A Taste of Southern Comfort Straight from Grandma’s Kitchen
There’s something deeply comforting about homemade biscuits fresh from the oven. Golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfect with butter, jam, gravy, or fried chicken, baking powder biscuits have long been a staple in Southern Black kitchens. These simple biscuits remind us that some of the best recipes come from humble ingredients and generations of cooking wisdom passed down at the family table.
This classic recipe from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon celebrates old-school Southern cooking at its finest. Rooted in Louisiana tradition, these biscuits are the kind Grandma would make early in the morning while breakfast meats sizzled on the stove. Whether you enjoy them with honey for breakfast or alongside dinner, they bring warmth, nostalgia, and comfort to every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons shortening
- 3/4 cup milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start by preheating your oven to 450°F so it’s hot and ready when the biscuits go in.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly combined. This helps create light and fluffy biscuits.
3. Add the shortening to the dry ingredients, then cut it in using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture looks crumbly with small pea-sized pieces throughout.
4. Slowly pour in the milk and stir gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, because that can make the biscuits dense instead of tender.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it just until smooth. Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thick for fluffy biscuits or 1/4-inch thick if you prefer them thinner and crispier.
6. Use a floured biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the biscuits, then place them into a greased baking pan.
7. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and serve warm with butter, jelly, honey, or your favorite Southern comfort meal.
Closing Summary / Pro Tips
- Old-fashioned biscuits are perfect for both sweet and savory meals.
- Enjoy them with butter, jam, honey, or sausage gravy.
- Great for making a classic Southern breakfast sandwich.
- Simple pantry ingredients come together to create a comforting homemade favorite.
About the Creator
Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by her roots and life experiences. Known for her love of simple, flavorful cooking, she highlights dishes that reflect tradition and cultural pride. Her cookbook preserves stories and recipes that celebrate Southern Black culinary heritage.
Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.
Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.
