Fluffy, tender 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits are the perfect addition to any meal. With only three simple ingredients, these biscuits are quick to prepare and filled with delightful flavor. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish, they can elevate any occasion. Their light, airy texture makes them a standout choice for both casual family meals and festive gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just three ingredients and minimal prep time, these biscuits come together in a flash.
- Deliciously Fluffy: The combination of self-rising flour and cold buttermilk creates a light and airy biscuit that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for slathering with butter or jam, these biscuits pair well with countless dishes.
- Minimal Ingredients: No need for complicated recipes; this simple approach keeps your pantry light.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Whether you’re serving breakfast or dinner, these biscuits make an excellent accompaniment.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Grater
- Pastry cutter
- Rubber spatula
- Work surface
- Biscuit cutter
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for mixing the flour and butter without making a mess.
- Pastry cutter: This tool helps incorporate the butter into the flour evenly, ensuring a flaky texture in your biscuits.
Ingredients
Fluffy, tender buttermilk biscuits that require only 3 ingredients!
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 stick frozen butter (salted or unsalted) ((1/2 cup) + more for brushing)
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
How to Make 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F. This high temperature is key to achieving that perfect rise.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture
- Add the self-rising flour into a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Grate the Butter
- Grate the frozen butter into the flour using a box grater. This technique ensures even distribution throughout the dough.
Step 4: Cut in the Butter
- Using a pastry cutter, cut in the grated butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 5: Mix in Buttermilk
- Pour in cold buttermilk.
- Use a rubber spatula to stir until a dough begins to form.
Step 6: Prepare Your Work Surface
Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough onto it.
Step 7: Knead Gently
Flour your hands and gently knead the dough. Add more flour as needed, but keep it slightly sticky for best results.
Step 8: Create Layers
Fold the dough several times to create layers. Work quickly to maintain coldness; warm dough leads to flat biscuits.
Step 9: Shape the Dough
Pat down the dough into a rectangle about one inch thick.
Step 10: Cut Out Biscuits
Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter, cut out four biscuits. Regather any leftover dough and pat it back out to cut additional biscuits.
Step 11: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place your cut biscuits on a baking sheet with their sides touching; this will help them rise beautifully while baking.
Step 12: Bake
Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Optionally brush tops lightly with melted butter during the last few minutes of baking.
Step 13: Finish with Butter
As soon as you remove them from the oven, brush with more melted butter. Allow time for absorption before brushing again for extra flavor.
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits
These fluffy and tender 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits are perfect for any meal. Whether you enjoy them at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there are countless ways to serve these delightful treats.
Breakfast Delight
- With Jam or Honey: Spread your favorite jam or honey on warm biscuits for a sweet start to your day.
- With Eggs: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or as a base for a delicious breakfast sandwich.
Savory Pairings
- With Gravy: Top your biscuits with sausage gravy for a classic southern breakfast.
- As a Side: Add them to your dinner plate next to fried chicken or pot roast for a comforting meal.
Snack Options
- With Cheese: Pair with slices of cheese for a savory snack that’s perfect anytime.
- With Soup: Enjoy these biscuits with a warm bowl of soup or chili, adding the perfect crunch and flavor.
Dessert Twist
- With Ice Cream: For a unique dessert, crumble biscuits over vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
- With Fresh Berries: Top with fresh berries and whipped cream for a light, sweet treat.

How to Perfect 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits
To ensure your 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Frozen Butter: Grating frozen butter keeps it cold, helping the biscuits rise and stay flaky.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix until just combined; over-kneading can lead to tough biscuits.
- Adjust Flour as Needed: If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in small amounts of flour while kneading.
- Oven Temperature Matters: Preheating your oven ensures that the biscuits rise properly during baking.
- Cut Straight Down: When using a biscuit cutter, press straight down without twisting to create well-defined edges.
- Serve Immediately: Biscuits are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm and fluffy.
Best Side Dishes for 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits
These biscuits complement many side dishes beautifully. Here are some fantastic pairings to consider:
- Fried Chicken: The crispy texture and savory flavor make fried chicken a classic match for buttermilk biscuits.
- Creamed Spinach: This rich and creamy dish adds a delicious contrast to the lightness of the biscuits.
- Green Beans Almondine: A fresh and nutty side that balances well with the buttery flavor of the biscuits.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort food vibes when served alongside these fluffy delights.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs wonderfully with buttered biscuits, enhancing that summer meal feeling.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad offers a refreshing contrast to warm biscuits at any dinner table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, and making the perfect 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits is no exception. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Using warm butter: This can lead to flat biscuits. Always use frozen butter for the best results.
- Overworking the dough: Kneading too much makes the biscuits tough. Handle the dough gently and quickly.
- Not measuring flour properly: Too much flour will dry out your biscuits. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into your measuring cup without packing it down.
- Skipping the cold buttermilk: Warm buttermilk affects texture. Ensure it’s chilled before mixing.
- Not preheating the oven: A hot oven is crucial for fluffy biscuits. Always preheat to 450°F before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking them.
Freezing 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits
- Wrap each biscuit tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individually for about 15-20 seconds. Watch closely to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits so special?
The simplicity of just three ingredients allows anyone to create warm, fluffy biscuits with minimal effort.
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, but you will need to add baking powder and salt to get similar results.
How do I customize my 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits?
You can add herbs, cheese, or spices for extra flavor. Try mixing in garlic powder or shredded cheese.
Why are my biscuits not rising?
This could be due to using warm ingredients or insufficiently mixed baking powder if using regular flour.
How long do these biscuits last after baking?
They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Final Thoughts
These 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits are not only simple but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them with breakfast or as a side dish. Customize them with your favorite flavors and share them with loved ones for a cozy meal!
3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits
Fluffy and tender 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits are a delightful addition to any meal, bringing warmth and comfort to your table with minimal effort. Made with just three simple ingredients—self-rising flour, frozen butter, and cold buttermilk—these biscuits are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish. Their light, airy texture pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings, from jam and honey to savory gravies. With these biscuits, you can elevate any occasion effortlessly while enjoying the delicious flavors they bring to your palate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 biscuits
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 stick frozen butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- In a mixing bowl, add self-rising flour.
- Grate the frozen butter into the flour and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs using a pastry cutter.
- Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir gently with a rubber spatula until combined.
- Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough gently.
- Fold the dough several times for layers, then pat down into a rectangle about one inch thick.
- Cut out biscuits using a biscuit cutter and arrange them on a baking sheet with sides touching.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Brush tops with melted butter before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit (40g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg








