Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits are more than just a Southern staple—they’re a warm hug from the past, folded into soft layers and brushed with love. They remind me of Saturday mornings at my grandmother’s house, where the kitchen smelled like fried apples, fresh coffee, and biscuits rising golden in her cast iron skillet. She’d hum an old hymn as she pinched dough between her fingers, never measuring, only feeling.
Watching Brenda Gantt today brings that feeling right back. And now, I bake them for my own family—our version of a slow, joyful weekend. For another comforting Southern biscuit recipe, don’t miss our Church’s Chicken Biscuit—flaky, golden, and just as full of heart.
What’s So Special About Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits?
Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits have captured the hearts of biscuit lovers everywhere because of their perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. What makes these biscuits truly special is the use of just a few high-quality ingredients combined with a time-tested technique that creates flaky, tender layers. Unlike many recipes that rely on complicated steps or fancy add-ins, Brenda’s method focuses on cold butter, buttermilk, and White Lily self-rising flour to produce biscuits that are soft on the inside and golden on the outside. This classic Southern recipe delivers comfort in every bite, making it a beloved staple for breakfasts, brunches, and family gatherings.

If you love recipes that feel like a warm Southern welcome, you’ll also enjoy this Southern Butter Pecan Pound Cake. It’s rich, buttery, and perfect for any family gathering or sweet Sunday treat.
Ingredients for Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits
Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits use simple, classic ingredients that come together to create a tender, flaky biscuit. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
Equipment and Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or hands
- Cast iron skillet or baking sheet
- Measuring cups
- Biscuit cutter (optional – Brenda uses her hands!)
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6 People
How to Make Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
Making Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps to get soft, flaky biscuits every Time:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). A hot oven is key to helping your biscuits rise tall with a crisp, golden top and a soft, fluffy center.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This dry mix creates the foundation for light and airy biscuits.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter: Add ½ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to gently work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keep the butter cold—those little bits will create flaky layers during baking.

Step 4: Add the Buttermilk: Pour in 1 cup of cold buttermilk and stir gently until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid overmixing, which can make the biscuits dense. It’s okay if the dough looks a little rough—that’s perfect.

Step 5: Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a round about ¾ to 1 inch thick using your hands. Fold it over once or twice, then gently pat it down again. Cut biscuits using a cutter or shape by hand, just like Brenda Gantt does.

Step 6: Arrange and Bake: Place the shaped biscuits close together in a cast iron skillet or on a baking sheet. Letting them touch slightly helps them rise higher. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

Step 7: Brush and Serve: When they come out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter if desired. Serve your biscuits warm with honey, jam, or simply on their own. They’re soft, buttery, and filled with Southern charm.

Serving Ideas for Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can take them to the next level. Here are some simple and tasty ways to enjoy them:
1. Classic Butter and Honey: Serve Brenda Gantt buttermilk biscuits warm with creamy butter and a drizzle of honey. This simple combination highlights the biscuit’s flaky texture and rich flavor.
2. Breakfast Sandwiches: Slice the biscuits and fill them with scrambled eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon or sausage. These homemade buttermilk biscuits make a perfect hearty breakfast.
3. Chicken Fried Chicken and Biscuits: Top biscuits with crispy chicken fried chicken and creamy gravy for a proper Southern comfort meal. Try pairing with our Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken to complete the dish.
4. Chicken Salad Sliders: Use split biscuits as sliders filled with cool, creamy chicken salad. Our Calvin’s Chicken Salad is a delicious filling for these soft biscuits.
5. Soup Sidekick: Warm biscuits are perfect for dipping into a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. Pair with Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup for a comforting meal.
6. Biscuits and Gravy: Pour rich sausage gravy over freshly baked buttermilk biscuits for a classic Southern breakfast that never fails to satisfy.
7. Strawberry Shortcake: Transform leftover biscuits into a quick dessert by topping them with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, creating a delightful Southern treat.
8. Open-Faced Sandwiches: Top biscuit halves with ham, cheese, and mustard, then warm in the oven for a savory open-faced sandwich.
9. Biscuits with Jam and Cream Cheese: Spread your favorite jam and a dollop of cream cheese on warm biscuits for a tasty snack or light breakfast.
10. Biscuits with Fried Green Tomatoes: Create a Southern-inspired sandwich by layering fried green tomatoes and mayo on split buttermilk biscuits.
Tips on Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
Making Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits is simple, but a few tips can help you get them light and fluffy every Time. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
1. Use White Lily Flour: White Lily self-rising flour has a lower protein content, making biscuits tender and fluffy. Many Southern cooks trust it for authentic texture and flavor.
2. Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and buttermilk create flaky layers as the butter melts during baking. Warm ingredients can make the dough dense, so keep them chilled.
3. Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to avoid activating the gluten, which can make biscuits tough. Gentle handling ensures soft, flaky biscuits.
4. Pat Dough by Hand: Pat and fold the dough by hand to create layers that help biscuits rise and stay light. This hands-on method adds homemade charm.
5. Bake Biscuits Close: Place biscuits touching on the pan so they support each other and rise taller. Spacing them apart leads to crisp edges but less tender sides.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits
Leftover Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits can be saved easily and enjoyed later without losing their delicious flavor and texture. Here’s the best way to store and reheat them:
- Storing: Cool biscuits should be stored airtight at room temperature (2 days) or in the refrigerator (1 week).
- Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven (10–15 minutes, covered) or in the microwave (15–20 seconds).

Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Pastry cutter
- Cast iron skillet
- Measuring cups
- Biscuit cutter
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). A hot oven is key to helping your biscuits rise tall with a crisp, golden top and a soft, fluffy center.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This dry mix creates the foundation for light and airy biscuits.
- Cut in the Butter: Add ½ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to gently work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keep the butter cold—those little bits will create flaky layers during baking.
- Add the Buttermilk: Pour in 1 cup of cold buttermilk and stir gently until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid overmixing, which can make the biscuits dense. It’s okay if the dough looks a little rough—that’s perfect.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a round about ¾ to 1 inch thick using your hands. Fold it over once or twice, then gently pat it down again. Cut biscuits using a cutter or shape by hand, just like Brenda Gantt does.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the shaped biscuits close together in a cast iron skillet or on a baking sheet. Letting them touch slightly helps them rise higher. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Brush and Serve: When they come out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter if desired. Serve your biscuits warm with honey, jam, or simply on their own. They’re soft, buttery, and filled with Southern charm.
Video
FAQs on Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
What kind of flour does Brenda Gantt use for biscuits?
Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits uses White Lily self-rising flour, which has a lower protein content that makes biscuits soft and tender. This flour is a favorite in Southern baking for its perfect texture.
What are the three ingredients in buttermilk biscuits?
The three basic ingredients are self-rising flour, cold shortening (like butter or Crisco), and cold buttermilk. These simple ingredients yield tender, flaky biscuits with minimal effort.
Which flour is best for buttermilk biscuits?
The best flour is White Lily self-rising flour because its low gluten content helps produce light, fluffy biscuits. It also includes baking powder and salt, making biscuit-making easier.
Does buttermilk make a difference in biscuits?
Yes, buttermilk reacts with baking soda to help the biscuits rise and adds a slight tangy flavor. It also keeps the biscuits moist and tender.
Why use cornflour in biscuits?
Cornflour is sometimes added to soften the biscuit by limiting gluten formation, but Brenda Gantt’s biscuits don’t use it. The recipe relies on the use of proper flour and technique to achieve the desired texture.
What kind of White Lily flour does Brenda Gantt use?
She uses White Lily self-rising flour, which contains leavening and salt for a consistent biscuit rise. This flour is key to her biscuits’ soft and flaky texture.
What is the secret ingredient in biscuits?
The secret is really in the technique—using cold ingredients and gentle handling to create flaky layers. Brenda Gantt’s simple, hands-on method is what makes her biscuits special.
Why is baking soda used in buttermilk biscuits?
Baking soda reacts with acidic buttermilk to produce gas that helps biscuits rise and stay fluffy. This chemical reaction prevents dense biscuits.
Can I use yogurt instead of buttermilk in biscuits?
Yogurt can substitute buttermilk, but may change texture and flavor slightly, making biscuits denser. Real buttermilk is recommended for authentic Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits.
Do buttermilk biscuits need sugar?
Traditional buttermilk biscuits like Brenda’s usually don’t have sugar. They focus on a savory, tender crumb that pairs well with sweet or savory toppings.
Conclusion
Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Biscuits are a true Southern classic—simple, flavorful, and delightfully tender. With just a few basic ingredients and the proper technique, anyone can bake these flaky biscuits that bring warmth and comfort to the table. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe invites you to experience a piece of Southern tradition in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to try it out and enjoy the satisfying taste of homemade biscuits made with love.
For more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes like this, be sure to visit our Cookupp Pinterest, where you’ll find inspiring ideas for breakfasts, dinners, desserts, and more. Save, share, and join our community to bring classic flavors into your home every day!
So soft and buttery! Loved every bite.
Thanks, Lily! So glad you enjoyed them!
Tasted just like my grandma’s—amazing!
That’s the best compliment, Omar! Thank you!
Easy and perfect every time!
Appreciate it, Grace! Happy baking!
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