There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, fluffy biscuit fresh from the oven, especially when it has the subtle, sweet crunch of cornmeal woven throughout its tender crumb. Cornmeal biscuits are a delightful twist on the classic Southern biscuit, offering a slightly grainy texture and a golden color that makes every bite uniquely satisfying.
Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty stew, buttering them up with honey for breakfast, or just enjoying them plain, these biscuits promise a perfect balance of crisp exterior and soft, moist interior.
What makes cornmeal biscuits stand out is their versatility and ease of preparation. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend brunches.
Plus, they pair beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes, making them a crowd-pleaser at any table. Ready to bake your own batch?
Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow, foolproof cornmeal biscuits recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cornmeal biscuits recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little extra texture and flavor to their traditional biscuit game. The addition of cornmeal not only enhances the flavor but also gives the biscuits a beautiful golden hue and a subtle crunch that contrasts delightfully with the soft, flaky layers inside.
Not only are these biscuits incredibly tasty, but they’re also easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple techniques. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and forgiving.
Additionally, these biscuits are versatile. They can be served as a side for savory dishes like chili or fried chicken, or enjoyed with sweet toppings like jam or honey.
You’ll love how these biscuits bring a touch of Southern charm to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (medium or fine ground)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk, cold
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or two forks (for cutting in butter)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Whisk
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Biscuit cutter or a round cookie cutter (about 2.5 inches in diameter)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Make sure the mixture is well aerated for a lighter biscuit.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. This step is key to flaky biscuits.
- Add the buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the cold buttermilk (and honey or maple syrup if using). Gently stir with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep biscuits tender.
- Turn out the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and gently knead the dough 3-4 times until it’s cohesive. Pat or roll the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle or circle. The less you handle the dough, the fluffier your biscuits will be.
- Cut out the biscuits: Use a biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter to cut out biscuits. Press straight down without twisting to help them rise evenly. Gather any scraps, gently re-pat, and cut additional biscuits.
- Place on baking sheet: Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart for slightly crispier edges, or touching for softer sides.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.
- Cool and serve: Let the biscuits cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite gravy.
Tips & Variations
For extra fluffy biscuits, make sure your butter and buttermilk are cold — this creates steam during baking, which helps the biscuits rise beautifully.
- Cheesy Cornmeal Biscuits: Add 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients for a savory twist.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for an aromatic variation.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle heat.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based buttermilk (such as almond milk with lemon juice).
- Sweet Cornmeal Biscuits: Increase sugar to 1/4 cup and add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for a breakfast treat.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (per biscuit) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Fiber | 1.5g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 310mg |
Serving Suggestions
Cornmeal biscuits are a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with countless dishes. Consider serving them warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey for breakfast or brunch.
They also make a fantastic accompaniment to Southern classics like fried chicken, collard greens, or hearty stews. For a cozy dinner, serve these biscuits alongside chili or a creamy chicken pot pie.
If you’re feeling adventurous, split a biscuit in half and layer with ham and cheese for a quick breakfast sandwich, or use them as a base for a biscuit and gravy dish.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned biscuit enthusiast, this cornmeal biscuits recipe is a must-try. Its simple ingredients and straightforward technique yield irresistibly tender, golden biscuits with a delightful cornmeal crunch that elevates any meal.
Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these biscuits bring both comfort and charm to your table.
By following these easy steps and tips, you’ll have a batch of homemade cornmeal biscuits that taste like they came straight from a Southern bakery. Remember, the key to perfect biscuits lies in cold ingredients, minimal handling, and a hot oven.
So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the warm, buttery goodness of cornmeal biscuits!
For more comforting recipes, be sure to check out our Classic Buttermilk Biscuits, Southern Fried Chicken, and Honey-Glazed Ham recipes to complete your meal.
📖 Recipe Card: Cornmeal Biscuits
Description: Fluffy and slightly crumbly biscuits made with cornmeal for a deliciously unique texture. Perfect as a side for soups, stews, or breakfast.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 8 biscuits
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg together.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 3-4 times.
- Pat dough into a 1-inch thick round and cut into 8 biscuits.
- Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 24 g
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