Homemade Biscuits the Old-Fashioned Way

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Biscuits are essential in our home. Not only are they the perfect side with a comfort dish like roast, potatoes, and carrots, but my husband has fond memories of his grandma’s biscuits growing up. So after playing around with some different ingredients and ratios, I’ve come up with the perfect old-fashioned homemade biscuits recipe and they’ve been approved as tasting like Grandma’s!

I know from scratch recipes can be intimidating, but don’t worry, if I can make these biscuits you can too! And trust me, it’s worth the little extra effort to have these homemade biscuits rather than canned biscuits from the store. It’s a healthier option and the delightful flavor will keep you from ever buying store bought biscuits again! Just a few simple ingredients mixed up with some love and these are sure to become a staple in your house from now on too!

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Why You’ll Love These Homemade Biscuits

• The ingredients are few and simple! Making this a quick recipe to whip up.
• Unlike most homemade biscuit recipes, this recipe doesn’t add in any sugar!
• These homemade biscuits are made with nutritious ingredients that you can feel good about serving to your family!
• Certainly these homemade biscuits will remind you of your grandma’s biscuits!

Kitchen Tools

• Cast Iron Skillet – You don’t have to use a cast iron skillet, but I do think it gives these biscuits that old-fashioned feel and taste. You can also use a stone baking dish or a greased stainless steel baking sheet.
• Pastry Cutter – This makes it easier to cut the lard/butter in.
• Biscuit Cutter – These are easier to cut biscuits than using a cup, because the biscuit won’t suction to it like a cup.

Ingredients for Homemade Biscuits

• All Purpose Flour – This recipe uses all purpose flour rather than self-rising flour. Generally, self-rising flour contains aluminum from the baking powder.
• Baking Powder – I always use baking powder without aluminum. Most of the time it can be found at your local grocery store. This is what gives the rise to the biscuits.
• Salt – This adds flavor to your biscuits.
• Lard or Butter – Using lard gives these biscuits that real old-fashioned taste, but butter works well too. Be sure the lard or butter is cold.
• Milk – This has been used for years in making those good old-fashioned homemade biscuits!
• Butter (optional) – Lastly, you can add additional butter on top of these biscuits to give them a nice golden color.

How to Make Homemade Biscuits the Old-Fashioned Way

1. Preheat – Preheat oven to 425° F.
2. Prepare – Prepare working space with floured surface, biscuit cutter or glass cup. And prep cast iron skillet by greasing with butter.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients – To a large mixing bowl add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
4. Add Lard/Butter – Next, cut in lard or butter into flour mixture with pastry cutter or fork.
5. Add Milk – Add milk and mix until combined.
6. Flatten Dough – On floured surface, turn dough out. Flatten dough out with hands to about 1/2″ thick.
7. Cut Biscuits – Use a biscuit cutter or glass cup to cut biscuits. Do not spin cutter/cup.
8. Transfer Biscuits – Place biscuits in cast iron skillet.
9. Optional – Top with optional butter for browning.
10. Bake – Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Serve – Lastly, serve with your favorite toppings, serve with supper, or even make your own bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches.

Biscuit Toppings

• Butter – Butter on top of a freshly made biscuit is one of the best breakfast or snack options.
• Syrup – I know not everyone does this, but my mom always ate her biscuits with butter and syrup like a pancake. Don’t knock it until you try it!
• Honey – I love adding this on top of a fresh buttered biscuit, gives it just a hint of sweet.
• Jelly/Jam – There are tons of options for yummy jams and jellies to top your biscuits. Try out this Easy Homemade Berry Jam without Pectin.
• Eggs – Toss some scrambled eggs and cheese on your homemade biscuit for a quick, filling breakfast option.
• Biscuits and Gravy – Another old-fashioned breakfast idea that is loved by all!
• Bacon/Sausage – Additionally, you can make your own bacon or sausage, egg, and cheese at home!

Tips for Perfect Homemade Biscuits

• Using a cast iron skillet yields the best results.
• Be sure to use cold lard/butter.
• Do not use a rolling pin for the dough, just flatten the dough out with your hands.
• Do not spin the cutter or cup when cutting the biscuits. This keeps the biscuits from being fluffy.
• Topping with the butter makes for beautiful golden brown coloring.
• Using lard rather than butter will give the old-fashioned taste to these biscuits! It’s what grandma used!

How to Store

Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days.

How to Reheat

Microwave – Transfer biscuit(s) to a microwave safe plate, use a damp paper towel on top and warm in 15 second intervals until desired temperature.

Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F and warm them for about 10 minutes until desired temperature.

FAQS

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Serve these homemade biscuits with Instant Pot Smashed Potatoes and your favorite meat dish! And don’t forget about dessert with this Classic Sugar Cookie (no chill) recipe.