Alton Brown's Flaky Buttermilk Biscuit Recipe: A Southern Classic with a Modern Twist
Guide or Summary：ButtermilkBiscuitRecipeFlavorButtermilkButtermilk is the secret ingredient that gives Alton Brown's buttermilk biscuits their unique, flaky……
Guide or Summary：
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is the secret ingredient that gives Alton Brown's buttermilk biscuits their unique, flaky texture and tangy flavor. Unlike traditional baking buttermilk, which is often sour, this recipe uses cultured buttermilk, which has a milder, creamier taste. The acidity in buttermilk helps with the leavening process, making the biscuits rise beautifully and stay tender.
Biscuit
The term "biscuit" can be traced back to medieval England, where it referred to a small, flat cake. Today, the American version of the biscuit is characterized by its flakiness, which is achieved through the use of cold ingredients and a gentle handling process. Alton Brown's recipe emphasizes these techniques, resulting in light, airy biscuits that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you're craving a taste of the South.
Recipe
Alton Brown's buttermilk biscuit recipe is straightforward and yields a batch of 12 biscuits. The ingredients are simple and readily available: all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, buttermilk, and egg. The steps are as follows:
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until the dough comes together.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 10 seconds.
6. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick and cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter.
7. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Flavor
The flavor of Alton Brown's buttermilk biscuits is a classic Southern experience. The biscuits are light and flaky, with a hint of sweetness from the sugar and a tangy undertone from the buttermilk. They are versatile enough to be enjoyed plain or paired with a variety of toppings, such as jam, honey, butter, or gravy.
In conclusion, Alton Brown's buttermilk biscuit recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Southern cuisine or simply wants to enjoy a delicious, homemade biscuit. The use of cultured buttermilk and the emphasis on light, flaky texture make these biscuits stand out from the crowd. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or simply as a weekend breakfast treat, these biscuits are sure to please. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself what makes Alton Brown's buttermilk biscuits so special?