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
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
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
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
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
Brief Chill (Optional)
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to keep the dough cold.
Time: PT5M
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
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
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
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
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
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)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread Flour (for a chewier texture)
- Instead of Baking Powder: Cream of Tartar + Baking Soda
- Instead of Baking Soda: None (essential for rise)
- Instead of Sea Salt: Kosher Salt
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (reduce by half)
- Instead of Butter‑Flavored Shortening: All‑Butter (will be richer)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine (use unsalted)
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk + lemon juice
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Melted butter, Milk
- Instead of Unsalted Butter (for finishing): Margarine
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry Cutter or Fork
- Box Grater
- Rolling Pin (optional)
- Biscuit Cutter (or cup)
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Pastry Brush
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use ice‑water instead of regular cold water if you need extra chill.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs to the dry mix.
- If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, a clean glass rim works perfectly.
Troubleshooting
Biscuits are dense and heavy.
Do not over‑mix; ensure the butter and shortening stay cold. Add a splash more cold buttermilk if the dough is too dry.
Biscuits spread out instead of rising.
Make sure the dough is chilled before cutting and keep the biscuits touching on the sheet so they support each other while rising.
Top crust is pale.
Brush with mayonnaise (or melted butter) before baking and rotate the pan halfway through the bake.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in oven.
Freezer: Freeze baked biscuits in a single layer, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Room temperature: Best eaten same day; can sit uncovered for up to 1 day.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Shape and freeze unbaked biscuits on a tray; transfer to a bag and bake from frozen, adding 2‑3 extra minutes.
- Baked biscuits can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of buttermilk biscuits in Southern American cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of Southern buttermilk biscuits across the United States?
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.
How is the authentic traditional way to serve buttermilk biscuits in the Southern United States?
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.
What occasions or celebrations are buttermilk biscuits traditionally associated with in Southern culture?
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.
What makes this buttermilk biscuit recipe special or unique in Southern cuisine?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the best buttermilk biscuits from Divas Can Cook?
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.
Why does this biscuit recipe use mayonnaise instead of butter for the top brush?
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.
Can I make these buttermilk biscuits ahead of time and how should I store them?
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.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the biscuits are done?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Divas Can Cook specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Divas Can Cook's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
