Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 500°F. Yes, it’s hot. That’s intentional. A hot oven gives biscuits their signature rise.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour
- Pour your flour into a large bowl and create a deep well in the center. Think of it like forming a nest.
Step 3: Add Shortening and Buttermilk
- Drop in two small scoops of shortening and pour in buttermilk. Don’t mix yet—this is important.
- Pro tip: Keep your ingredients slightly cold for better texture.
Step 4: Mix Gently
- Using your fingers, mix the shortening into the buttermilk first. Then slowly pull in flour from the sides.
Step 5: Form the Dough
- Keep mixing until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough. Don’t aim for perfection—it should feel a bit messy.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
- Transfer to a floured surface and gently pat it down. Don’t roll it aggressively. Keep it about ¾ inch thick.
Step 7: Cut and Bake
- Cut biscuits and place them close together in a greased cast iron skillet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough or the biscuits will turn dense
- Keep the dough soft and slightly sticky for best texture
- Use a very hot oven (500°F) for maximum rise
- Avoid twisting the biscuit cutter
- Bake biscuits touching each other for soft sides