If you’ve ever wondered how to make fried biscuits, you’re in for a treat! Fried biscuits are a delicious twist on the classic Southern biscuit, offering a crispy golden exterior with a soft, fluffy inside. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a side dish. Best of all, you don’t need an oven to make them! Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistible fried biscuits at home with easy steps and tips.
What Are Fried Biscuits?
Fried biscuits are essentially biscuit dough cooked in hot oil instead of baked in the oven. This method gives them a crunchy, golden crust while keeping the inside tender and airy. They can be made from scratch or using canned biscuit dough, and they’re often enjoyed plain, with cinnamon sugar, or smothered in sausage gravy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list of ingredients for homemade fried biscuits:
– All-purpose flour (about 3 cups)
– Baking powder or self-rising flour
– Salt
– Cold butter or shortening
– Milk or buttermilk
– Optional: sugar for a touch of sweetness
If you’re using canned biscuits, you can skip the dough-making part and jump right to frying.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fried Biscuits
1. Prepare the Biscuit Dough
If you’re making biscuits from scratch, start by mixing your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar if using. Grate cold butter into the mixture and cut it in with a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture looks crumbly. Then, add milk or buttermilk and stir just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix to keep the biscuits light and fluffy.
Press the dough onto a lightly floured surface until about 1-inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out rounds.
2. Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan, Dutch oven, or wok to a depth of about 2 to 3 inches. Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer if you have one to maintain the right temperature. This heat level ensures the biscuits cook quickly and evenly without absorbing too much oil.
3. Fry the Biscuits
Carefully lower the biscuit rounds into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn a light golden brown. You can test one biscuit by breaking it open to check if it’s cooked through.
4. Drain and Serve
Remove the fried biscuits with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. If you like, toss them in cinnamon sugar while still warm for a sweet treat. Otherwise, serve them plain or with your favorite toppings like honey, butter, apple butter, or gravy.
Tips for Perfect Fried Biscuits
– Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil between 350-375°F is key. Too hot, and the biscuits brown too fast but stay raw inside; too cool, and they soak up oil and become greasy.
– Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady and biscuits crispy.
– Use Cold Butter: Cold butter in the dough creates flaky layers inside the biscuit.
– Try Different Toppings: Fried biscuits are fantastic with savory sausage gravy or sweet cinnamon sugar.
Variations to Try
– Drop Biscuits: Instead of cutting rounds, drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough into the hot oil for rustic fried biscuits.
– Filled Fried Biscuits: Flatten two biscuit rounds, add a spoonful of jam or cream cheese in the middle, seal the edges, and fry for a delicious surprise inside.
– Eggless Version: You can make fried biscuits without eggs, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions
Fried biscuits are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:
– Classic sausage gravy for a hearty Southern breakfast
– Honey or maple syrup for a sweet touch
– Butter and jam for a simple snack
– Melted chocolate for a decadent dessert
Why Fried Biscuits Are a Must-Try
Fried biscuits bring a delightful contrast of textures—crispy outside and tender inside—that baked biscuits can’t quite match. Plus, frying them is a quick way to enjoy fresh biscuits without heating up your kitchen with the oven. They’re perfect for warm weather mornings or whenever you want a comforting, indulgent treat.
Give this easy fried biscuits recipe a try, and you’ll soon see why they’re a beloved Southern favorite!
Enjoy your crispy, fluffy fried biscuits — a simple pleasure that’s sure to brighten your day.