Why You’ll Love these Crispy Southern Nashville Fried Biscuits
These Crispy Southern Nashville Fried Biscuits are about to become your new obsession, and for good reason. I’m talking about golden-brown, perfectly crispy exteriors giving way to soft, pillowy centers that simply melt in your mouth. Can you imagine a more satisfying texture contrast?
What makes these biscuits truly special is their versatility. Serve them warm with honey butter for breakfast, alongside fried chicken for dinner, or even as a standalone snack. They’re incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time too—you can freeze the raw dough balls and fry them whenever a craving strikes.
Trust me, once you master the simple technique of maintaining that 350-degree oil temperature, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these addictive little morsels in your life.
What Ingredients are in Crispy Southern Nashville Fried Biscuits?
Nashville fried biscuits are a Southern delicacy that combines the comforting taste of homemade biscuits with the irresistible crunch of deep frying. These golden-brown treats have been a staple at Nashville tables for generations, and they’re surprisingly simple to make. The ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand, which makes this recipe perfect for weekend breakfasts or when you’re craving something a little indulgent.
The choice between lard and shortening will affect the flavor and texture of your biscuits—lard creates a more authentic, rich taste, while shortening produces a slightly lighter result. And what about the flour? All-purpose works perfectly, but if you can get your hands on Southern-style soft wheat flour, your biscuits will have that distinctive tenderness that makes them truly regional. Remember, the quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final product, so use the freshest you can find, especially when it comes to the yeast, which needs to be active to create those perfectly puffy biscuits.
Ingredients:
- 1 quart milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 2/3 packages dry yeast
- 1 cup lard or shortening
- 6 teaspoons salt
- 7-9 cups flour
- Oil for frying (enough to fill your pot 2-3 inches deep)
- Warm water (for activating the yeast as directed on package)
Directions:
How to Make these Crispy Southern Nashville Fried Biscuits
Making these crispy fried biscuits starts with creating a perfect dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 quart of milk with 1/4 cup of sugar, then add 2 2/3 packages of dry yeast that you’ve already dissolved in warm water according to package directions.
Next, mix in 1 cup of lard or shortening (your choice) along with 6 teaspoons of salt. Gradually incorporate 7-9 cups of flour, adding just enough until you achieve a workable dough that’s not too sticky but still soft to the touch. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl when it’s ready. Let this mixture rise in a warm spot until it roughly doubles in size.
Once your dough has risen, it’s time for the fun part—forming the biscuits. Gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles, and then work it into individual biscuit shapes. Remember not to let these biscuits rise too high before frying, or they mightn’t cook properly.
Heat your oil to slightly hotter than 350 degrees (a candy thermometer works wonders here), and carefully drop the biscuits into the hot fat. They’ll sizzle immediately and begin to turn a gorgeous golden brown. Watch them closely, though—if your oil is too hot, you’ll end up with soggy centers despite a beautifully browned exterior. For a more controlled cooking environment, you could use a slow cooker dutch oven to maintain consistent heat throughout the cooking process. The recipe yields about 7 dozen biscuits, which sounds like a lot, but trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “pass the honey butter.” Any extras can be frozen individually and stored in plastic bags for those moments when only a fried biscuit will do.
Crispy Southern Nashville Fried Biscuits Substitutions and Variations
While traditional Nashville fried biscuits follow a time-honored recipe, don’t be afraid to experiment with some creative substitutions and variations that can transform this Southern classic. I’m particularly fond of swapping regular milk with buttermilk for a tangy twist, or using half butter, half shortening instead of all lard for a more complex flavor profile.
You can also play with add-ins—imagine tiny bits of crispy bacon or shredded cheddar folded into the dough before frying. Divine, right? For a sweeter version, try increasing the sugar slightly and adding a dash of cinnamon, then dusting the hot biscuits with powdered sugar for a dessert-like treat. Can’t have gluten? A good cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend works surprisingly well, though the texture will be slightly different.
What to Serve with Crispy Southern Nashville Fried Biscuits
These golden, crispy fried biscuits deserve the perfect accompaniments to create a memorable Southern feast. I always pair them with local honey or sorghum syrup for dipping—that sweet-savory combo is absolutely heavenly. Want something more substantial? Serve alongside country ham, fried chicken, or a hearty sausage gravy.
For a proper Nashville breakfast, I’d recommend scrambled eggs and crispy bacon with these biscuits on the side. Fresh fruit compotes work beautifully too—think warm peach or blackberry preserves. And don’t forget about apple butter, which adds a wonderful spiced sweetness.
Hosting a dinner? These biscuits complement Southern classics like collard greens, black-eyed peas, or a creamy corn pudding. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds, maybe thirds.
Final Thoughts
I’ve fallen head over heels for these Nashville Fried Biscuits, and I’m confident you’ll too. There’s something magical about the way they puff up in that hot oil, creating a crispy golden exterior while maintaining a soft, tender center. Such a simple recipe, yet so satisfying.
Remember to keep your oil temperature consistent—not too hot, not too cool. The beauty of these biscuits? You can make a big batch and freeze them for later, perfect for those mornings when you need something special without the fuss.
Whether you serve them with apple butter, honey, or alongside a savory country breakfast, these crispy treats represent Southern comfort food at its finest. A little indulgence that brings so much joy.