Cornmeal Biscuits Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, golden-hued treat that brings together the best of cornbread’s nutty sweetness with the tender, flaky texture of a biscuit, these Cornmeal Biscuits are your new go-to. Their delightful crunch and warm, inviting flavor make them perfect companions to hearty soups, stews, and chilis, especially when the weather cools down. Once you try these biscuits, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them — they have that perfect balance that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a vital role in building the character, texture, and flavor of your Cornmeal Biscuits. From the rich creaminess of buttermilk to the flaky magic of cold butter, they come together to create something wonderful.

• Yellow cornmeal: Brings a nutty sweetness and beautiful golden color that’s signature to the biscuits.
• Buttermilk: Adds tangy moisture and helps tenderize the dough for that light fluffiness.
• Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that balances the slight tang of the buttermilk perfectly.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving structure without weighing down the biscuits.
• Baking powder: Provides lift so your biscuits rise beautifully and stay airy.
• Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk’s acidity to give a subtle but important lift and tenderness.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making the biscuits truly sing.
• Cold unsalted butter: The secret to flaky layers — keeping the butter cold ensures those delicious pockets of buttery texture as it bakes.

How to Make Cornmeal Biscuits

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 450°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high initial heat ensures your biscuits get that perfect golden crust while keeping tender inside.

Step 2: Mix Cornmeal, Buttermilk, and Honey

Whisk together the cornmeal, buttermilk, and honey in a bowl. This wet mixture infuses the dough with sweet, tangy flavor and helps hydrate the cornmeal for a soft crumb.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In your food processor, pulse the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt just to mix them evenly. This keeps the leavening agents well-distributed, ensuring an even rise.

Step 4: Cut in Cold Butter

Add the cold butter pieces and pulse about 10 times, until the mixture looks like coarse meal. These small chunks of butter create those flaky layers that make each biscuit so special.

Step 5: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Pour in the buttermilk-cornmeal mixture and pulse just enough to bring the dough together in large clumps, adding a little more buttermilk if needed. Don’t overwork the dough; gentle handling keeps the texture tender.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently bring it together. If it feels too wet, add a touch more flour; if dry or crumbly, let it rest wrapped in plastic for 15 minutes to fully hydrate.

Step 7: Cut Out Biscuits

Pat or roll the dough into a 9-inch round, about an inch thick, then cut out biscuits with a 2 1/2-inch cutter. Reform scraps carefully to avoid toughening the dough.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the biscuits for 5 minutes at 450°F, then lower the oven to 400°F and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes until golden and enticingly crisp on top. Let them cool on a rack to finish setting.

How to Serve Cornmeal Biscuits

Garnishes

While these cornmeal biscuits are delicious on their own, a little extra something on top takes them to the next level. Try slathering a warm biscuit with honey butter or a smear of sharp cheddar cheese for sweet and savory magic.

Side Dishes

They shine alongside robust dishes like tangy chili, creamy soups, or slow-cooked stews. Their sturdy yet tender texture is perfect for mopping up all those delicious sauces.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch twist, split biscuits open and fill with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of hot sauce. Or use them to make mini sandwiches with pulled pork or smoked turkey for a Southern-inspired feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cornmeal Biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay soft and flavorful if kept away from humidity.

Freezing

To enjoy these biscuits later, freeze them tightly wrapped or in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly whenever you’re ready for a fresh treat.

Reheating

Rewarm frozen or leftover biscuits by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or pop them in the toaster oven briefly for that regained crisp edge.

FAQs

Can I use white cornmeal instead of yellow?

Yes, white cornmeal works beautifully and will give a slightly lighter color but the same delicious flavor and texture in your Cornmeal Biscuits.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with enough whole milk to make 1 cup, let it sit for 15 minutes, and use as you would buttermilk. It will provide the same tang and acidity needed for tender biscuits.

How do I make sure my biscuits are flaky?

The key is to keep your butter cold and handle the dough gently. Pulse the butter into the flour mixture just until crumbly and avoid overworking the dough to maintain those tender layers.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the dough and refrigerate it overnight, wrapped tightly. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling and cutting out biscuits to ensure even baking.

Why do you bake the biscuits at two different temperatures?

Starting at 450°F helps the biscuits rise quickly and form a crisp crust, then lowering to 400°F finishes cooking them through without burning, creating that perfect golden outside and fluffy inside.

Final Thoughts

These Cornmeal Biscuits are such a delightful twist on classic biscuits, combining the best parts of cornbread and flaky bread into one irresistible package. Whether you’re serving them with a hearty meal or enjoying them with a pot of honey butter, they bring warmth and joy to any table. Go ahead and try making these soon — your taste buds will thank you!