Southern Buttermilk Biscuit Recipes

Southern Buttermilk Biscuit Recipes

Recipe Collection5 Recipes
Curated by Updated May 4, 2026
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A warm basket of biscuits or rolls is the centerpiece of any Southern table, serving as a vessel for honey butter, gravy, or fruit preserves. These recipes focus on achieving a tall lift and tender crumb using classic ingredients like buttermilk and cold butter to create those characteristic layers. While traditional biscuits rely on leavening agents for a quick rise, some variations incorporate yeast for a more bread-like texture. Whether you need a 30-minute side for breakfast or a batch of soft dinner rolls for a family gathering, this collection covers the essential techniques for every home baker.

Classic Southern Buttermilk Biscuit Recipes

These options focus on the chemical reaction between acidic buttermilk and leavening agents to produce a quick rise without the need for yeast. You'll find variations ranging from basic three-ingredient versions to sweeter fruit-filled doughs that handle breakfast or brunch with ease.

Homemade Dinner Rolls and Yeast Biscuits

Incorporating yeast into the dough provides a different structural integrity and a more complex fermented flavor. These recipes require more time for rising but reward the effort with a soft, bread-like crumb that is sturdy enough for small sandwiches or soaking up sauces.

Quick Comparison

RecipesBest ForTimeDifficultyTextureRise Time
Easy Homemade Dinner Rollsevening dinner service15 min active / 95 min totalEasyPillowy1 hr
Buttermilk Biscuits in 30 Minutesminimal prep time30 minBeginnerFlakyNo rise
Southern Buttermilk Biscuitstraditional breakfast gravy30 minBeginnerFlakyNo rise
Angel Biscuitsparty sandwiches20 min active / 1 hr 30 min totalBeginnerLight1 hr
Bo Blueberry Biscuitssweet brunch treat35 minBeginnerTenderNo rise

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a biscuit and a dinner roll?

Biscuits typically use chemical leaveners like baking powder and have a flaky, laminated texture, while dinner rolls use yeast for a soft, airy rise.

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

In most cases, you can use a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute, though real buttermilk provides the best tang and rise.

How do I keep my biscuits from becoming flat?

Ensure your leavening agents are fresh and avoid twisting the cutter, which can seal the edges and prevent the dough from expanding upward.

Can these doughs be prepared ahead of time?

Generally, biscuit dough can be cut and frozen before baking, while yeast-based roll dough is best baked after its final rise.

Why do some recipes use both yeast and buttermilk?

This hybrid method, often used in Angel Biscuits, combines the tangy flavor of buttermilk with the reliable, airy lift of yeast.

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