Got Leftover Bacon Grease? Make Southern-Style Biscuits
Are you a fan of southern cuisine? Do you have leftover bacon grease sitting in your kitchen? If so, then it’s time to put that flavorful ingredient to good use by making some delicious homemade southern-style biscuits. Biscuits are a staple in many southern households, and using leftover bacon grease adds an extra touch of richness and flavor that is hard to resist. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these delectable treats, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a taste of the South.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. For classic southern-style biscuits with a bacon twist, you’ll need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- ¾ cup of buttermilk (or whole milk)
- 2 tablespoons of leftover bacon grease
Preparing the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until thoroughly combined.
Next, add the cubed cold butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial as it creates the flaky texture that defines southern-style biscuits.
In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk (or whole milk) with the leftover bacon grease. Then, gradually pour this mixture into the flour-butter mixture. Stir the dough gently until it comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the biscuits tough.
Rolling and Cutting
Dust a clean surface with flour and transfer the dough onto it. Gently knead the dough a few times until it becomes cohesive. Then, using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about ¾-inch thickness.
Now, it’s time to cut out the biscuits. Using a round biscuit cutter (approximately 2-3 inches in diameter), press straight down into the dough to cut out each biscuit. Avoid twisting the cutter, as this can prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
Place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each one for expansion. Gather any leftover dough scraps, gently pat them together, and repeat the process until you’ve used up all the dough.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Once all the biscuits are arranged on the baking sheet, pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top. Keep a close eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t overcook.
When the biscuits are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. While they are delicious enough to enjoy on their own, you can also serve them with butter, honey, or even create mouth-watering bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches.
Don’t Waste Bacon Grease
Leftover bacon grease often gets discarded without a second thought, but it can be a valuable ingredient in many recipes. In southern-style biscuits, the bacon grease adds a touch of smokiness and richness that elevates the flavor profile. By utilizing this otherwise wasted resource, you not only reduce food waste but also add a unique twist to a classic dish.
Conclusion
Southern-style biscuits made with leftover bacon grease are a delicious and satisfying treat that brings a taste of the South to your table. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a batch of flaky, golden-brown biscuits that are perfect for any occasion. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover bacon grease, don’t let it go to waste. Try your hand at making these mouthwatering biscuits and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
*Source www.foodrepublic.com
