Sometimes you just need a small batch of biscuits! This small batch skillet buttermilk biscuit recipe makes 5 lil guys that are perfect for 2 people for breakfast, or for 5 small biscuits for breakfast throughout the week.
Mike and I were on a long walk last weekend when we passed buy a new-ish biscuit place that we’ve been meaning to try. So even though we were full from snacks at another cafe (OMG, which I have a story about) we hopped in for some biscuits. They were good and sparked a conversation about the difference between biscuits and scones. Mike thinks biscuits have to be flaky. And I totally agree that good biscuits are flaky. But what about those biscuits that are more on the crumb side of things? Are those not biscuits?! (note from Mike: totally not biscuits)
Anyway, I was inspired and whipped up this small batch biscuit recipe. I was actually really lucky because I had exactly one cup of flour left! I used the food processor to whip these up – it was my first time using a food processor to do biscuits and they ended up light and airy and biscuity, but not layered. If you’re looking for a layered biscuit, this isn’t it. Layered biscuits need bigger, flatter slabs of butter and using a food processor gives you more smaller, more evenly distributed pockets of butter.
I’m really happy with how these came out. I just had one (I’m writing this two days later) and it was just as good as when it came out of the oven. I popped it in the oven to give it a bit of warmth and a quick toast and it was buttery and crispy and soft and all kinds of good.
Happy biscuit making!
xoxo steph
PS – The story about the cafe: Mike and I went to a super hipster, super busy cafe that was a seat yourself kind of situation. We wanted to eat a bunch of things but didn’t want to stalk/stand next to tables just empty handed so we grabbed a coffee and beer and hung out near the tables casually waiting for people to leave. We were standing there for a good twenty minutes, just chatting, when a table started gathering up their things to leave. We hung back, thinking that we would grab their table after they were done, but all of a sudden, a women looked at us and at them, then walked past us towards them to ask if they were leaving. They said yes, of course, and then she just sat down. I was so annoyed because…I don’t know, it was pretty clear that we were waiting for a table, but kind of try to not be those annoying people who are standing right next to your table while you’re trying to enjoy yourself. Anyway, we got a table 10 minutes later, but I was totally miffed because, hello coffee shop etiquette?!? Okay, end rant.
Small Batch Skillet Buttermilk Biscuits
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 3 tbsp butter cut into small pieces and frozen for at least 15 minutes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk very cold
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 450°F.
- In a food processor, blitz together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the buttermilk and mix until it just comes together.
- Turn out the mix onto a floured board and fold until everything comes together as a dough. Shape in a rough square then cut into 4. Or, you can trim the sides and form one extra biscuit from the trimmings.
- Brush the tops with butter. Place in a lightly buttered/oiled cast iron pan or on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown on top, 15-18 minutes.
- Remove and let cool slightly before enjoying. Keep them on the counter in a container if you don't finish them right away. If they're going to last longer than 2 days, pop them in the fridge, then lightly toast to revive. Enjoy!
Notes
Can’t wait to make this recipe. My husband and I love biscuits, but have been eating the freezer biscuits since we’re empty nesters. Need a small batch biscuit recipe.
I have to ask…where can I get one of your fantastic octagonal cast iron skillets? Have to have one…beautiful! Great smaller size for cooking for 2.
hi anne,
thanks for the kind words! it’s the smallest size finex, just a little 8 inch. here’s a link! :)
These look great. Making bread type items always seems so complicated. This looks relatively simple.
Made these this morning to use up my buttermilk and they were great! Bottoms came out wonderfully crisp.
The flour seemed prone to flying out the cracks of my food processor though, so next time I might just mix by hand.
hi katie,
glad the bottoms came out nice and crisp :)
Hello, I had a question in regards to a possible substitution for buttermilk. We are social distancing and trying to avoid the grocery store as much as possible. Any suggestions?
hi jennifer,
there’s a little note at the bottom of the recipe that explains how to substitute with milk and vinegar :)
I have 4 cup mini Cuisinart food prep. Is this ok to use or do you need larger unit?
hi donna,
the mini should fit!