Southern biscuits, those fluffy, buttery pillows of perfection, are more than just a side dish. They’re a cornerstone of Southern cuisine, a symbol of hospitality, and a vessel for countless delicious pairings. But what exactly goes with Southern biscuits? The answer, delightfully, is almost anything! This article explores the vast and flavorful landscape of Southern biscuit accompaniments, offering inspiration for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between.
The Breakfast Biscuit: A Morning Masterpiece
Biscuits are practically synonymous with breakfast in the South. The warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked biscuits is enough to rouse even the sleepiest soul. But what makes a truly memorable breakfast biscuit experience?
The Classic Combinations
Let’s start with the classics: butter and jam. This simple pairing allows the biscuit’s inherent flavor to shine. The creamy richness of butter, whether salted or unsalted, complements the flaky texture perfectly. And the sweetness of jam, from strawberry and raspberry to peach and fig, adds a delightful counterpoint. Honey is another excellent choice, providing a natural sweetness and floral aroma.
Beyond butter and jam, there’s the beloved sausage gravy. This creamy, savory gravy, studded with browned sausage, is a Southern breakfast staple. It’s hearty, filling, and utterly irresistible when ladled generously over a warm biscuit. The richness of the gravy perfectly complements the biscuit’s slightly sweet undertones.
Another breakfast favorite is country ham. Thinly sliced country ham, with its salty, smoky flavor, is a perfect match for the biscuit’s fluffy interior. The contrast in textures and flavors is simply divine. For an extra touch, add a smear of honey mustard for a touch of sweetness and tang.
Elevating the Breakfast Biscuit
Looking to take your breakfast biscuit game to the next level? Consider adding eggs. A fried egg, sunny-side up or over easy, nestled inside a biscuit creates a satisfying and protein-packed meal. The runny yolk adds richness and moisture, making each bite a culinary delight.
Bacon is another obvious, but always welcome, addition. Crispy bacon, whether crumbled or served in strips, adds a salty, smoky crunch that complements the biscuit’s soft texture. A sprinkle of cheddar cheese can further enhance the flavor profile.
For a sweeter indulgence, try a cinnamon sugar biscuit. Simply brush the biscuit with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking. The result is a warm, gooey treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. You can also use a cream cheese glaze for a sweeter and richer flavor.
Biscuits for Lunch: Savory Delights
Biscuits aren’t just for breakfast. They’re equally delicious as part of a satisfying lunch. From sandwiches to soups, there are countless ways to incorporate biscuits into your midday meal.
Biscuit Sandwiches: A Versatile Option
A biscuit sandwich is a quick and easy lunch option. The possibilities are endless! Fried chicken is a classic choice, especially when paired with pickles and a spicy mayo. The crispy chicken, tangy pickles, and creamy mayo create a symphony of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist.
Pulled pork is another popular filling. Tender, smoky pulled pork, slathered in barbecue sauce, is a match made in heaven with a warm biscuit. Add a scoop of coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
Vegetarian options abound as well. A grilled vegetable and hummus biscuit sandwich is a healthy and flavorful choice. Load the biscuit with grilled zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and a generous dollop of creamy hummus.
Soup and Biscuits: A Comforting Combination
A bowl of hearty soup and a warm biscuit is the ultimate comfort food lunch. The biscuit is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and adding a touch of sweetness to the savory soup.
Chicken noodle soup is a classic pairing. The tender chicken, comforting noodles, and savory broth are perfectly complemented by the biscuit’s fluffy texture. Tomato soup is another excellent choice. The acidity of the tomatoes is balanced by the biscuit’s slight sweetness.
For a heartier option, try pairing biscuits with beef stew or chili. The rich, savory flavors of the stew or chili are enhanced by the biscuit’s subtle sweetness.
Dinner Biscuits: Elevating the Evening Meal
Biscuits can also play a starring role in dinner. They’re a versatile side dish that complements a wide range of entrees.
The Perfect Side Dish
As a side dish, biscuits can elevate any dinner. They pair well with fried chicken, roasted chicken, grilled steak, and even seafood. The biscuit’s subtle sweetness and fluffy texture provide a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the main course.
Consider serving biscuits with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy. The creamy potatoes, rich gravy, and fluffy biscuit create a comforting and satisfying meal.
Biscuits also pair well with casseroles. Whether it’s a chicken pot pie casserole or a green bean casserole, a warm biscuit on the side is always a welcome addition.
Biscuits as Part of the Main Course
Biscuits can even be incorporated into the main course. Consider making a chicken and biscuit pot pie. Top a creamy chicken pot pie filling with biscuits instead of a traditional pie crust. The result is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Another option is to use biscuits as the base for a savory bread pudding. Soak the biscuits in a custard mixture and bake until golden brown. Add savory ingredients like cheese, ham, and vegetables for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Sweet Biscuit Creations: Dessert Delights
Who says biscuits can’t be dessert? With a few simple tweaks, biscuits can be transformed into delectable sweet treats.
Sweet Toppings and Fillings
Transform a plain biscuit into a dessert by adding sweet toppings and fillings. Whipped cream and berries are a classic combination. The light and airy whipped cream, combined with the sweetness of the berries, creates a refreshing and satisfying dessert.
Another option is to fill the biscuit with fruit compote. Peach compote, apple compote, or berry compote are all delicious choices. The warm, fruity filling adds a touch of sweetness and moisture to the biscuit.
Biscuit Desserts
Get creative and turn biscuits into entirely new desserts. A biscuit shortcake is a delicious and easy dessert. Simply top a biscuit with whipped cream and berries.
Consider making biscuit pudding. Soak cubed biscuits in a custard mixture and bake until golden brown. Add raisins, nuts, and spices for a flavorful and comforting dessert.
You can also fry biscuits and coat them in cinnamon sugar for a delightful treat. These biscuit donuts are a fun and easy dessert that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
Beyond the Basics: Unexpected Pairings
While the classics are always a good choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with unexpected pairings.
International Flavors
Try pairing biscuits with international flavors. A Korean fried chicken biscuit sandwich with kimchi slaw is a flavorful and exciting twist on a classic.
Consider serving biscuits with Indian curry. The biscuit’s fluffy texture is a perfect complement to the rich and spicy curry.
Unique Condiments
Experiment with different condiments. Fig jam, balsamic glaze, and even truffle oil can add a unique and sophisticated touch to your biscuits.
Don’t be afraid to try savory jams, such as bacon jam or onion jam. These savory jams add a burst of flavor that complements the biscuit’s subtle sweetness.
In conclusion, the possibilities of what goes with Southern biscuits are truly endless. Whether you prefer a classic breakfast combination or a more adventurous pairing, there’s a biscuit creation out there for everyone. So, get creative, experiment with flavors, and enjoy the delicious versatility of this Southern staple. Remember, the best biscuit accompaniment is the one that brings you the most joy.
What is the most classic accompaniment to Southern biscuits?
The most classic accompaniment to Southern biscuits is undeniably butter, often unsalted or lightly salted to allow the biscuit’s inherent flavor to shine through. The warm biscuit melts the butter, creating a rich and comforting experience that is a cornerstone of Southern cuisine. It’s a simple pleasure that highlights the biscuit’s texture and taste.
Beyond butter, another equally beloved classic is homemade jam or preserves. Strawberry, blackberry, or peach jams are especially popular, offering a sweet and fruity counterpoint to the savory biscuit. The combination of warm biscuit and sweet jam is a delightful treat, showcasing the versatility of Southern biscuits as both a breakfast and snack item.
What are some savory pairings for Southern biscuits?
Southern biscuits are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of savory dishes. Sausage gravy is a quintessential Southern choice, with its creamy, peppery sauce complementing the fluffy biscuit perfectly. Other excellent savory pairings include fried chicken, pulled pork, and country ham.
For a lighter savory option, consider pairing biscuits with scrambled eggs, cheese grits, or a side of bacon. These combinations offer a balanced and satisfying meal, highlighting the biscuit’s ability to absorb flavors and textures. They’re also wonderful as a base for breakfast sandwiches, offering a portable and delicious meal option.
Can I use Southern biscuits for sandwiches? What fillings work best?
Yes, Southern biscuits are excellent for making sandwiches. Their fluffy texture and slightly dense crumb make them sturdy enough to hold various fillings without falling apart. They offer a unique and delicious alternative to traditional sandwich bread.
When choosing fillings, consider classic Southern flavors such as fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, or pulled pork. Breakfast sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage are also popular choices. For a sweeter option, try a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a biscuit filled with whipped cream and berries. The possibilities are endless, and the biscuits’ neutral flavor allows the fillings to shine.
Are there any vegetarian options to serve with Southern biscuits?
Absolutely! There are many delicious vegetarian options that pair beautifully with Southern biscuits. Creamy mushroom gravy, made with a rich vegetable broth and plenty of herbs, is a hearty and flavorful choice. A side of cheese grits or a vegetable-packed frittata also complements the biscuits nicely.
For a lighter vegetarian option, consider serving biscuits with a fresh salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. A sweet potato and black bean chili can also be a satisfying vegetarian accompaniment. Don’t forget about jams and preserves, which are always a welcome addition to any vegetarian biscuit meal.
What kind of cheese goes well with Southern biscuits?
Several types of cheese complement the flavor of Southern biscuits wonderfully. Sharp cheddar cheese is a classic pairing, offering a tangy and savory contrast to the biscuits’ slightly sweet and buttery flavor. Cream cheese is another popular option, especially when paired with jam or honey.
For a more sophisticated cheese pairing, consider Gruyere, Brie, or even a tangy goat cheese. These cheeses offer a richer and more complex flavor profile that elevates the biscuit experience. Pimento cheese spread, a Southern staple, is also a fantastic choice for spreading on warm biscuits.
Can you use Southern biscuits in desserts? If so, how?
Yes, Southern biscuits can absolutely be used in desserts! They add a unique texture and flavor to sweet treats. A classic example is strawberry shortcake, where biscuits replace the traditional sponge cake, providing a denser and more substantial base for the berries and whipped cream.
Another delicious dessert option is biscuit cobbler, using the biscuits as a topping for baked fruit such as peaches, apples, or berries. The biscuits can also be crumbled and used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt parfaits. For a simple treat, brush the biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar before baking.
What beverages pair well with Southern biscuits?
The best beverage pairing for Southern biscuits often depends on the accompanying dish. For breakfast or brunch, coffee, tea, or orange juice are classic choices. Sweet tea is a quintessential Southern beverage that complements both sweet and savory biscuit pairings.
If you’re serving biscuits with a heavier meal, consider a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a more casual meal, lemonade or iced tea are refreshing options. Beer, especially a lighter lager or pale ale, can also pair well with savory biscuit dishes like fried chicken or pulled pork.