If you love homemade biscuits but want a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t require a lot of fuss, mayonnaise biscuits are your new best friend. These biscuits are surprisingly tender, fluffy, and flavorful, all thanks to the secret ingredient: mayonnaise. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a side for dinner, or just a snack with butter and jam, mayonnaise biscuits are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food.
What Are Mayonnaise Biscuits?
Mayonnaise biscuits are a type of quick bread made with simple pantry staples, including self-rising flour, milk, and mayonnaise. Unlike traditional biscuits that rely on butter or shortening, mayonnaise adds moisture and fat, creating a tender crumb and a slightly crisp exterior. The mayonnaise also acts as a leavening aid, helping the biscuits rise beautifully without complicated steps.
Why Use Mayonnaise in Biscuits?
You might wonder why mayonnaise is used in biscuits. The answer is simple: mayonnaise is made from oil, eggs, and vinegar or lemon juice, which all contribute to a rich, moist texture. It replaces butter or shortening but keeps the dough easy to mix and handle. This makes mayonnaise biscuits perfect for busy cooks who want great taste without the extra work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list of ingredients for making mayonnaise biscuits:
– 2 cups self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt)
– 1 cup whole milk (for best richness)
– 2 to 6 tablespoons mayonnaise (depending on the recipe)
– Optional: sugar and salt for a touch of sweetness and flavor balance
These ingredients are usually staples in your kitchen, so you won’t need a special shopping trip.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Mayonnaise Biscuits
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C), depending on your recipe. A hot oven helps the biscuits rise well and develop a golden crust.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
If you’re using self-rising flour, you can skip adding baking powder and salt. Otherwise, combine all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt to create your own self-rising flour substitute.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the milk and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth. The mayonnaise gives the dough moisture and richness, so don’t be surprised if the dough feels wetter than traditional biscuit dough.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender and flaky.
5. Shape the Biscuits
You have options here:
– Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased baking sheet for rustic drop biscuits.
– Spoon the batter into a greased muffin tin for a neater shape and even baking.
– Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut with a biscuit cutter for classic rounds.
6. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 12 to 20 minutes, depending on biscuit size and oven temperature. The tops should be lightly golden and spring back when touched. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
7. Serve Warm
Brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and a shiny finish. Serve warm with butter, honey, jam, or alongside your favorite meal.
Tips for Perfect Mayonnaise Biscuits
– Use whole milk for the best flavor and texture due to its higher fat content.
– Don’t overmix the dough; it should be lumpy and wet, not smooth like cake batter.
– Preheat your oven fully before baking to ensure good rise and browning.
– Try different mayonnaise brands; Duke’s mayonnaise is a popular choice for its creamy texture, but any mayo works.
– Add a little sugar if you want a slightly sweet biscuit, perfect for breakfast or snacks.
– Brush with melted butter right after baking for a golden, rich finish.
– If you don’t have self-rising flour, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt.
Variations to Try
– Cheese Mayonnaise Biscuits: Add shredded cheddar or parmesan for a savory twist.
– Herb Biscuits: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme.
– Garlic Butter Biscuits: Brush with garlic butter after baking for a flavorful side.
– Sweet Biscuits: Add cinnamon and a bit more sugar, then top with honey or jam.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mayonnaise biscuits are a game-changer for anyone who loves homemade bread but wants to save time. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you get tender, fluffy biscuits that complement any meal. Plus, they’re forgiving—easy to mix up and customize to your taste.
These biscuits are perfect for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or even a quick breakfast treat. They pair wonderfully with eggs, soups, stews, or a simple pat of butter and your favorite jam.
Mayonnaise biscuits are a simple, delicious way to enjoy fresh homemade bread without the fuss. Give this easy recipe a try, and you’ll wonder why you ever used anything else!