Cathead Biscuits

Iconic Southern biscuits named for their impressive size—traditionally said to be "as big as a cat's head." These drop biscuits have a craggy, golden-brown exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that is perfect for soaking up gravy or honey. They are a rustic and comforting staple of Appalachian and Southern farmhouse cooking.

Prep 6 minCook 19 minTotal 25 minUpdated Jul 3, 202625 minLow CarbVegetarianGluten FreeKeto Friendly

Iconic Southern biscuits named for their impressive size—traditionally said to be "as big as a cat's head." These drop biscuits have a craggy, golden-brown exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that is perfect for soaking up gravy or honey. They are a rustic and comforting staple of Appalachian and Southern farmhouse cooking.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 cup Buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp Butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat an oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch cake pan.
  2. Sift flour and salt together into a large mixing bowl. Make a dent in flour by pushing flour from center toward sides of bowl. Add 2 walnut-size lumps of shortening and a splash of buttermilk to the flour where you made the dent. Work the shortening into the flour using fingers in a twisting motion (rub thumb against pointer and middle finger motion) until the shortening is fully incorporated into the flour.
  3. Pour buttermilk into the flour about 1/4 cup at a time, continuing to work it in with your fingers until the buttermilk is completely incorporated into a sticky dough.
  4. Roll dough into 8 large balls and drop into prepared cake pan, working around the outside and putting the last one in middle to fill the pan. Press dough balls with back of fingers to flatten until they touch and are about 3/4- to 1-inch thick.
  5. Bake in preheated oven until the tops are golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Brush tops with melted butter.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Storage

Store safely

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within a few days when appropriate for the ingredients.

Meal prep

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Tracking

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