For those embracing a keto lifestyle, the simple pleasure of a warm, comforting biscuit might seem like a distant memory. Traditional biscuits, laden with wheat flour, sugar, and sometimes even honey, are typically off-limits due to their high carbohydrate content. However, cravings persist, and the desire for a keto-friendly alternative is strong. These Keto Buttermilk Biscuits are the answer, offering a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast, lunch, or dinner option that satisfies those bread cravings without derailing your low-carb goals. Ready in just 30 minutes, these simple homemade biscuits are gluten-free, sugar-free, and low-carb!
Why Keto Buttermilk Biscuits?
These biscuits are a game-changer for anyone following a ketogenic diet. They allow you to enjoy a classic comfort food without the guilt or the carb overload. With just 3 net carbs per serving, these biscuits are a far cry from their traditional counterparts, which can contain a whopping 16 net carbs. They're perfect as a side dish, a base for sausage gravy, or simply enjoyed with butter or keto-friendly jam.
What Makes These Biscuits Keto-Friendly?
The secret to these keto buttermilk biscuits lies in the clever substitution of high-carb ingredients with low-carb alternatives.
- Flours: Instead of wheat flour, this recipe uses a combination of almond flour and coconut flour. Almond flour provides a slightly nutty flavor and a tender crumb, while coconut flour adds structure and helps to absorb moisture. It is important to use blanched almond flour, not almond meal, and superfine almond and coconut flours.
- Sweeteners: Traditional biscuits often contain sugar or honey for added sweetness. This recipe omits those ingredients entirely, making it suitable for a sugar-free diet.
- Leavening Agents: Just like traditional biscuits, these rely on baking powder and baking soda for leavening, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- Buttermilk (or Kefir): Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps to create a tender crumb. Kefir can also be used as a substitute for buttermilk, offering a similar flavor profile and texture.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Xanthan gum
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cold butter, chopped
- Eggs (room temperature)
- Buttermilk or kefir
- Shredded cheese (optional, for savory biscuits)
Step-by-Step Instructions
The process of making these keto buttermilk biscuits is surprisingly simple. Here's a breakdown of the steps:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) or 350 degrees F, depending on the recipe you follow. A well-preheated oven is crucial for achieving a golden-brown crust and a fluffy interior. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled, chopped butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, whisk, or the back of a fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs and the butter is about pea-sized. Make sure to use cold butter and touch it as little as possible with your hands.
- Add the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg whites and buttermilk (or kefir). Add this mixture to the dry ingredients.
- Combine the dough: With a spoon, stir the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can result in tough biscuits. The dough will look somewhat lumpy. Let the dough sit for 1 minute.
- Assemble the biscuits: Drop scant 1/4 cup portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2-3 inches between each biscuit. You can use a large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop (sprayed with olive or coconut oil) for even portions. Slightly flatten the top of each biscuit to prevent a dome from rising.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and around the edges.
- Cool: Let the biscuits cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before serving. This allows them to set slightly and prevents them from being too fragile.
- Brush with butter (optional): If desired, brush the warm biscuits with melted butter for added flavor and richness. Garlic butter would be a great option, too!
Tips for Perfect Keto Buttermilk Biscuits
- Use cold butter: Cold butter is essential for creating a flaky texture.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough, dense biscuits. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, with no pockets of flour remaining.
- Preheat the oven: A hot oven is crucial for proper rising and browning.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly biscuits. Remove them from the oven once they begin to brown. Remember, they will continue to "bake" as they cool (a process called carryover cooking).
- Let them rest: Letting the biscuits rest before brushing with butter prevents the butter from seeping into the middle.
Flavor Variations
One of the best things about these keto buttermilk biscuits is that they are easily customizable. Here are a few ideas for flavor variations:
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Cheese Biscuits: Add shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan, to the dough for a savory twist.
- Herb-Infused Biscuits: Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dry ingredients for a savory herb-infused flavor.
- Garlic Biscuits: Add garlic powder to the dough for a boost of flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits: Roll each biscuit doughball in a mixture of ground cinnamon and sweetener before flattening them out on the baking sheet.
Serving Suggestions
These keto buttermilk biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- As a side dish: Serve them alongside your favorite keto-friendly meals, such as soups, stews, or salads.
- With butter or keto-friendly jam: Enjoy them as a simple and satisfying snack or breakfast.
- As a base for sausage gravy: Create a classic Southern breakfast by topping them with keto-friendly sausage gravy.
- As a sandwich bread: Use them to make mini sandwiches with your favorite keto-friendly fillings.
Storage Instructions
Leftover biscuits can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place the biscuits in a sealable container, and cover with several paper towels or a dishcloth. This keeps the biscuits fluffy.
For longer storage, freeze the biscuits in a single layer on a baking sheet and then pop them into a ziplock freezer bag or airtight container. To thaw, take the biscuits out of the freezer and place them in the refrigerator overnight.
Common Questions
- Are these keto buttermilk biscuits fluffy like regular buttermilk biscuits? No, these biscuits are more of a drop biscuit texture.
- Why are my keto biscuits dense? The number one reason biscuits turn out dense or tough is that they’re overbaked.
- Why are my biscuits flat? Flat biscuits result from not using chilled butter and overmixing.
- How do I know if my biscuits are cooked fully? It should take between 12 and 15 minutes for your keto buttermilk biscuits to fully cook. Once they start to get golden brown with a darker brown at the edges they should be done.
- Can I freeze these keto buttermilk biscuits? Absolutely you can!
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