Cook Southern Biscuits with Alton Brown
Cook Southern Biscuits with Alton Brown is a medium American (Southern) recipe that serves 8. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Network on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 52 min
Cost: $1.73 total, $0.22 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 4 teaspoons Baking Powder (double‑acting)
- 0.25 teaspoons Baking Soda (fine powder)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (or regular fine salt)
- 1 ounce Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into small cubes)
- 2 ounces Vegetable Shortening (cold, cut into small pieces)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (cold)
Instructions
Measure Dry Ingredients
Weigh 2 cups (≈10 oz) of all‑purpose flour on a digital scale, then add 4 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp kosher salt to the bowl.
Time: PT5M
Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together until evenly distributed.
Time: PT2M
Cut in Butter and Shortening
Add the softened 1 oz butter and 2 oz cold shortening to the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Time: PT3M
Add Buttermilk
Pour 1 cup cold buttermilk over the crumb mixture and stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined; the dough will be slightly sticky.
Time: PT3M
Rest the Dough
Let the dough sit in the bowl for 2 minutes to hydrate the flour fully.
Time: PT2M
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Roll and Cut Biscuits
Lightly flour a clean surface, turn the dough out, and pat it to about ½‑inch thickness. Using a 2‑inch biscuit cutter, cut biscuits and place them shoulder‑to‑shoulder on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.
Time: PT5M
Bake
Place the sheet in the middle rack and bake for 12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 400°F
Cool Slightly
Remove biscuits from the oven, let them rest on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Soy (in shortening)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread Flour, Whole Wheat Flour (will be denser)
- Instead of Baking Powder: Cream of Tartar + Baking Soda
- Instead of Baking Soda: None (use extra baking powder)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea Salt
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Vegetable Shortening: Coconut Oil (solid)
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk + 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar
Equipment Needed
- Digital Kitchen Scale
- Mixing Bowl
- Pastry Cutter or Fork
- Rubber Spatula
- Rolling Pin (optional) (optional)
- Biscuit Cutter (2‑inch)
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Measuring flour by weight for accuracy
- Keeping butter and shortening cold while cutting in
- Mixing just until combined to avoid tough biscuits
- Placing biscuits shoulder‑to‑shoulder for optimal rise
- Baking at a high temperature (400°F) for a golden crust
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, fold in 1‑2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (like chives) into the dough before cutting.
- Brush the tops with melted butter right after baking for a richer crust.
Troubleshooting
Biscuits are dense and heavy
Do not over‑mix the dough; keep the butter and shortening cold; bake at a full 400°F.
Biscuits spread too much and lose height
Make sure the dough is not too wet; add a tablespoon more flour if necessary and cut biscuits quickly.
Biscuits are pale and under‑cooked
Increase bake time by 2‑3 minutes or verify oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze baked biscuits in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag; last 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Room temperature: Best eaten same day; can sit uncovered for up to 4 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The unbaked dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, covered tightly.
- Baked biscuits freeze well; reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Southern buttermilk biscuits in American cuisine?
Buttermilk biscuits have been a staple of Southern hospitality since the 19th century, originally made with simple pantry staples like flour, butter, and cultured dairy. They symbolize comfort and are traditionally served with gravy, honey, or jam at family gatherings and church breakfasts.
What are the traditional regional variations of biscuits within the Southern United States?
In the Deep South, biscuits often include a higher ratio of shortening for extra tenderness, while in the Appalachian region they may be made with cornmeal or a mix of whole‑wheat flour. Some coastal versions add a splash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
How are classic Southern biscuits traditionally served in the South?
They are typically served warm, split open, and slathered with butter, honey, or country gravy. In many Southern homes they accompany fried chicken, eggs, or are enjoyed as a standalone snack with a cup of coffee.
On what occasions are biscuits traditionally associated in Southern culture?
Biscuits appear at Sunday brunches, holiday breakfasts (especially Thanksgiving), church potlucks, and as a comforting side for dinner meals like fried catfish or barbecue.
How does the biscuit fit into the broader Southern cuisine tradition?
Biscuits are part of the “soul food” foundation, representing the resourceful use of simple ingredients to create a comforting, versatile bread that pairs with both sweet and savory dishes across the South.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Southern biscuits versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional biscuits use soft wheat flour, cold butter, solid shortening, and cultured buttermilk. Acceptable substitutes include using all‑purpose flour instead of soft wheat, margarine for butter, or milk with lemon juice in place of buttermilk, though texture may vary slightly.
What other Southern dishes pair well with these buttermilk biscuits?
Serve them alongside chicken and dumplings, shrimp and grits, collard greens, or a hearty sausage gravy for a classic Southern breakfast plate.
What makes these buttermilk biscuits special compared to other American biscuits?
The combination of both baking powder and a pinch of baking soda leverages the acidity of buttermilk for extra lift, while the butter‑shortening blend creates a tender, flaky crumb that is lighter than biscuits made with only one fat source.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Southern buttermilk biscuits?
Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, using warm butter or shortening, not cutting the biscuits shoulder‑to‑shoulder, and baking at a temperature lower than 400°F, all of which can lead to dense or flat biscuits.
Why does this biscuit recipe use both baking powder and a small amount of baking soda?
Baking powder provides a balanced leavening action, while the tiny amount of baking soda reacts with the acidity in the buttermilk to give an extra boost of rise and a subtle flavor complexity.
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes—unbaked biscuits can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, covered tightly, or frozen on a baking sheet and later transferred to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time.
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 remains light, airy, and flaky. A gentle tap should produce a hollow sound.
What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?
The YouTube channel Food Network specializes in a wide range of cooking shows, recipe demonstrations, and culinary competitions, featuring professional chefs and home cooks sharing techniques across many cuisines.
How does the YouTube channel Food Network's approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Food Network often pairs traditional Southern recipes with modern twists, high‑production values, and expert commentary, whereas many niche channels focus solely on heritage methods without the same level of visual storytelling.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
