Are you looking for a delicious breakfast or snack option that won't break the calorie bank? Look no further than a homemade biscuit! A 3" diameter baking powder or buttermilk biscuit (made at home) contains approximately 223 calories.
But calories aren't the only thing to consider when it comes to food! Biscuits can also provide key nutrients like iron, calcium, and fiber (depending on the recipe). Keep reading to learn more about how to make and enjoy these tasty treats.
Whether you prefer a light and fluffy biscuit or a denser, more flavorful option, there's a recipe out there for you. Plus, with the right storage method, you can enjoy homemade biscuits for days to come. Let's dive into everything you need to know!
How many calories are in a 3-inch biscuit?
As mentioned earlier, a 3" diameter baking powder or buttermilk biscuit (made at home) contains approximately 223 calories. This number can vary based on the ingredients and serving size, so it's important to be mindful if you're tracking your daily food intake. If you're looking to cut back on calories, there are a few ways to modify your biscuit recipe. Consider using low-fat milk or yogurt instead of buttermilk, or swapping out some of the flour for almond or coconut flour (which can be lower in calories and higher in fiber). Just remember, though, that the key to a delicious biscuit is in the texture and flavor, so be sure not to sacrifice those for the sake of a few calories.
What are the ingredients in a home-made baking powder biscuit?
To make a classic baking powder biscuit, you'll need just a few simple ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, butter or shortening, and milk or buttermilk. The exact proportions may vary based on the recipe, but in general, you'll want to use about 2 cups of flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 4-6 tbsp butter or shortening, and 3/4-1 cup milk or buttermilk. Once you have your ingredients measured out, it's all about the technique. The key to a light and fluffy biscuit is to handle the dough as little as possible. Be sure to mix your dry ingredients thoroughly, cut in the butter or shortening until the mixture resembles coarse sand, and then add in the milk or buttermilk just until the dough comes together. Try not to overwork the dough at any point, as this can result in tougher biscuits. Once your biscuits are cut and ready to bake, be sure to preheat your oven to 425°F and bake them for 10-15 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm with your favorite toppings (like butter, jam, or honey).
What are the ingredients in a home-made buttermilk biscuit?
If you're looking for a richer, tangier biscuit, try making them with buttermilk instead of regular milk. You'll use many of the same ingredients as in a baking powder biscuit (flour, baking powder, salt, butter or shortening), but with buttermilk added in. In general, you'll want to use about 2 cups of flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 4-6 tbsp butter or shortening, and 3/4-1 cup buttermilk. The method is similar to making a baking powder biscuit. Be sure to mix your dry ingredients, cut in the butter or shortening, and then add the buttermilk just until the dough comes together. Again, don't overwork the dough! Baking time and serving suggestions are the same as for baking powder biscuits. Buttermilk biscuits are great plain or with savory toppings like sausage gravy or fried chicken.
How to make a fluffy baking powder biscuit?
To achieve that airy, tender texture that we all love in biscuits, there are a few key tricks to follow. First, be sure to use cold butter or shortening (straight from the fridge). This will help create steam pockets in the dough as it bakes. Next, don't overmix the dough! Once the flour mixture is combined with the butter or shortening, add the milk or buttermilk just until the dough comes together. If you overmix, you'll activate too much gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. Finally, be sure to handle the dough gently. You can use a biscuit cutter or even a drinking glass to cut out the biscuits, but try not to twist or turn the cutter as you press down. This can seal the edges of the biscuits, preventing them from rising fully in the oven.
How to make a buttermilk biscuit from scratch?
As we mentioned earlier, buttermilk biscuits are very similar to baking powder biscuits - the addition of buttermilk just adds a tangy flavor and tender texture. Here's a basic recipe to get you started: Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 5 tbsp butter or shortening, 3/4-1 cup buttermilk.
How to store homemade biscuits to keep them fresh?
If you have leftover biscuits, you'll want to store them carefully to keep them fresh. One option is to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze your biscuits for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven (at around 350°F) for 5-10 minutes, or until they're heated through. If you want to make biscuits ahead of time and store them uncooked, you can also freeze them (individually wrapped in plastic wrap or in a single layer on a baking sheet). When you're ready to bake, simply thaw the biscuits in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. Keep in mind that biscuits will typically lose some of their lightness and fluffiness if stored for too long, so it's best to eat them fresh if possible.
What are the nutrients in a baking powder biscuit?
Depending on the recipe and serving size, a baking powder biscuit can provide several key nutrients. Some possible nutrients and their amounts include: - Iron (2-6% DV per biscuit): important for healthy blood and energy production. - Calcium (2-4% DV per biscuit): essential for strong bones and teeth.
What are the nutrients in a buttermilk biscuit?
Buttermilk biscuits are similar in nutrient profile to baking powder biscuits, but with a few potential differences depending on the recipe. Here are some possible nutrients and amounts in a serving of buttermilk biscuits: - Iron (2-6% DV per biscuit): important for healthy blood and energy production. - Calcium (2-4% DV per biscuit): essential for strong bones and teeth.
How to make a healthy version of a biscuit?
While biscuits are definitely a treat food (especially when slathered with butter and jam!), there are a few ways to make them slightly healthier. Here are some tips to try: - Use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrients. You may need to adjust the proportions slightly to ensure the biscuits still rise properly. - Use low-fat dairy products in place of full-fat options. For example, try using skim milk or low-fat yogurt instead of buttermilk, or use a light butter or margarine spread instead of regular butter.
Biscuit vs. biscotti: the calorie difference
Biscotti are another popular baked good often enjoyed with coffee or tea. However, they are quite different from biscuits in terms of both texture and calorie content. Unlike the light, fluffy biscuits we've been discussing, biscotti are dry, crunchy cookies that are twice-baked for extra crispiness. Because of their texture, biscotti tend to be lower in calories than biscuits. While a 3" biscuit contains approximately 223 calories, a typical biscotti might only have around 100 calories. This makes them a good option if you're looking for a small, satisfying treat without too many calories. However, if you're craving a soft, buttery biscuit, biscotti likely won't scratch that itch! Both types of baked goods have their place in a balanced diet, depending on your preferences and nutrition goals.
5 FAQ About Baking Powder or Buttermilk Biscuit
1. What is the serving size of a 3" diameter biscuit?
One 3" diameter biscuit is considered to be a single serving.
2. How many calories does a 3" diameter biscuit contain?
A 3" diameter biscuit made with baking powder or buttermilk contains about 223 calories.
3. What are the main ingredients of baking powder or buttermilk biscuits?
Some of the main ingredients of baking powder or buttermilk biscuits include flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk or buttermilk.
4. How can I reduce the calorie content of baking powder or buttermilk biscuits?
You can reduce the calorie content of baking powder or buttermilk biscuits by using alternative flours, such as almond flour or oat flour. You can also reduce the amount of butter or use a low-fat alternative, and consider using skim milk or a dairy-free milk alternative.
5. What are some common serving suggestions for baking powder or buttermilk biscuits?
Baking powder or buttermilk biscuits can be enjoyed as a side dish with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can also be served as a light snack with jam or honey, or used as the base for sandwiches.