Buttermilk Biscuits

This recipe is an adaptation of one Alton Brown does on his show Good Eats (original recipe).  It is simple, fast, easy and reliably delicious.   I have been using it as my only biscuit recipe for over 5 years.  I have successfully made it substituting milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice for the buttermilk.


These biscuits are a great holiday side, but also are great with fried chicken or with butter and jam.  The secret is to not over mix them, ensuring that they come out tall and fluffy.  In the spirit of Alton Brown, I wish you "good eats" this holiday season.  


Buttermilk Biscuits
Prep Time: 30 min     Makes: 12


2 cups Flour
4 teaspoons Baking Powder
Pinch of Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Butter, cut into cubes
2 Tablespoons Shortening, cut into cubes
1 cup Buttermilk
1-2 Tablespoons Butter, Melted






In bowl of food processor combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter and shortening.


Pulse until dough has the consistency of large crumbs


With food processor running add buttermilk mixing until just combined.


Turn dough out onto well floured surface and pat out by hand to a thickness of 1/2-1 inch.


Cut out biscuits and place on cookie sheet with the sides just touching.


Continue to pat out dough and cut biscuits until dough is used up, working dough as little as possible


Gently press your thumb into the center of each biscuit.


Brush melted butter over the top of biscuits.


Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes.