Most Popular Southern Biscuits in the US - A Guide to Southern Favorites

1. What Are Southern Biscuits?

Southern biscuits are a beloved staple in the culinary world, particularly in the American South. Unlike flaky scones or dense bread rolls, southern biscuits are light, flaky, and buttery, often served alongside a variety of dishes like fried chicken, gravy, or jam. They are made using simple ingredients—flour, butter, milk or buttermilk, and a leavening agent such as baking powder or soda.

Biscuits are an essential part of Southern meals, often accompanying breakfast or served as a side dish for lunch or dinner. While they may seem like a simple food, crafting the perfect southern biscuit involves a balance of technique and the right ingredients.

2. The History of Southern Biscuits

The history of southern biscuits dates back to the early settlers in the American South. Early versions of biscuits were made with cornmeal and water, but over time, recipes evolved to include wheat flour, milk, and butter. The addition of butter created a much richer, flakier texture that became synonymous with southern biscuits.

Biscuits played a significant role during the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate soldiers relying on them as a staple for their diets. Over the years, biscuits became more than just a practical food; they became a cultural symbol of Southern hospitality and home-cooked comfort.

3. Most Popular Southern Biscuit Varieties

There are many different types of southern biscuits, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties include:

1. Buttermilk Biscuits: The classic southern biscuit, buttermilk biscuits are made using tangy buttermilk, which gives them a light, tender texture. They are often flaky and rich, with a slight tanginess that complements savory dishes like sausage gravy.
2. Cheddar Biscuits: Cheddar biscuits are a savory variety that incorporates sharp cheddar cheese into the dough. These biscuits are perfect for serving alongside chili, soups, or a simple salad. The cheese adds richness and flavor, making them a fan favorite.
3. Angel Biscuits: A lighter, fluffier version of the traditional biscuit, angel biscuits use yeast in addition to baking powder. This gives them a more bread-like texture that is perfect for layering with butter or honey.
4. Sweet Potato Biscuits: A Southern twist on the traditional biscuit, sweet potato biscuits are made with mashed sweet potatoes. These biscuits have a slightly sweet flavor and are often paired with fried chicken or pork dishes.
5. Bacon Biscuits: For those who love savory treats, bacon biscuits are a must-try. These biscuits are made with crispy bacon bits folded into the dough, providing a smoky, savory flavor that pairs well with eggs and gravy.

4. How to Make Perfect Southern Biscuits

Making the perfect southern biscuit requires a few key steps to ensure they come out light, flaky, and tender. Here’s a simple recipe to follow:

1. Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
2. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 2: Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Step 3: Slowly add the buttermilk to the mixture, stirring until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough biscuits.
5. Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it out to about 1-inch thick. Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out your biscuits.
6. Step 5: Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve warm with butter, jam, or gravy.

5. Where to Find the Best Southern Biscuits

If you’re not up for baking, don’t worry! There are plenty of amazing places to find authentic southern biscuits across the United States. Here are a few spots known for serving some of the best southern biscuits:

• Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, Savannah, GA: Famous for its Southern comfort food, Mrs. Wilkes’ is known for serving up delicious biscuits with every meal. The biscuits here are light, flaky, and served with homemade jelly.
• Loveless Cafe, Nashville, TN: Loveless Cafe is a must-visit for biscuit lovers. Known for their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits, it’s a favorite stop for both locals and tourists.
• Blueberry Hill Cafe, New Orleans, LA: This cozy cafe serves up some of the best biscuits in the city, including unique varieties like their sweet potato biscuits.