Get your biscuit cutters ready for the celebration of National Buttermilk Biscuit Day on May 14! This delectable day, celebrated for many years, honors the humble buttermilk biscuit. As one of the most beloved biscuits in America, these fluffy delights have brought joy for generations. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, their soft yet crunchy goodness, paired with a pat of butter and some jam or honey, makes them irresistibly delicious.

History of Buttermilk Biscuits

• Origin: Buttermilk biscuits originated in the Southern United States, where they became a popular comfort food. They were initially an economical dish, made with simple ingredients like flour, buttermilk, butter, and baking soda. The use of buttermilk, which was a byproduct of butter churning, gave biscuits their signature soft and tangy taste.

• Rise in Popularity: Over time, buttermilk biscuits became a mainstay in American kitchens, especially in the South. They were often served with butter, honey, or gravy, and became a versatile dish that could accompany breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

• Cultural Significance: Biscuits are considered a traditional comfort food, often served with hearty dishes like fried chicken, sausage gravy, and country ham. Today, biscuits are enjoyed across the country and have even inspired variations such as biscuit sandwiches and flavored biscuits.

Characteristics of Buttermilk Biscuits

• Flaky Texture: Buttermilk biscuits are known for their light, flaky texture, which comes from the cold butter or shortening used in the dough. When baked, the fat creates steam pockets, resulting in layers of tender biscuit.

• Tangy Flavor: The slight tang of buttermilk gives these biscuits their distinct flavor. Buttermilk, which is slightly acidic, reacts with baking soda or baking powder, creating a leavening effect that makes the biscuits rise.

• Golden Brown: A perfect buttermilk biscuit has a golden-brown crust with a soft, pillowy interior.

Traditional and Modern Ways to Serve Buttermilk Biscuits

1. Classic Butter and Honey: A simple yet delicious way to enjoy biscuits is by spreading butter and drizzling honey over a warm, fresh biscuit.

2. Biscuits and Gravy: A Southern classic, buttermilk biscuits are often served smothered in sausage gravy. This savory dish is a staple at breakfast or brunch.

3. Biscuit Sandwiches: Biscuits are often used as the base for sandwiches, filled with ingredients like fried chicken, eggs, cheese, bacon, or ham.

4. Jams and Jellies: Buttermilk biscuits are also commonly served with fruit preserves, such as strawberry jam, blackberry jelly, or peach marmalade.

5. Fried Chicken and Biscuits: A popular combination, fried chicken and biscuits are frequently served together, especially in Southern-style restaurants.

6. Sweet Variations: Biscuits can also be made into sweet treats by adding ingredients like cinnamon, sugar, or fruit to the dough, creating biscuit versions of scones or shortcakes.

How to Observe National Buttermilk Biscuit Day

1. Bake Biscuits at Home: Celebrate by baking your own batch of fresh buttermilk biscuits. Whether using a family recipe or trying a new one, homemade biscuits are a satisfying way to honor the day.

2. Share with Friends and Family: Serve biscuits with various toppings and fillings at breakfast, brunch, or dinner with family and friends.

3. Try Different Variations: Experiment with new flavors or fillings, such as cheese biscuits, herb biscuits, or biscuits topped with fruit compote.

4. Visit a Southern-Style Restaurant: Many restaurants feature buttermilk biscuits as part of their menu. Treat yourself to a meal that includes this Southern favorite.

5. Post on Social Media: Share your biscuit creations or favorite recipes using the hashtag #NationalButtermilkBiscuitDay to connect with other biscuit enthusiasts.

Fun Facts About Buttermilk Biscuits

• Fast Food Popularity: Many fast-food chains, especially those with Southern-style menus, offer buttermilk biscuits as a breakfast option, often served with sausage, eggs, or gravy.

• Biscuit vs. Roll: In the U.S., "biscuits" refer to these soft, leavened breads, whereas in other countries like the UK, "biscuits" refer to what Americans call cookies.

• Southern Icon: Biscuits have become so iconic in Southern cuisine that they are featured in many festivals, cook-offs, and regional competitions.

Conclusion

National Buttermilk Biscuit Day is a delightful celebration of a beloved food that brings comfort and flavor to the table. Whether enjoyed with a savory or sweet topping, buttermilk biscuits are a versatile dish that has stood the test of time, and May 14 is the perfect day to indulge in this Southern classic.