Vintage Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A recreation of 1920s Southern homestyle biscuits, using heirloom flour and true buttermilk for tender, flaky layers that melt on the tongue. This Southern American-inspired recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, combines all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Southern American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1 tsp kosher salt in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: Cut 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter into 1/2-inch cubes, then work into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter bits—do not overmix.
  3. Step 3: Add 3/4 cup cold buttermilk and gently fold with a spatula until just combined; dough should hold together when pressed but not be wet.
  4. Step 4: Turn dough onto a floured surface, pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle, and cut into 6 equal squares with a floured knife. Place 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
  5. Step 5: Bake 18-20 minutes until golden brown on edges and puffed, rotating the pan halfway through until deep golden and crusty.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vintage Southern Buttermilk Biscuits take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Vintage Southern Buttermilk Biscuits?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vintage Southern Buttermilk Biscuits?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Vintage Southern Buttermilk Biscuits for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Vintage Southern Buttermilk Biscuits?

Southern American breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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