3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipe

Biscuits are a classic comfort food that pairs well with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But did you know you can make them with just three simple ingredients? That’s right! This 3 ingredient biscuit recipe is the easiest way to enjoy warm, fluffy biscuits without spending hours in the kitchen.

A Chef’s Story: Why This Recipe Works

Meggan Hill, a professional chef and food writer, shares why this recipe has been a family favorite for over 40 years:

“The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or special skills just a few pantry staples and a little love. Whether you’re making biscuits for breakfast or as a side for dinner, this foolproof method guarantees soft, buttery, and flaky biscuits every time!”

With just self-rising flour, butter, and milk, you can create bakery-style biscuits that taste amazing. In this guide, we’ll break down the process step by step so that even a beginner can make the perfect biscuit.

What Makes This Biscuit Recipe Special?

Many biscuit recipes call for a long list of ingredients, but this one proves that less is more. Here’s why this 3 ingredient biscuit recipe stands out:

• Super Easy – No need for yeast, eggs, or sugar. Just mix, roll, and bake!
• Quick to Make – Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses ingredients you likely already have at home.
• Customizable – Can be adjusted to create buttermilk biscuits, cheese biscuits, or even sweet biscuits.

Why Only Three Ingredients?

You might wonder: Can biscuits really be good with only three ingredients? Absolutely! Here’s how each ingredient works:

1. Self-Rising Flour – Contains baking powder and salt, eliminating the need for extra leavening agents.
2. Cold Butter – Creates pockets of steam while baking, resulting in flaky layers.
3. Milk – Adds moisture and binds the dough together for a soft, tender texture.

“With the right balance of these three ingredients, you can make biscuits that rival even the fanciest restaurant versions!”

A Quick Overview of the Biscuit-Making Process

Making homemade biscuits doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:

1. Mix the ingredients – Combine flour, butter, and milk in a bowl.
2. Form the dough – Knead briefly and roll it out.
3. Cut and bake – Shape the biscuits and pop them in the oven.

Essential Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Biscuits

A great biscuit starts with the right ingredients. Since this recipe uses only three simple ingredients, choosing high-quality ones is key to achieving flaky, buttery, and soft biscuits.

Self-Rising Flour: The Key to Fluffy Biscuits

The base of this 3 ingredient biscuit recipe is self-rising flour. Unlike regular flour, it already contains:

• Baking powder – Helps the biscuits rise and stay light.
• Salt – Adds flavor, so you don’t need to add extra.

If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by mixing:

“For every cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt.”

This simple trick ensures you get the perfect biscuit texture even without store-bought self-rising flour.

Butter vs. Shortening: Which One Works Best?

The fat in your biscuits determines how flaky and flavorful they will be. Most people use cold butter, but some prefer shortening. Let’s compare:

Fat Type	Texture & Flavor
Butter	Rich flavor, flaky texture
Shortening	Taller biscuits, softer inside

“For the best of both worlds, try using half butter and half shortening!”

One crucial tip: Always use cold butter. The tiny bits of butter create steam in the oven, making your biscuits light and airy.

Milk Options: Regular, Buttermilk, or Alternatives

Milk adds moisture and brings the dough together. But what type of milk should you use?

• Whole milk – A classic choice that results in soft, tender biscuits.
• Buttermilk – Adds a slight tang and makes biscuits extra fluffy.
• Heavy cream – Creates a rich, buttery taste.
• Plant-based milk – Works, but may alter the flavor slightly.

“If using buttermilk, you may need to add a little more flour since it’s thicker than regular milk.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Making 3 Ingredient Biscuits

Now that you know the best ingredients to use, it’s time to make the perfect biscuits!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

“A hot oven ensures biscuits rise quickly, creating that golden, crispy exterior.”

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of self-rising flour with ½ cup of cold butter (cubed).
2. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to blend the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Pour in ¾ cup of milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little flour. If too dry, add a splash of milk.

“Don’t overmix! The dough should be soft but not overly worked.”

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Biscuits

1. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Gently knead 2-3 times, then pat it down to ½-inch thick.
3. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out circles.

“Press straight down, don’t twist the cutter, or your biscuits may not rise properly!”

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Place biscuits on the baking sheet close together for softer sides or spaced apart for crispier edges.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
3. Brush with melted butter before serving.

“For extra flakiness, refrigerate the dough for 10 minutes before baking.”

Tips for the Best 3 Ingredient Biscuits

A great biscuit is all about texture light, fluffy, and buttery. But sometimes, things can go wrong. Follow these pro tips to make sure your biscuits turn out perfect every time!

How to Achieve Light and Flaky Texture

The key to a flaky biscuit is cold ingredients and the right mixing technique. Here’s how to get it just right:

• Use very cold butter – If the butter starts melting while mixing, refrigerate the dough for 10 minutes.
• Handle the dough gently – Overmixing leads to tough biscuits. Mix just until combined.
• Cut the butter into small cubes – This ensures it distributes evenly, creating light, flaky layers.
• Use a sharp cutter – A clean, straight cut helps the biscuits rise properly.

“For extra flakiness, fold the dough over itself a few times before rolling it out.”

Avoiding Common Biscuit-Making Mistakes

Even simple recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Avoid these common biscuit mistakes:

Mistake	Why It’s a Problem	How to Fix It
Overmixing the dough	Makes biscuits tough	Mix gently until just combined
Warm butter	Leads to dense biscuits	Keep butter cold before mixing
Twisting the cutter	Prevents biscuits from rising	Press straight down without twisting
Oven too cool	Biscuits won’t rise properly	Always bake at 450°F (232°C)

“One small change, like keeping butter cold, can make all the difference in your biscuits!”

How to Adjust the Recipe for Different Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these simple biscuit variations:

• Cheesy Biscuits – Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar to the dough.
• Garlic Herb Biscuits – Mix in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of chopped herbs.
• Sweet Biscuits – Stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar for a slightly sweet twist.
• Dairy-Free Biscuits – Replace butter with vegan butter and use almond or oat milk.

“Once you master the basics, you can create all sorts of biscuit flavors to suit your taste!”

You can check out our Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries Recipe for a crispy and delicious side to pair with your homemade biscuits!

Serving and Storing 3 Ingredient Biscuits

You’ve baked the perfect 3 ingredient biscuit recipe, but now what? Here’s how to serve, store, and reheat your biscuits to keep them fresh and delicious.

Best Ways to Serve Homemade Biscuits

Biscuits taste best when warm, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy them. Try serving them:

• With butter and honey – A simple and classic combination.
• As a breakfast sandwich – Add eggs, bacon, and cheese for a hearty meal.
• With jam or fruit preserves – Perfect for a sweet treat.
• With sausage gravy – For a Southern-style breakfast.
• As a side for soups or stews – Great for dipping into hearty dishes.

“Biscuits go well with just about anything, sweet or savory!”

How to Store and Keep Biscuits Fresh

If you have leftover biscuits, follow these storage tips:

• At room temperature – Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the refrigerator – Store in an airtight bag for up to 1 week.
• In the freezer – Freeze biscuits in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

“To keep biscuits soft, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel after baking.”

Freezing and Reheating Tips for Later Use

Want fresh biscuits anytime? Freezing is the answer!

How to Freeze Biscuits

• Before baking – Cut out the biscuit shapes and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag.
• After baking – Let them cool, then store in an airtight container.

How to Reheat Biscuits

• Oven method (best option): Wrap biscuits in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
• Microwave method (quick option): Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 20-30 seconds.
• Toaster oven method: Toast for 5 minutes to get crispy edges.

“Frozen biscuits can go straight into the oven, just bake for a few extra minutes!”

FAQs About 3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipe

Many people have questions about making the perfect biscuits. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions to help you master this 3 ingredient biscuit recipe.

What is the basic biscuit formula?

The simplest biscuit formula follows a 1:2:3 ratio:

• 1 part fat (butter or shortening)
• 2 parts liquid (milk or buttermilk)
• 3 parts flour (self-rising or all-purpose with baking powder and salt)

This basic formula can be adjusted depending on the type of biscuit you want. For flakier biscuits, use more butter. For softer biscuits, add more milk.

“Once you understand the ratio, you can easily tweak the recipe to your liking!”

Is Crisco or butter better for biscuits?

Both work, but they create different textures:

Fat Type	Result in Biscuits
Butter	Flaky, rich, golden brown
Crisco (Shortening)	Taller, softer, but less flavorful

For the best of both worlds, try using half butter and half shortening. This way, you get both a flaky texture and a tall rise.

“Butter gives biscuits flavor, while shortening makes them extra soft. A mix of both is a great trick!”

What are the main ingredients of biscuits?

A classic biscuit recipe always includes three basic ingredients:

1. Flour – Provides structure (self-rising flour works best).
2. Fat – Butter or shortening adds richness and texture.
3. Liquid – Milk or buttermilk binds the dough and makes it soft.

You can add extras like cheese, herbs, or sugar to customize your biscuits.

“Keep it simple! These three ingredients are all you need for fluffy, homemade biscuits.”

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, but you’ll need to add baking powder and salt to make your own self-rising flour. Here’s how:

DIY Self-Rising Flour: Mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt.

If you bake biscuits often, you might find it easier to buy self-rising flour to save time.

Final Thoughts on 3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipe

Making homemade biscuits doesn’t have to be difficult. With just three simple ingredients, you can create warm, fluffy biscuits in less than 20 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

The 3 ingredient biscuit recipe is a go-to because:

• It’s super easy – No fancy techniques needed.
• It’s quick – Ready in just a few steps.
• It’s budget-friendly – Uses ingredients you probably already have.

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