What’s the Difference Between a Southern Style Biscuit and a Buttermilk Biscuit?

Biscuits are a staple in Southern cuisine, embodying comfort and tradition in every flaky, buttery bite. However, not all biscuits are created equal, and if you’ve ever wondered what’s the difference between a Southern style biscuit and a buttermilk biscuit, you’re not alone. Understanding the difference between Southern style and buttermilk biscuits is essential for anyone looking to perfect their baking skills. While these two types of biscuits may appear similar at first glance, their ingredients, texture, and historical roots set them apart. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the nuances that clarify the difference between Southern style and buttermilk biscuits.

What is a Southern Style Biscuit?

Origins and History

Southern-style biscuits have a long-standing place in American culinary history, especially in the South. These biscuits originated from humble beginnings, where the simple yet flavorful ingredients reflected the resourcefulness of Southern cooks. Historically, Southern biscuits were made with self-rising flour, lard, and milk, resulting in a tender, flaky texture that pairs perfectly with gravy, butter, or jam.

Key Characteristics

• Ingredients: Southern-style biscuits typically use self-rising flour, a blend of flour, salt, and leavening agents like baking powder. This type of flour simplifies the preparation process and ensures a consistent rise.
• Texture and Flavor: The use of lard or shortening gives Southern-style biscuits their characteristic flaky texture and rich flavor. Consequently, the result is a biscuit that is soft on the inside with a slightly crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Cooking Techniques: These biscuits are usually baked at a high temperature (around 450°F), which allows them to rise quickly and achieve a light, airy structure.

Common Uses

Southern-style biscuits are versatile and can be served at any meal. They are a staple in Southern breakfasts, commonly paired with sausage gravy or topped with homemade jams and preserves. Moreover, their mild flavor makes them a perfect accompaniment to hearty Southern dishes like fried chicken and collard greens.

What is a Buttermilk Biscuit?

Origins and History

Buttermilk biscuits hold a special place in Southern cuisine, offering a slight tang that sets them apart from other biscuits. The introduction of buttermilk in biscuit recipes added a unique flavor profile and texture that quickly became a Southern favorite. Traditionally, buttermilk was used in recipes to utilize the byproduct of churning butter, leading to its integration into many classic Southern dishes.

Key Characteristics

• Ingredients: The defining ingredient of buttermilk biscuits is, unsurprisingly, buttermilk. This ingredient not only adds a tangy flavor but also interacts with baking soda (a common leavening agent in buttermilk biscuits) to create a lighter, fluffier texture.
• Texture and Flavor: Buttermilk biscuits are known for their slightly tangy taste and tender crumb. Therefore, they tend to be fluffier and more moist than traditional Southern-style biscuits.
• Cooking Techniques: Like Southern-style biscuits, buttermilk biscuits are also baked at high temperatures. However, the key difference lies in the dough’s handling. Overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits, so a light touch is essential.

Common Uses

Buttermilk biscuits are a quintessential part of Southern breakfasts, often served alongside fried chicken, country ham, or as a base for biscuits and gravy. Their tangy flavor pairs well with savory dishes, making them a popular choice for brunch or comfort food meals.

Key What’s the Difference Between a Southern Style Biscuit and a Buttermilk Biscuit

Ingredient Comparison

• Flour: Southern-style biscuits usually use self-rising flour, while buttermilk biscuits may use all-purpose flour combined with baking powder and baking soda.
• Fats: Southern-style biscuits often rely on lard or shortening, whereas buttermilk biscuits may use butter or a combination of butter and shortening.
• Liquid: The most significant difference is the liquid used—milk in Southern-style biscuits and buttermilk in buttermilk biscuits.

Texture and Flavor Profiles

• Southern Style Biscuits: These are flaky and slightly crispy on the outside, with a rich, buttery flavor.
• Buttermilk Biscuits: Known for their fluffy, tender texture, these biscuits have a subtle tang from the buttermilk, adding complexity to the flavor.

Cooking Techniques

• Southern Style Biscuits: Often require folding the dough to create layers, leading to a flaky texture.
• Buttermilk Biscuits: The dough is typically patted down gently and cut into rounds, minimizing handling to preserve their light texture.

Historical and Cultural Context

The development of these biscuits reflects the history and resourcefulness of Southern cooks. Southern-style biscuits were a product of necessity, using readily available ingredients like lard and self-rising flour. On the other hand, buttermilk biscuits evolved as buttermilk became a byproduct of butter churning, adding a new dimension to biscuit making.

For a deeper dive into the best techniques for creating these biscuits, check out this ultimate biscuit guide that explores the intricacies of Southern-style and buttermilk biscuits.

How to Make Southern Style Biscuits

Step-by-Step Recipe

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1/4 cup cold lard or shortening
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted (optional for brushing tops)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cut the lard into the self-rising flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add the milk, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times.
  5. Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness and cut with a biscuit cutter.
  6. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Brush the tops with melted butter if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing: This can lead to tough biscuits. Therefore, mix the dough until just combined.
• Not using cold fats: Ensure the lard or shortening is cold to create a flaky texture.

How to Make Buttermilk Biscuits

Step-by-Step Recipe

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp cold butter, cubed
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Stir in the buttermilk until the dough comes together.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, gently pat it into a rectangle, fold it over on itself, and repeat a couple of times to create layers.
  6. Roll out the dough to about 1-inch thickness and cut with a biscuit cutter.
  7. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overhandling the dough: This can prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
• Using warm butter: Keep the butter as cold as possible to ensure a flaky texture.

For more tips on achieving the perfect buttermilk biscuit, check out this guide that delves into the best practices for making buttermilk biscuits.

Healthier Alternatives

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose or self-rising flour.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for some of the butter or shortening for a lower-fat option.

Regional and Cultural Variations

Southern States Variations

• North Carolina: Buttermilk biscuits are often served with country ham.
• Tennessee: Southern-style biscuits might include a bit of sugar for a slightly sweet flavor.

Cultural Significance

Biscuits are more than just food in the South—they are a symbol of hospitality and tradition. Families often pass down biscuit recipes through generations, each adding their own twist to create a unique variation that reflects their heritage and tastes.

FAQs

What is the Difference Between a Biscuit and a Scone?

While biscuits and scones share similar ingredients, scones are typically sweeter and denser, often containing eggs and sugar. Biscuits are lighter and flakier, with a savory flavor profile.

Can I Substitute Buttermilk in Southern Style Biscuits?

Yes, but the flavor and texture will change. Buttermilk adds tanginess and tenderness, making the biscuits slightly fluffier than if you used regular milk.

Why Do Biscuits Turn Out Hard?

Overmixing the dough or using too much flour can result in hard biscuits. Therefore, ensure your ingredients are cold and handle the dough as little as possible.

What is the Best Flour for Making Biscuits?

Self-rising flour is ideal for Southern-style biscuits, while all-purpose flour works well for buttermilk biscuits when combined with the appropriate leavening agents.

How Long Can Biscuits Be Stored?

Biscuits can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.

Can I Freeze Biscuits?

Yes, both Southern-style and buttermilk biscuits freeze well. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between Southern-style biscuits and buttermilk biscuits lies in the ingredients, texture, and cooking techniques. While both are rooted in Southern tradition, they each offer a unique flavor experience that has made them staples in Southern kitchens. Whether you prefer the flaky richness of a Southern-style biscuit or the tangy tenderness of a buttermilk biscuit, understanding these distinctions will help you master the art of biscuit-making. So, why not try both and decide which one wins a spot at your table?

There is another thing if you wanna know what is Better to Use Milk or Buttermilk in Biscuits?

Ultimately, biscuits are more than just a side dish—they’re a reflection of Southern hospitality and a tradition that brings families together. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, experimenting with these recipes will deepen your appreciation for this beloved Southern food.