Flaky, Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Step 1

Heat oven to 450°F. Generously grease bottom of a baking sheet with butter or line with parchment paper.

Step 2

Use a box grater to grate cold butter into a small bowl — or, cut butter with a knife into very small cubes. Place bowl in freezer.

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda until well combined. Add grated butter and, using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter it’s the size of small peas. Pour in cold buttermilk and stir mixture with a wooden spoon just until a dough forms (do not overmix).

Step 4

Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface; very gently pat into a rough ball. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut dough in half. Place one half on top of other half, and very gently press halves together, shaping into a rough ball again. Repeat 3 times.

Step 5

Gently shape dough into a rough rectangle about 1-inch thick. Cut dough into 12 equal squares; transfer to prepared baking sheet, spacing biscuits at least 1 inch apart. Place baking sheet in freezer 10 minutes to re-chill dough.

Step 6

Transfer baking sheet directly from freezer to oven and bake biscuits 10 to 12 minutes until golden and fluffy. Serve immediately.