When it comes to comfort food, few things compare to a warm biscuit fresh out of the oven. But if you want to elevate your biscuit game, sweet potato biscuits are a delightful variation that offers both flavor and nutrition. Their naturally sweet taste and fluffy texture make them an irresistible addition to any meal.
Why We Love This Sweet Potato Biscuits Recipe
Sweet potato biscuits are not just a delicious treat; they also have a lot going for them in terms of nutrition and versatility. First off, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. This means your biscuits can offer a nutritious boost along with their delightful flavor.
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. You can whip up a batch in no time, making it ideal for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings. The process involves straightforward steps and common ingredients that you probably have in your pantry. Plus, sweet potato biscuits can easily be customized with various additions, from herbs to cheese, allowing you to make them your own.
Additionally, they have a mild sweetness that complements many dishes. You can serve them alongside soups, salads, or hearty stews for a well-rounded meal. You could even savor them with a bit of honey butter as a sweet treat. Each bite is a reminder of the comfort of home cooking, creating a warm feeling that is hard to replicate.
Ingredients about Sweet Potato Biscuits
To get started on your sweet potato biscuits, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (from 1 medium sweet potato)
- 1/2 cup whole milk, plus 2 more tablespoons as needed
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into small chunks
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened (optional for honey butter)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional for honey butter)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for honey butter)
How to Make Sweet Potato Biscuits Directions
Creating sweet potato biscuits is a rewarding experience, and following these simple steps will ensure perfect results every time.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes along with 1/2 cup of whole milk. Whisk them together until smooth and well-blended.
Next, grab a food processor. Add 1 2/3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 2 1/2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt. Pulse the mixture until all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
Now it’s time to incorporate the cold butter. Add the small chunks of the cold unsalted butter to the food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal or small pea-sized clumps.
Transfer the flour mixture to the bowl with the sweet potato mixture. Gently fold them together with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are just moistened. If the mixture seems too dry, add the additional 2 tablespoons of milk, a little at a time.
Lightly knead the dough on a floured surface just a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a rectangle that is about 3/4 inch thick.
Cut the dough into thirds. Stack the pieces on top of each other, and repeat the patting and cutting process to add layers. This helps create flaky layers in your biscuits.
Finally, cut the final dough into twelve even squares and carefully transfer them to your prepared baking sheet.
Bake your sweet potato biscuits in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden on top and puffed up.
For an optional sweet drizzle, prepare honey butter by mixing 1 stick of softened unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of honey and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Beat them together until smooth and serve at room temperature.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Biscuits
Serving sweet potato biscuits is a delightful experience. There are numerous ways to enjoy them, and here are a few suggestions.
For breakfast, consider softening a pat of honey butter on a warm biscuit. The sweet, creamy butter drizzles down into the flaky layers, creating a mouthwatering experience that will kickstart your day. Alternatively, you can serve them alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a balanced morning plate.
At lunch or dinner, these biscuits make an incredible side dish. Pair them with a hearty soup, like a comforting butternut squash soup, or a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Their unique flavor complements a variety of dishes without overpowering other tastes.
You can also welcome them anytime as a snack. They taste wonderful on their own, or you might enjoy them toasted with a bit of butter and a sprinkle of sea salt. The versatility of sweet potato biscuits means you can enjoy them at any time, making them a staple in your kitchen.
Expert Tips: Sweet Potato Biscuits
Here are some expert tips to take your sweet potato biscuits to the next level and ensure success.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure to let your ingredients come to room temperature, especially the milk and butter (if you choose to use softened butter for the honey butter).
Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing and kneading the dough, be gentle. Overworking can lead to tough biscuits. Aim for a light touch to maintain that flaky texture.
Keep Butter Cold: The cold butter contributes to the flaky layers in your biscuits, so don’t skip this step. If your kitchen is warm, you can even chill the flour mixture for a few minutes before adding the butter.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme for an herbaceous twist, or consider incorporating cheese for a savory version. Just remember to balance flavors without overwhelming the sweet potato base.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your biscuits as they bake. Ovens can vary, so adjust the baking time as needed. Look for a golden exterior and a soft center.
How to Store Sweet Potato Biscuits
To keep your sweet potato biscuits fresh, proper storage is essential. Once they have cooled, you can place them in an airtight container or resealable bag to maintain their moisture. If you plan to eat them within a few days, keeping them at room temperature is perfectly fine.
For longer storage, consider freezing the biscuits. Wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked flavor.
Variation of Sweet Potato Biscuits
One of the best aspects of baking is the ability to experiment and add your unique flair to recipes. Here are some delightful variations of sweet potato biscuits to consider:
Cheddar and Chive: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh chives to the dough for a savory twist. The cheese adds richness, while the chives bring a pop of flavor.
Herbal Infusion: Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to your flour mixture. This herbal version pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or savory soups.
Maple Glaze: Instead of honey butter, create a maple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of maple syrup and a bit of milk. Drizzle it over the biscuits after they have cooled for a sweet finish.
Spiced Delight: Incorporate spices such as nutmeg or ginger into the dough for a warming flavor, especially delightful during the colder months.
Nutty Crunch: For a crunch, add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough. They provide a delightful texture and contrast to the softness of the biscuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes sweet potato biscuits different from traditional biscuits?
Sweet potato biscuits are distinct due to the inclusion of mashed sweet potatoes in the dough. This addition lends a naturally sweet flavor and vibrant color while enhancing nutritional value.
Can you make sweet potato biscuits in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it. Make sure to form the biscuits, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
What can I serve with sweet potato biscuits?
Sweet potato biscuits are highly versatile. You can serve them alongside breakfast items, soups, salads, or even with honey butter as a snack. They complement a variety of flavors, making them a great addition to any meal.
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Food Processor
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes from 1 medium sweet potato
- ½ cup whole milk plus 2 more tablespoons as needed
- 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 2½ Tbsp. sugar
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder
- 1¼ tsp. salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter cut into small chunks
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened (optional for honey butter)
- 2 Tbsp. honey optional for honey butter
- ¼ tsp. cinnamon optional for honey butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes and whole milk. Whisk until smooth.
- In a food processor, pulse together the flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Add the cold butter chunks to the food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Transfer the flour mixture to the sweet potato mixture and fold gently until just moistened. Add more milk if needed.
- Lightly knead the dough on a floured surface until it comes together. Pat it into a rectangle about 3/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into thirds, stack them, and repeat the patting and cutting process to create layers.
- Cut the final dough into twelve squares and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until lightly golden and puffed up.
- For honey butter, mix softened butter, honey, and cinnamon until smooth. Serve at room temperature.
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