Now, I cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. The aroma of the sausage sizzling is absolutely mouthwatering! I let it cool slightly while I move on to the next step. In a separate bowl, I pour the buttermilk and add it to the flour mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Then, I fold in the cooked sausage, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Next, I turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently just a few times until it comes together. I always make sure not to over-knead because we want those biscuits to stay tender! Using my rolling pin, I roll the dough out to about ½ inch thick. With my biscuit cutter, I cut out rounds and place them on my baking sheet, making sure they’re close but not touching to help them rise nicely. Finally, into the oven they go for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. The kitchen starts to smell heavenly at this point, and I can hardly wait to take a bite!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve tested this recipe three ways, and I’ve learned that using cold butter is key to achieving those fluffy layers. Don’t skip chilling your butter and even consider putting your flour in the fridge for a little while if your kitchen is warm—every bit helps! I’ve also found that folding instead of stirring when incorporating the sausage keeps the biscuits from becoming dense, allowing for that perfect light texture.
One of my favorite tricks is brushing the tops of the biscuits with a little melted butter right before baking. This small step creates a beautiful, golden brown finish while adding an extra touch of flavor that you and your guests will definitely appreciate. Lastly, if you prefer larger biscuits, I recommend using a larger cutter and adjusting the baking time slightly—just keep an eye on them until they reach that glorious golden tone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I’ve made in the past is working the dough too much. It’s best to treat the dough gently to ensure that it remains light and fluffy. Over-kneading can result in tough biscuits, and nobody wants that! Another common oversight is not using enough flour on your working surface. I learned the hard way that dough sticking can lead to a less-than-pleasant baking experience. Always flour your surface, and don’t hesitate to dust your hands, too!
Additionally, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately! A scale can be incredibly helpful if you’re unsure about measuring flour by volume, as it can vary a lot. Too much flour can make the dough too stiff, while too little can lead to overly sticky dough. Lastly, don’t skip greasing your baking sheet or lining it with parchment paper! Chipped biscuits sticking to the pan is never a fun clean-up. (See the next page below to continue…)