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–+ servings
Kentucky Biscuits
Kentucky Biscuits are a classic Southern-style quick bread known for their tender crumb and golden, flaky layers. This simple, no-frills recipe reflects the practicality of mid-century American kitchens, relying on staple ingredients like flour, baking powder, milk, and lard or shortening. What makes these biscuits unique is the perfect balance of sweetness and salt, allowing them to pair equally well with savory gravy or sweet preserves. Often served at breakfast or supper tables across the South, their pillowy texture and buttery flavor make them a beloved comfort food that stands the test of time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 8 biscuits
Calories 178 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup milk
  • ⅓ cup soft lard ( or shortening)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

Step 3: Cut in Fat

  • Add the soft lard or shortening. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Add Milk

  • Pour in the milk and stir just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Shape Biscuits

  • Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat or roll to about ¾-inch thickness. Cut with a biscuit cutter or floured glass.

Step 6: Bake

  • Place biscuits on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until tops are golden brown.

Step 7: Serve

  • Serve warm with butter, jam, or gravy.

Tips

  • Use cold lard or shortening for the flakiest texture.
  • Substitute buttermilk for a richer biscuit with a slight tang.
  • Add 2 to 3 tbsp grated cold butter for extra layers.
  • Mix dough gently; overmixing makes tough biscuits.
  • For sweeter biscuits, increase sugar to 2 tablespoons.
  • Brush tops with melted butter before and after baking.
  • Add herbs like chives or parsley for a savory variation.
  • Use a cast iron skillet for crisp, golden bottoms.
  • Fold dough once or twice (“laminating”) to create flaky layers.

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 209mgPotassium: 57mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 26IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 111mgIron: 1mg
Keyword biscuits, classic recipes, comfort food, homemade bread, quick bread, southern baking, vintage recipe
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