Classic Southern Family Biscuits Made the Traditional Way
Few foods represent Southern comfort quite like a pan of homemade biscuits. Family Biscuits are simple, flaky, and wonderfully tender, made with pantry staples that have been passed from one generation to the next. Whether served alongside breakfast, Sunday dinner, or holiday meals, these biscuits are a timeless reminder that the best family recipes are often the simplest.
Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this versatile Heritage Recipe showcases the traditional biscuit-making method that has long been a cornerstone of Southern kitchens. The cookbook even includes several delicious variations—from buttermilk and whole wheat to coconut and bacon-cheddar—making this one foundational recipe that can easily become a family’s signature biscuit.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup Crisco Shortening
- 3/4 cup milk
Makes: 12 to 16 biscuits
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut the Crisco Shortening into the flour mixture using a pastry blender (or two knives) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the milk and gently mix with a fork until the ingredients are just moistened and begin to come together into a dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently 8 to 10 times.
- Roll the dough to ½-inch thickness and cut with a floured 2-inch round cutter.
- Arrange the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until lightly golden. Serve warm with butter, preserves, or your favorite Southern meal.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Handle the dough as little as possible to produce light, flaky biscuits.
- Keep the shortening cold before mixing for the best texture.
- Avoid twisting the biscuit cutter when cutting the dough to help the biscuits rise evenly.
- Brush the tops with melted butter immediately after baking for a soft, golden finish.
- Serve fresh from the oven with homemade jam, honey, sausage gravy, or fried chicken.
About the Creator
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) compiled The Black Family Reunion Cookbook to preserve African American culinary traditions, treasured family recipes, and the stories that accompany them. Through recipes and food memories shared by contributors from across the United States, the cookbook celebrates the importance of gathering around the table while honoring Black history, heritage, and community.
One of the cookbook’s strengths is its practical approach to home cooking. This Family Biscuits recipe serves as a foundation for several variations included in the book, including Drop Biscuits, Whole Wheat Biscuits, Buttermilk Biscuits, Sour Cream Biscuits, Coconut Biscuits, and Bacon and Cheese Biscuits, illustrating how one dependable recipe can evolve to suit every occasion.
The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. The cookbook is a treasured collection of heritage recipes, regional specialties, and family food memories that celebrate African American cooking traditions and the joy of sharing meals across generations.
