7 Southern Biscuits Ranked From Good to Legendary

Food & Drink Travel
By Jasmine Hughes

When it comes to Southern comfort, nothing beats a warm, buttery biscuit. Whether they’re smothered in gravy or served with honey, these flaky favorites tell the story of the South in every bite. Here’s how ten iconic styles of Southern biscuits stack up – ranked from good to downright legendary.

1. Drop Biscuits

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Drop Biscuits are the quick, no-nonsense answer to biscuit cravings. Skip the rolling pin; just mix, drop, and bake. Their rugged, golden exterior offers a satisfying crunch.

Inside, they house a tender, fluffy heart. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu brunches, they’re the go-to for busy bakers.

While they may not earn top honors for elegance, Drop Biscuits charm with their unpretentious nature. They’re the warm welcome you need after a long day, offering a bite of homey comfort that’s effortlessly delicious.

2. Sweet Potato Biscuits

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Sweet Potato Biscuits are Southern soul food, capturing autumn in every bite. Mashed sweet potatoes give them a distinctive orange hue and a touch of sweetness.

These biscuits pair beautifully with honey butter or savory ham, making them a standout at holiday gatherings or fall dinners. Their unique flavor profile adds depth to any meal.

Beyond their taste, they bring a vibrant color to the table, reminiscent of a Southern harvest. They’re a delicious reminder of the close-knit gatherings and festive feasts that define Southern hospitality.

3. Cream Biscuits

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Cream Biscuits are the epitome of simplicity and elegance. By relying on heavy cream rather than butter or shortening, they achieve a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.

Their uncomplicated nature allows the quality of ingredients to shine, making them a sophisticated addition to any table. Perfect for serving with delicate spreads or alone as a buttery indulgence.

They prove that less is truly more, offering a tender bite that’s both luxurious and comforting. Cream Biscuits are a testament to refined Southern baking, with a simplicity that’s truly captivating.

4. Buttermilk Biscuits

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Buttermilk Biscuits are the cornerstone of Southern breakfast. Their tangy, fluffy texture is endlessly versatile, making them the perfect companion to fried chicken or red-eye gravy.

The buttermilk imparts a distinct tang, elevating their flavor profile to legendary status. A staple in many households, they embody the essence of Southern cooking.

Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, they never fail to satisfy. Buttermilk Biscuits are the taste most people imagine when they hear “Southern biscuit,” a true icon in the culinary world.

5. Cheese Biscuits

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Cheese Biscuits add a sharp, savory twist to the classic biscuit. The infusion of cheddar cheese creates a golden, crispy crust that’s impossible to resist.

These biscuits are a hit at church suppers and family picnics, where their bold flavor and satisfying crunch make them a crowd favorite.

With every bite, they walk the line between comfort food and indulgence, offering a delightful mix of flavors. Cheese Biscuits stand out with their unique character, transforming any meal into a special occasion.

6. Beaten Biscuits

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Beaten Biscuits are a testament to Southern heritage, echoing the past with every dense, cracker-like bite. Once made by beating the dough with a mallet for up to 30 minutes, they are a labor of love.

These biscuits are rare today but carry the weight of tradition and resilience. Their tough texture tells tales of early Southern kitchens.

Though not as common, they remain a cherished relic of history, a nod to the enduring spirit of Southern bakers. Beaten Biscuits offer a unique connection to the past in every bite.

7. Biscuit with Sausage Gravy

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Biscuit with Sausage Gravy isn’t just a biscuit; it’s the king of Southern breakfasts. The warm, fluffy biscuit serves as the perfect vessel for rich, peppery sausage gravy.

This combination turns any morning into a feast, offering a hearty start to the day that’s both comforting and indulgent.

A Southern staple, it’s beloved for its robust flavors and satisfying nature. Though more a dish than a biscuit type, it’s impossible to ignore its legendary status in Southern cuisine.