: 59 min

Cost: $6.65 total, $1.66 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted and leveled)
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder (double‑acting)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda (ensure it’s fresh)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt (coarse, for flavor balance)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (balances saltiness)
  • 2 tablespoons Butter‑Flavored Shortening (cold, cut into fine crumbs)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cold, grated)
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (cold, can substitute with milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise (for brushing tops before baking)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for finishing) (melted, brushed after baking)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    Sift 2 cups of all‑purpose flour into a mixing bowl, then add 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp sea salt, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Whisk until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cut in Shortening

    Add 2 tbsp cold butter‑flavored shortening to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter (or two forks) to cut the shortening into fine crumbs resembling coarse sand.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Incorporate Butter

    Grate 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter directly into the bowl and stir gently until the butter pieces are coated with flour.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Add Buttermilk

    Pour 1 cup cold buttermilk over the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon just until the dough comes together; it will look shaggy and slightly sticky.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Brief Chill (Optional)

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to keep the dough cold.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Turn Out and Knead Lightly

    Flour a clean work surface, dump the dough onto it, and gently knead 5–6 times until the dough is manageable but still soft and slightly sticky.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Create Layers by Folding

    Fold the dough over itself 3–4 times, turning it a quarter turn each fold. This creates layers for a fluffy biscuit.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Roll and Cut Biscuits

    Pat the dough to about ½‑inch thickness. Using a cup or biscuit cutter, press straight down (no twisting) to cut biscuits. Re‑roll scraps and repeat.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Brush Tops with Mayonnaise

    Arrange the cut biscuits on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, touching each other. Brush the tops lightly with 1 tbsp mayonnaise for a golden crust.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Bake

    Place the sheet in a pre‑heated oven and bake at 425°F for 14 minutes, or until the tops are deep golden brown.

    Time: PT14M

    Temperature: 425°F

  11. Finish with Butter

    Remove biscuits, brush immediately with melted butter for extra richness.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
180
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
22 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg (mayonnaise)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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How To Make Grandma Barb's Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Recipe by Divas Can Cook

These fluffy, old‑school buttermilk biscuits are the exact recipe handed down from a grandmother’s kitchen. Using a mix of butter‑flavored shortening, cold unsalted butter, and a surprise brush of mayonnaise, the biscuits rise high, stay buttery, and have a golden crust that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any comfort‑food moment.

EasyAmerican SouthernServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
38m
Prep
14m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 2m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.65
Total cost
$1.66
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Keep all fat (shortening and butter) and the buttermilk cold throughout mixing.
  • Do not over‑mix the dough; stop when it just comes together.
  • Cut biscuits straight down without twisting to maintain height.
  • Brush tops with mayonnaise before baking for a golden crust.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and baking sheet with oven mitts.
  • Melted butter after baking is very hot; brush carefully to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of buttermilk biscuits in Southern American cuisine?

A

Buttermilk biscuits have been a staple of Southern hospitality since the 19th century, originally made with simple pantry ingredients and the acidic buttermilk that helped leaven the dough before modern baking powder existed. They symbolize comfort, home‑cooked warmth, and are often served with gravy, jam, or butter at family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Southern buttermilk biscuits across the United States?

A

In the Deep South, biscuits are often made with all‑butter dough and a higher ratio of flour to liquid, yielding a richer crumb. In the Midwest, some cooks add a touch of cream or use a biscuit cutter for a more uniform shape. Coastal versions may include cornmeal for a slightly gritty texture.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve buttermilk biscuits in the Southern United States?

A

Traditionally, biscuits are served hot from the oven, split open, and slathered with generous pats of butter or honey. They also accompany fried chicken, sausage gravy, or are used as a base for breakfast sandwiches.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are buttermilk biscuits traditionally associated with in Southern culture?

A

Biscuits appear at Sunday brunches, holiday breakfasts (especially Thanksgiving and Christmas), church potlucks, and family reunions, where they are often paired with country ham or gravy.

cultural
Q

What makes this buttermilk biscuit recipe special or unique in Southern cuisine?

A

The addition of a thin brush of mayonnaise before baking creates an unusually glossy, golden crust while keeping the interior ultra‑fluffy. The combination of butter‑flavored shortening and cold grated butter also yields a tender, layered texture that many home cooks love.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the best buttermilk biscuits from Divas Can Cook?

A

Common errors include letting the butter melt during mixing, over‑mixing the dough, and twisting the cutter which flattens the biscuits. Keep all fats cold, mix just until combined, and press the cutter straight down.

technical
Q

Why does this biscuit recipe use mayonnaise instead of butter for the top brush?

A

Mayonnaise contains both oil and egg yolk, which together create a glossy, evenly browned surface without burning. It also adds a subtle tang that enhances the biscuit’s flavor, while still delivering the richness of butter.

technical
Q

Can I make these buttermilk biscuits ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Shape the biscuits, place them on a tray, and freeze them raw. When ready, bake from frozen, adding 2‑3 minutes to the bake time. Baked biscuits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the oven.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the biscuits are done?

A

The tops should be a deep golden brown with a slightly crisp edge, while the interior should be light, airy, and fluffy with visible layers. When tapped, the bottom should sound hollow.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Divas Can Cook specialize in?

A

Divas Can Cook focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort food with modern twists, often sharing handed‑down family secrets and practical kitchen hacks for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Divas Can Cook's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?

A

Divas Can Cook emphasizes simplicity and speed, using everyday pantry items and clever shortcuts—like the mayonnaise brush—while still honoring traditional flavors, whereas many other channels may stick strictly to classic techniques without modern adaptations.

channel

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