Classic Southern Drop Biscuits
This recipe for Classic Southern Drop Biscuits is a treasured family heirloom from the 1963 Pillsbury Family Cookbook. Passed down from my mother, these biscuits are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for breakfast or as a side dish for any meal. Their tender, flaky texture and buttery flavor make them irresistible. This simple yet delightful recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also evokes warm memories of family gatherings and shared meals. Enjoy these biscuits fresh out of the oven, slathered with butter or your favorite jam!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
Baking powder
1 tablespoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Shortening
1/4 cup
Milk
1 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3
Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces.
4
Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the milk all at once.
5
Gently stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until the dough just begins to hold together, being careful not to overmix; it’s okay if it looks slightly lumpy.
6
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop the dough by generous spoonfuls into greased muffin cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
8
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm with butter or jam.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Southern Drop Biscuits?
They are a simple and tender bread option characterized by a flaky texture and buttery flavor, made by dropping dough onto a pan rather than rolling it.
What is the origin of this biscuit recipe?
This recipe is a family heirloom originally from the 1963 Pillsbury Family Cookbook.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, shortening, and milk.
What type of flour is used in Southern Drop Biscuits?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the instructions recommend sifting the flour with the baking powder and salt.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of baking powder.
What is the salt measurement for these biscuits?
You should use 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of fat is used for the dough?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of shortening.
How much milk is used in the dough?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of milk.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
How do I incorporate shortening into the flour?
Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
What size should the shortening pieces be in the mixture?
The shortening should be broken down into small, pea-sized pieces.
How do I add the milk to the dry ingredients?
Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour the milk in all at once.
What is the best way to stir the biscuit dough?
Gently stir the mixture with a wooden spoon only until the dough begins to hold together.
Can I overmix the dough?
No, you should be careful not to overmix the dough to ensure a tender texture.
Is it okay if the dough looks lumpy?
Yes, it is perfectly fine if the dough appears slightly lumpy before baking.
What tool can I use to portion the dough?
You can use a regular spoon or an ice cream scoop to drop the dough.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
The recipe suggests dropping the dough into greased muffin cups.
How much should I fill each muffin cup?
Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the dough.
How long do the biscuits need to bake?
Bake the biscuits for 12 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the biscuits are done?
They are finished when the tops have turned golden brown.
How should the biscuits be served?
They are best served warm, either with butter or your favorite jam.
Are these biscuits suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they are described as perfect for breakfast or as a side dish for any meal.
What makes drop biscuits easier than traditional biscuits?
Drop biscuits do not require rolling or cutting, saving time and effort.
What is the texture of these biscuits?
They have a tender and flaky texture.
Can I serve these with dinner?
Yes, they make an excellent side dish for dinner and other shared meals.
Why is this recipe considered comfort food?
Due to its buttery flavor and its association with warm family memories and gatherings.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is simple to prepare.
Should I let the biscuits cool before eating?
They should be allowed to cool slightly, but are best enjoyed while still warm.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include baking, southern cuisine, easy recipes, family recipe, and homemade.