Mile-High Buttermilk Biscuits

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Buttery, flaky, tall, and oh-so-tender, Mile-High Buttermilk Biscuits are the kind of comforting classic that makes breakfast or brunch feel extra special. These biscuits have a towering rise that practically begs to be split open and slathered with salted butter, honey, or jam. They deliver that irresistible combination of a golden crisp exterior and soft, fluffy inside that melts in your mouth.

Whether served alongside sausage gravy or used as the base for a breakfast sandwich, these homemade biscuits easily outshine anything from a can. Once you learn the secret to sky-high layers, you’ll never go back to store-bought. It’s all about cold ingredients, gentle handling, and the magic of buttermilk.

Why You’ll Love This Mile-High Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

If you crave the kind of biscuit that makes jaws drop when it hits the table, this recipe will be your new go-to. It’s fast, fuss-free, and uses simple pantry staples to create bakery-level results. The texture is beautifully layered and tender, while the flavor leans slightly tangy thanks to the buttermilk, giving it that perfect Southern flair.

Plus, these biscuits freeze beautifully, so you can bake a double batch and save some for a lazy weekend breakfast.

What Kind of Buttermilk Should I Use?

Whole buttermilk is your best bet for rich, full flavor and optimal rise, but low-fat buttermilk works just fine too. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute using milk and lemon juice or vinegar. Just mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into 1 cup of whole milk, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and you’ll have a tangy alternative that still gives your biscuits a great lift.

Ingredients for the Mile-High Buttermilk Biscuits

When it comes to biscuits, quality ingredients and cold temperatures are key. You only need a handful of basics, but each one plays a crucial role in getting that perfect rise and flake.

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Kosher salt
  • Unsalted butter (very cold or frozen)
  • Buttermilk (cold)
  • Melted butter (for brushing on top)

Each ingredient is essential here. All-purpose flour provides the base, giving structure without being too heavy. Baking powder and baking soda do the lifting, giving these biscuits their signature height. Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the richness. Cold butter, when grated into the flour, melts during baking and creates those irresistible flaky layers. Buttermilk adds acidity to react with the leaveners and brings a gentle tang, while melted butter brushed on top gives that glossy, golden finish.

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How To Make the Mile-High Buttermilk Biscuits

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grate your cold or frozen butter using a box grater and return it to the fridge until ready to use.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the grated butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to gently combine. You want visible butter pieces throughout. Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Laminate the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead just a few times. Pat it into a rectangle, then fold it like a letter. Repeat this folding and patting process 2 to 3 more times to build layers. Finish by patting into a 1-inch thick slab.

Step 4: Cut and Bake

Use a round cutter (don’t twist!) to cut out biscuits and place them close together on the baking sheet. Re-roll scraps gently and cut again. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until tall and golden. Brush with melted butter right out of the oven.

How to Serve and Store Mile-High Buttermilk Biscuits

These biscuits are best served warm, fresh out of the oven, ideally with a generous slather of butter, a drizzle of honey, or your favorite jam. They’re perfect for classic sausage gravy, breakfast sandwiches with eggs and bacon, or even as a side for soups and stews.

This recipe yields about 8 large biscuits. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds to revive their soft texture.

What to Serve With Mile-High Buttermilk Biscuits?

Biscuits and Gravy

Creamy sausage gravy poured generously over warm biscuits is a comfort food favorite.

Southern Fried Chicken

Use these biscuits for a chicken biscuit sandwich or serve on the side for a satisfying meal.

Honey Butter

Whip together softened butter and honey for a sweet spread that complements the tang of the buttermilk.

Fried Eggs and Bacon

Build the ultimate breakfast plate with crispy bacon and runny eggs to go with your biscuit.

Hearty Chili or Stew

Skip the cornbread and dunk these fluffy biscuits into a bowl of rich chili.

Fresh Seasonal Jam

Whether it’s strawberry, blueberry, or peach, a spoonful of jam is always a hit.

Cheesy Scrambled Eggs

Pillowy eggs and a biscuit? Breakfast heaven.

Roasted Veggie Hash

Pair biscuits with a skillet of caramelized potatoes, peppers, and onions for a cozy brunch.

Want More Bread & Biscuit Ideas?

If you love these Mile-High Buttermilk Biscuits, you’ll want to try more from the comfort baking collection:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest brunch board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add herbs or cheddar? Maybe used them for breakfast sandwiches?

I love seeing your biscuit creations and hearing how you make them your own. Questions are always welcome too — let’s bake better together.

Explore beautifully curated comfort baking and cozy dishes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new favorite!

Conclusion

Mile-High Buttermilk Biscuits are everything you want in a biscuit: flaky, buttery, golden, and full of irresistible layers. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and an absolute must-have in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just treating yourself to a slow morning, this biscuit recipe guarantees warm, fluffy perfection every time.

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Mile-High Buttermilk Biscuits


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 biscuits
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Mile-High Buttermilk Biscuits are flaky, buttery, and sky-high with golden crisp edges and tender layers inside. Made with cold butter and tangy buttermilk, this easy biscuit recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a Southern-style dinner side. Fluffy buttermilk biscuits that rise tall and taste heavenly!


Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold or frozen

3/4 cup buttermilk, cold

2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing


Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Grate the cold or frozen butter and return it to the fridge until ready to use.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Add the grated butter and mix gently with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.

5. Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir until a shaggy dough forms.

6. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead a few times, and pat into a rectangle.

7. Fold the dough like a letter, then pat and fold again 2–3 more times to create layers.

8. Pat the final dough into a 1-inch thick slab and cut using a round biscuit cutter (do not twist).

9. Place biscuits close together on the sheet. Reroll scraps gently and repeat.

10. Bake for 13–15 minutes or until golden and tall.

11. Brush tops with melted butter and serve warm.

Notes

Keep your ingredients as cold as possible for maximum flakiness.

Don’t twist the cutter when shaping biscuits—it can prevent a good rise.

For extra flavor, you can add shredded cheddar or fresh herbs to the dough.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 biscuit
  • Calories: 235
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 37mg

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