Fluffy Sweet Potato Biscuits: A Wholesome & Easy Comfort Food Recipe
There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm, freshly baked biscuit, and these sweet potato buttermilk biscuits take that comfort to a whole new level. Tender, incredibly flaky, and imbued with the subtle, earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, they are a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty dinner or enjoying one with your morning coffee, these biscuits are destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Living in Salt Lake City, we’ve recently experienced an unusually mild winter. While many might appreciate the break from harsh cold, I confess that it left me feeling a little short-changed on a fundamental part of the season: true comfort food. My deepest apologies to those in the freezing Midwest and East Coast, where it seems all of our snow and chilly weather migrated!
As winter begins to transition into spring, I’ve found myself longing for those deeply satisfying, soul-warming dishes that define the colder months. My kitchen felt deprived of rich, baked casseroles, generous servings of food piled high on mashed potatoes, and the gentle warmth of cozy soups. It’s a realization that has spurred me to embrace the last vestiges of winter with all the hearty, comforting meals I can possibly prepare.
And what completes almost every cozy, comforting meal? A delightful side of rolls or biscuits, ready to soak up every last drop of gravy, soup, or stew. While I adore homemade yeast rolls, their preparation often requires significant foresight and time – something I frequently lack when a sudden craving for warmth strikes. Biscuits, on the other hand, are a culinary marvel. They transform from simple ingredients into a golden, flaky accompaniment in less than 30 minutes, making them my go-to choice for adding that perfect touch to any hearty dish.
These sweet potato biscuits are a truly special variation on a classic. The addition of sweet potato puree not only gives them a beautiful, inviting hue but also infuses a subtle sweetness and an extra layer of moisture, resulting in an exceptionally tender crumb. They are an ideal companion to a wide array of comfort meals – think alongside a steaming bowl of chili, nestled next to creamy macaroni and cheese, or as the perfect complement to a succulent roast. The earthy sweetness of the sweet potato beautifully balances richer, savory flavors. But don’t limit them to just savory pairings! I recently enjoyed one slathered with raspberry jam, and the combination was absolutely incredible, proving their versatility for both breakfast and dinner tables.
How to Make Perfect Sweet Potato Puree for Your Biscuits
Creating your own sweet potato puree is simple and ensures the freshest flavor for your biscuits. The slight effort is well worth the delicious result:
- Start with 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes. Wash them thoroughly and then prick their skins several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting.
- Bake the sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until they are very tender when squeezed, which usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on their size.
- Once baked, allow them to cool slightly until they are comfortable enough to handle. Carefully peel off the skins – they should slip off easily. Mash the cooked sweet potato flesh with a fork or a potato masher until smooth. Be sure to remove any dark or unsightly spots. For an extra smooth puree, you can pass it through a fine-mesh sieve or blend it briefly in a food processor.
(This process typically yields about 1 cup of creamy sweet potato puree, perfect for this biscuit recipe.)
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour (270 grams)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter , cold and cut into cubes (85 grams)
- 1 cup sweet potato puree , see Note (227 grams)
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk (177 ml)
Instructions
-
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to a hot 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for encouraging a good rise and creating flaky layers. Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients & Cut in Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well combined. Now, add the cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. The cold butter is key to achieving those beautiful flaky layers in your biscuits.
-
Add Wet Ingredients & Form Dough: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sweet potato puree and cold buttermilk until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Using a rubber spatula, mix until just combined, then gently use your hands to bring the mixture together into a shaggy ball. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough biscuits. The dough should still be a little sticky.
-
Shape & Cut Biscuits: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently pat it down to a thickness of about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Avoid rolling with a rolling pin if possible, as patting helps maintain the tender texture. Using a 3-inch (7.5 cm) round biscuit cutter, cut out 8 rounds of dough. For the flakiest biscuits, press straight down with the cutter; do not twist it, as twisting seals the edges and prevents them from rising properly. Re-gather any scraps, gently pat them together, and cut additional biscuits until all dough is used.
-
Bake & Serve: Place the cut biscuit rounds onto the prepared sheet pan, ensuring they are slightly touching if you prefer softer sides, or spaced apart for crispier edges. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are beautifully crisp. Once baked, serve immediately for the best experience. Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Biscuits Every Time
- Keep Ingredients Cold: This is the golden rule for flaky biscuits. Cold butter creates pockets of steam in the oven, which results in those desired layers. Cold buttermilk also helps keep the dough cool.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough develops the gluten, leading to tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. A shaggy dough is a happy dough!
- Use a Pastry Blender or Your Fingers: When cutting in the butter, a pastry blender is ideal. If you don’t have one, use your fingertips to quickly rub the butter into the flour. Work quickly to prevent the butter from warming up.
- Pat, Don’t Roll: Gently patting the dough to thickness instead of using a rolling pin helps keep the dough tender. For extra flaky layers, you can fold the dough in thirds a couple of times before the final pat.
- Cut Straight Down: When using a biscuit cutter, press straight down into the dough. Do not twist the cutter, as this seals the edges and can prevent the biscuits from rising to their full potential.
- Bake Hot and Fast: A high oven temperature (400°F/200°C) helps the biscuits rise quickly and creates a beautifully golden-brown crust.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond the savory and sweet pairings mentioned, try these biscuits with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a dessert-like treat, or split them and make mini breakfast sandwiches with egg and cheese.
These sweet potato buttermilk biscuits are more than just a side dish; they’re a little piece of comfort, a hug from the kitchen, and a perfect way to brighten any meal. The unique flavor profile, combined with their tender and flaky texture, makes them irresistible. So, take a moment to bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and savor the simple joy of homemade goodness. They truly embody the spirit of comfort food, no matter the season.
Disclaimer: This recipe was created in partnership with Go Bold With Butter. Thank you for supporting partnerships with brands and campaigns I support and love, which make Completely Delicious possible. All opinions are 100% my own, as always.