Continue by making a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the buttermilk. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a tablespoon of honey for extra flavor. Gently stir with a fork until the mixture just comes together. The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. Next, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently—just enough to bring it together, about 5-6 times. Remember, the key to soft, flaky biscuits is not to overwork the dough!
After kneading, roll the dough out to about 1-inch thickness. Cut out your biscuits with a floured biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the biscuits are almost touching each other for that perfect soft texture. Finally, bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown and lovely, emanating a wonderful buttery aroma.
Pro Tips for Best Results
One of my favorite tips when making biscuits is to always keep your ingredients cold, especially the butter. I tested this three ways: cold butter, room temperature butter, and frozen butter. Let me tell you, cold butter gives the best rise and flakiness, creating those delectable layers we all love.
Also, avoid overmixing the dough once you add the buttermilk. This can lead to dense biscuits, and nobody wants that! I learned through practice; a gentle hand will yield the fluffiest results.
Lastly, if you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding spices like garlic powder or herbs like dried thyme or rosemary to the dough. I did this once, and it added a delightful twist that my family couldn’t get enough of!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I’ve made in the past is not measuring the flour correctly. The key to getting that light texture is to avoid packing the flour down. Instead, fluff it up in the bag or container and spoon it into your measuring cup. This little step makes a world of difference in the final result. (See the next page below to continue…)
Another error is forgetting to sift the dry ingredients. While it may seem like an extra step, sifting helps to aerate the flour and will ensure a lighter biscuit. If you skip this, the finished product may end up too dense.
Don’t rush the baking time either! Everyone’s oven is different. Keep an eye on your biscuits, and when they’re golden brown, take them out right away. Overbaking can lead to dry biscuits—definitely not what you want after all that hard work.
Serving Suggestions
Once these biscuits come out of the oven, it’s hard not to tear into them immediately. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is with a slather of real butter and a drizzle of honey. The warmth of the biscuit paired with the rich butter and sweet honey creates a heavenly bite.
For a heartier meal, serve your biscuits alongside fried chicken or turkey, preferably smothered in gravy. The buttery, flaky texture holds up beautifully against the rich sauces, making for a satisfying dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
If you’re feeling unique, try them for breakfast! Serve them as a base for eggs Benedict or with a side of homemade jam. They can be a delightful addition to start any day off right.
Variations & Customizations
While my KFC-style biscuit recipe is amazing as is, there are endless variations you can explore. For example, you can throw in some shredded cheese to the dough for an extra savory treat. Cheddar cheese especially adds a rich, gooey flavor that’s hard to resist!
Another fun twist is to add spices! Consider incorporating seasoned salt or your favorite blends. Adding a bit of cayenne pepper brings a kick that plays well with their fluffy texture. I’ve also enjoyed incorporating bits of cooked bacon, adding flavor and bits of chewy texture that complements the biscuit perfectly.
Lastly, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, why not try a batch with chocolate chips? The contrast of a warm biscuit with melted chocolate is simply delightful, especially when topped with fresh strawberries.
How to Store, Freeze & Reheat
If you’ve been lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store them. Let the biscuits cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They should keep well at room temperature for a couple of days, but I usually can’t resist them longer than that!
To freeze, after they’ve cooled, wrap each biscuit in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last about 3 months in the freezer, perfect for those times when you need a comfort food fix without the effort of baking from scratch.
When it’s time to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This brings back the original texture and flavor beautifully.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making these KFC-style biscuits as much as I do! They’ve truly become a cherished recipe in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to experience that warm, buttery goodness. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these biscuits are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!