How to Make Easy 3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipe in 20 Minutes

Introduction for 3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipe

Who says homemade biscuits have to be complicated? With just three simple ingredients, you can have warm, fluffy biscuits on your table in under 20 minutes. This 3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipe is perfect for those hectic mornings when you need a quick breakfast solution or when unexpected dinner guests arrive. The beauty of these biscuits lies not only in their simplicity but also in their versatility—they create the perfect canvas for both sweet and savory toppings, from classic butter and jam to hearty sausage gravy.

The 3 Simple Ingredients

All you need to create these magical biscuits is:

1. Self-rising flour (2 cups)
2. Heavy cream (1½ cups)
3. Pinch of salt (optional, for enhanced flavor)

What makes this recipe extraordinarily simple is the absence of yeast or butter—no need for proofing time or cutting cold butter into flour. The self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, doing most of the heavy lifting for you. Most households keep these ingredients on hand, making this recipe perfect for last-minute baking. If you don’t have self-rising flour, don’t worry—we’ll share how to make your own with all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Why Choose a 3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipe?

Convenience

In today’s fast-paced world, spending hours in the kitchen isn’t always feasible. This recipe delivers homemade goodness without the time commitment. From start to finish, you can have freshly baked biscuits in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy weekday mornings or when you need a quick side for dinner. Unlike traditional biscuit recipes that require multiple steps and waiting periods, this streamlined version delivers consistent results with minimal effort.

No Special Equipment Needed

Another advantage of this recipe is its simplicity in preparation. You won’t need a pastry cutter, food processor, or stand mixer—just a bowl and a spoon will do. Even the cutting process can be simplified by using a drinking glass if you don’t have biscuit cutters. This accessibility makes it an ideal recipe for beginning bakers or those with limited kitchen tools.

Versatility

These biscuits are culinary chameleons. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs for breakfast, split and fill them with ham and cheese for lunch, or pair them with a hearty stew for dinner. Their neutral flavor profile makes them equally suited for sweet applications—try them with honey butter or as the base for strawberry shortcake. One simple recipe can solve mealtime dilemmas throughout the day.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature is crucial for creating that golden exterior while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of self-rising flour with a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center and pour in 1½ cups of heavy cream. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, moving from the center outward, until the mixture just comes together to form a soft dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.

3. Shape the Biscuits

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat or roll the dough to about 3/4-inch thickness—no thinner, or you’ll lose the height that makes these biscuits so appealing. Using a 2-inch round biscuit cutter or the rim of a drinking glass, cut straight down (don’t twist!) through the dough to form rounds. Place each biscuit on a baking sheet, positioning them so they’re just touching for soft sides or about an inch apart for crispier edges.

4. Bake

Place the baking sheet in the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The biscuits are done when they’ve risen significantly and the tops are a light golden brown.

5. Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for just 2-3 minutes. These biscuits are best served warm, straight from the oven, with your choice of toppings. Brush the tops with melted butter for an extra touch of richness and flavor.

Tips for Perfect 3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipe

Use Cold Cream: For the flakiest biscuits, make sure your heavy cream is cold from the refrigerator. Cold liquid helps create steam when it hits the hot oven, which contributes to the biscuits’ rise and layered texture.

Don’t Overmix: The secret to tender biscuits is minimal handling. Mix just until the ingredients come together—overmixing develops gluten, which can make your biscuits tough rather than tender. When you think you should stir one more time, stop!

Shape with Hands: For a more rustic, homestyle appearance, skip the rolling pin altogether. Simply pat the dough gently with your hands to the desired thickness. This reduces the chance of overworking the dough and results in a more authentic, homemade look.

Variations on the Recipe

This simple recipe serves as an excellent base for countless variations. Here are some delicious ways to customize your biscuits:

Cheesy Biscuits: Fold in 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese before shaping.

Herb Biscuits: Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to the dry ingredients.

Garlic Butter Biscuits: Brush the tops with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and a sprinkle of parsley after baking.

Sweet Biscuits: Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the dry ingredients and a teaspoon of vanilla to the cream for a sweeter version perfect for shortcakes.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast

These biscuits make breakfast a special occasion. Split them in half and top with scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast sandwich. For a traditional Southern breakfast, serve with sausage gravy ladled generously over the top. Or simply spread with butter and your favorite jam or honey for a quick morning bite.

Lunch/Dinner

At lunch or dinner, these biscuits shine as the perfect accompaniment to soups and stews, soaking up flavorful broths beautifully. They also complement salads by adding a satisfying element to lighter fare. Use them as dinner rolls alongside roasted chicken or pot roast for a complete comfort food experience.

Dessert

Transform these versatile biscuits into a delightful dessert. Split them horizontally, fill with sweetened whipped cream and fresh berries for an easy shortcake. Alternatively, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a simple sweet treat. Warm biscuits topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce make for an unexpectedly delicious dessert.

FAQs

Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply cut into shapes and bake as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time since the dough will be cold. Alternatively, you can freeze the cut, unbaked biscuits for longer storage.

Can I freeze these biscuits?

Absolutely. These biscuits freeze beautifully both before and after baking. To freeze unbaked biscuits, place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen biscuits on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 12-15 minutes. For baked biscuits, cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

Can I use different types of flour?

While self-rising flour is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute all-purpose flour in a pinch. To do so, use 2 cups of all-purpose flour mixed with 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious. For a heartier option, you can substitute up to 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour for white flour.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream provides the fat content traditionally supplied by butter in biscuit recipes. While you can substitute whole milk, the biscuits will be less rich and may require adding 4-5 tablespoons of cold butter cut into the flour. For the simplest version with the best results, heavy cream is recommended.

Conclusion for 3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipe

This 3 ingredient biscuit recipe proves that delicious, homemade baking doesn’t require a pantry full of ingredients or hours in the kitchen. In just minutes, you can create warm, fluffy biscuits that will elevate any meal from ordinary to special. Their incredible versatility makes them a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation—whether served with gravy for breakfast, alongside soup for dinner, or topped with berries for dessert.

Give this simple recipe a try, and you’ll soon find yourself making these biscuits regularly. Experiment with different variations and serving suggestions to discover your family’s favorites. And don’t forget to share this time-saving recipe with friends and family who appreciate good food without the fuss!ng the original dish so it doesn’t dry out when reheated.

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