Southern Baking

Tall Buttermilk Biscuits with Buttered Tops

Tall buttermilk biscuits get folded for visible layers, then bake with tender centers and shiny buttered tops.

  • Adapted from King Arthur Baking, Southern biscuit technique, and laminated-buttermilk biscuit best practices
  • Primary source kingarthurbaking.com
45 mins Low cost Makes 10 to 12 biscuits
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh CarbBaking ProjectComfort Food

At a Glance

Time
45 mins
Serves
Makes 10 to 12 biscuits
Cost
Low
Cuisine
Southern Baking
Dietary fit
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian

Instructions

  1. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and sugar together in a large bowl. Cut or rub the cold butter into the flour until you have pea-size pieces throughout.
  2. Pour in the buttermilk and stir just until the dough comes together. Turn it onto a floured surface, pat it into a rough rectangle, and fold it over itself a few times to build layers.
  3. Pat the dough to about 1-inch thick and cut straight down with a biscuit cutter. Place the biscuits close together on a parchment-lined pan and brush the tops lightly with buttermilk.
  4. Bake at 425 degrees F until the biscuits are tall and richly golden, about 15 to 18 minutes. Brush the tops with the melted butter as soon as they come out.
  5. Serve warm. The centers should pull apart in soft layers while the tops stay shiny and lightly crisp.

Adaptations

Easy Swap
  • Gluten-Free: Easy Swap Easy swap; see the adaptation note below.
  • Dairy-Free: Easy Swap Easy swap; see the adaptation note below.
  • Vegetarian: Vegetarian Vegetarian as written.

How to adapt: Gluten-free biscuit blends can work here, but the texture will be different from a classic laminated biscuit — expect less visible layering and a somewhat denser crumb. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and use plant-based milk with a teaspoon of vinegar in place of buttermilk.

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