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–+ servings
Raised biscuits
These Raised Biscuits are a soft, airy twist on traditional Southern biscuits, blending the best of both biscuit and bread-making techniques. Incorporating yeast along with standard leaveners like baking soda and powder, the recipe creates a delightfully fluffy texture and a lightly tangy flavor thanks to the buttermilk. Loved for their versatility and ability to pair well with both sweet and savory dishes, these biscuits make a perfect addition to any breakfast table or comforting dinner spread.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 16 biscuits
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup shortening (or lard)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 3 tbsp sugar

Instructions
 

Step 1: Activate Yeast

  • Dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water. Let sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

Step 3: Cut in Shortening

  • Cut shortening into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Stir in the yeast mixture and buttermilk. Mix until dough forms.

Step 5: Knead and Let Rise

  • Knead briefly on a floured surface. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 40 minutes.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

  • Roll out dough on floured board. Cut into biscuits. Bake at 400°F for approximately 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips

  • Use cold shortening for a flakier texture.
  • Substitute half the shortening with butter for richer flavor.
  • Brush tops with melted butter after baking.
  • Add ½ cup shredded cheese for savory biscuits.
  • Swap buttermilk for whole milk + 1 tbsp vinegar if needed.
  • Let dough rise slightly longer for an airier biscuit.
  • Cut dough thicker for tall biscuits; thinner for crispier ones.
  • Bake in a cast iron skillet for a rustic crust.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg for an old-fashioned flavor twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 50IUCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.8mg
Keyword baking from scratch, bread, buttermilk, comfort food, famile recipe, heirloom recipe, raised biscuits, southern biscuits, vintage
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