Fluffy Alabama Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe – A Southern Comfort Classic

There’s nothing more comforting than the smell of fresh buttermilk biscuits wafting from the kitchen. These fluffy, golden biscuits are a staple in Alabama’s soul food tradition. With their soft, tender crumb and rich buttery flavor, they’re the perfect accompaniment to just about any meal – or delicious enough to be enjoyed on their own with a dollop of honey or jam. I remember watching my grandmother in her Alabama kitchen, rolling out dough with a smile, teaching me the secret to perfect biscuits: cold butter, gentle hands, and a whole lot of love.

Photo byNick Davies

If you’ve never tried making homemade buttermilk biscuits before, you’re in for a treat! Not only are they quick and simple, but they’re also incredibly versatile. They make an excellent side dish for fried chicken, sausage gravy, or your favorite Sunday roast. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these biscuits are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

A Taste of Alabama History

Buttermilk biscuits have a rich history in the South, particularly in Alabama where they’ve long been a comfort food tradition. Before the advent of leavening agents like baking powder, biscuits were often tough and flat. But once the fluffy version came about, they became a Southern kitchen essential. Alabama’s culinary traditions are deeply rooted in simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary, and biscuits are no exception. These humble, yet indulgent, treats tell a story of warmth, comfort, and family gatherings around the table.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¾ cup cold buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Incorporate the butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Make sure to leave some pea-sized chunks of butter intact – this will help create flaky layers.
4. Add the buttermilk: Gradually stir in the buttermilk, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will result in tough biscuits.
5. Roll out the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat or roll the dough out to about ¾-inch thickness.
6. Cut the biscuits: Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out biscuits, making sure not to twist the cutter, as this will seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake: Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
8. Serve: Brush with more melted butter once out of the oven, if desired. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite preserves.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Biscuits

• Cold butter is key: To achieve a light, flaky texture, ensure that your butter is as cold as possible when you incorporate it into the flour. Some people even freeze the butter beforehand and grate it into the dry ingredients.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Gentle handling is essential for tender biscuits. Overkneading will make them dense.
• Brush with butter for extra flavor: Adding melted butter on top before and after baking gives the biscuits a beautiful golden color and rich flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Buttermilk biscuits are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• With sausage gravy: A classic Southern pairing.
• As a breakfast sandwich: Add eggs, cheese, and bacon for a filling morning treat.
• With fried chicken: A perfect side to crispy, juicy chicken.
• Sweet variation: Serve with honey butter, jams, or even a drizzle of syrup for a deliciously sweet option.

A True Alabama Comfort Food

Whether you’re new to Southern cooking or a seasoned home chef, these Alabama buttermilk biscuits are a must-try. With their light, flaky layers and buttery flavor, they’ll become a go-to in your kitchen. I promise that once you taste these biscuits, you’ll be baking them again and again.

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