Southern biscuits are a staple in many households, serving as a delicious addition to any meal or a comforting snack on their own. While there are countless biscuit recipes out there, one ingredient stands out as a key factor in achieving the perfect texture and flavor - Crisco. This classic all-vegetable shortening has been used in Southern cooking for generations and has become synonymous with creating the flakiest and most delicious biscuits. In this article, we will delve into the history of Crisco and share a tried and true southern biscuit recipe that will have your taste buds singing.
Southern sausage gravy is a classic dish that has been passed down through generations in the South. It's a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. This recipe is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it a staple in many Southern households.
Southern chicken and dumplings is a traditional dish that is loved by many in the South. It's a simple and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. The tender chicken and fluffy dumplings are cooked in a rich and flavorful broth, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine and is often served with meals such as barbecue, chili, and fried chicken. This easy Southern cornbread recipe is a favorite among many and is a must-try for anyone looking to get a taste of the South. It's moist, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with any meal.
Buttermilk biscuits are a classic Southern side dish that is loved by many. They are soft, flaky, and have a slightly tangy flavor from the buttermilk. These biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for any meal. This easy recipe will have you making them from scratch in no time.
Caramel icing is a popular topping for cakes and cupcakes in the South. It's a rich and creamy frosting that pairs perfectly with any dessert. This Southern caramel icing recipe is easy to make and adds a touch of sweetness to any baked good.
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Some Good Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Buttermilk, Salt, Hot Sauce, Flour, Crisco
Southern fried chicken is a staple in Southern cuisine and is loved by many. This recipe for some good Southern fried chicken is a classic that is sure to please. The chicken is coated in a flavorful breading and fried to perfection, resulting in crispy and juicy chicken every time.
Biscuits and gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish that is loved by many. The warm and flaky biscuits are topped with a creamy and flavorful sausage gravy, making it the ultimate comfort food. This easy recipe will have you making this dish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Main Ingredients: Corn Meal, Flour, Egg, Buttermilk, Baking Powder
Pinto beans and fried cornbread is a classic Southern dish that is loved by families all over the South. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The pinto beans are cooked until tender and served with crispy and buttery fried cornbread.
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3 Ingredients Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Self Rising Flour, Crisco, Buttermilk, Cooking Spray
If you're looking for a quick and easy biscuit recipe, then look no further. These 3 ingredient biscuits are a favorite among many in the South. They are light, fluffy, and require only three ingredients, making them the perfect side dish for any meal.
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Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Ground Sausage, Butter, Whole Milk, Flour, Salt
Sausage gravy and biscuits is a classic Southern dish that is loved by many. The creamy and flavorful gravy is perfect for topping warm and flaky biscuits. This easy recipe is a staple in many households and is sure to become a favorite in yours as well.
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Southern Bacon Gravy (For Biscuits)
Main Ingredients: Milk, Flour, Ground Black Pepper, Salt, Bacon, Butter
Bacon gravy is a delicious and flavorful topping for biscuits in the South. This Southern bacon gravy recipe is easy to make and adds a touch of smokiness to any meal. It's the perfect accompaniment to warm and flaky biscuits.
Cornbread dressing is a must-have dish for any Southern holiday meal. This Southern-style cornbread dressing is a favorite among many and is sure to become a staple in your household. It's moist, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with turkey or ham.
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Cayenne Cheddar Biscuit Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Biscuits, All Purpose Flour, Powdered Milk, Baking
These cayenne cheddar biscuit sandwiches are a delicious and unique twist on the classic biscuit. The biscuits are infused with cayenne pepper and filled with melted cheddar cheese, making them the perfect savory treat for any occasion.
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Chicken Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Egg, Milk, Flour
Chicken fried chicken is a Southern favorite that is similar to traditional fried chicken, but with a few extra steps. The chicken is coated in a seasoned batter and fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy and flavorful dish that is sure to please.
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Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Butter, Cream Of
Crockpot chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food in the South. This dish is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. The chicken becomes tender and falls apart in the slow cooker, creating a delicious and creamy broth that is perfect for the fluffy dumplings.
Breakfast casseroles are a popular dish in the South, especially for holidays or family gatherings. This Southern breakfast casserole is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. It's a combination of eggs, sausage, cheese, and biscuits, making it the ultimate breakfast comfort food.
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Chicken Biscuit
Main Ingredients: Chicken Livers, Buttermilk, Hot Sauce, Peanut Oil
A chicken biscuit is a simple and delicious Southern sandwich that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's made with a warm and flaky biscuit and filled with crispy fried chicken, making it the perfect combination of savory and satisfying.
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Fried Turkey Biscuit
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast, Peanut Oil, Pepper Jelly, Biscuits, Goat
Fried turkey biscuits are another popular sandwich in the South. The tender and juicy fried turkey is sandwiched between two warm and buttery biscuits, making it a delicious and filling meal. It's the perfect way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Cornbread dressing is a staple on Southern holiday tables, and this recipe is a favorite among many. It combines traditional biscuits with cornbread, resulting in a moist and flavorful dressing that is sure to become a family favorite.
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Corn Bread Biscuit Stuffing, Gluten Free
Main Ingredients: Biscuits, Italian Sausage, Butter, Onion, Celery, Eggs
This gluten-free cornbread biscuit stuffing is a delicious alternative to traditional stuffing. The combination of cornbread and biscuits creates a unique and flavorful dish that is perfect for those with gluten allergies. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a new twist on a classic holiday dish.
Why Crisco is the secret ingredient
It's no secret that Crisco has been a beloved ingredient in Southern cooking for years. But what exactly makes it so special when it comes to making biscuits? The answer lies in its composition. Unlike butter or lard, which contain water, Crisco is made up of 100% fat. This means that when it is mixed into the flour, it coats the flour particles and prevents gluten from forming. This results in a tender and flaky biscuit, rather than a tough and dense one. Additionally, Crisco has a higher melting point than butter, which means it creates steam pockets in the dough, leading to that sought-after flakiness.
How to incorporate Crisco into your biscuit recipe
Now that we know the science behind why Crisco is the perfect ingredient for biscuits, let's get into the recipe. To make the best southern biscuits, you will need 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ cup of Crisco, and 1 cup of buttermilk. Begin by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the Crisco into small pieces and add it to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the Crisco into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Next, add the buttermilk and stir until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Roll out the dough to ½ inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
In conclusion, when it comes to making the perfect southern biscuits, Crisco is the key ingredient that will take your biscuits from good to great. Its unique composition and properties make it the ideal choice for achieving that flaky and tender texture that we all love. So next time you're in the mood for some homemade biscuits, be sure to reach for the Crisco and try out this recipe for a truly delicious and classic Southern treat.