Are you ready to elevate your biscuit game? Forget dry, crumbly disappointments! This recipe delivers on the promise of fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits, with a delightfully crispy exterior, all thanks to the magic of a cast iron skillet. These homemade biscuits are incredibly easy to make, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a comforting side dish with your favorite dinner. Get ready to experience the ultimate in biscuit bliss!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place your cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats; this ensures perfectly crisp biscuits. This is a crucial step for achieving that golden-brown crust.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure the baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. Cold butter is key to flaky biscuits!
Step 4: Add Buttermilk
Gently stir in the cold buttermilk until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing will result in tough biscuits.
Step 5: Shaping the Biscuits
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out biscuits. Reroll the scraps to make more biscuits.
Step 6: Baking in Cast Iron
Carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven. Place the biscuits in the hot skillet, leaving a little space between each.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Tips for the Best Cast Iron Biscuits:
- Use cold ingredients: This is crucial for flaky biscuits.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in tough biscuits.
- Handle the dough gently: Avoid kneading or working the dough too much.
- Bake in a hot oven: This helps the biscuits rise properly.
- Let them cool slightly: Allow the biscuits to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations:
- Cheese Biscuits: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dough.
- Herb Biscuits: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or chives) to the dough.
- Sweet Biscuits: Add 1/4 cup of sugar to the dough and brush with melted butter after baking.
Nutritional Information (per biscuit, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This recipe for cast iron biscuits provides a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a homemade treat. The combination of fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors is simply irresistible, making these biscuits a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy!