What Are Southern Mayo Biscuits?
Southern mayo biscuits are a simple Southern-style quick bread made using mayonnaise instead of traditional shortening or eggs. The mayo adds fat, moisture, and richness, creating a tender crumb and soft texture.
When baked in a cast iron skillet, they develop a golden crust on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside.
Think of them as:
• Part biscuit
• Part dinner roll
• 100% Southern comfort food
Ingredients for Southern Mayo Biscuits
This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients you probably already have:
• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
How to Make Southern Mayo Biscuits in a Cast Iron Skillet
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your cast iron skillet inside while it heats for a crisp, golden bottom crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine self-rising flour and sugar
2. Add milk, melted butter, and mayonnaise
3. Stir until just combined
The dough will be soft and slightly sticky—this is exactly what you want.
Step 3: Prepare the Skillet
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Spoon the dough into the skillet. You can:
• Spread it evenly for pull-apart biscuits, or
• Drop spoonfuls for rustic-style biscuits
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully cooked.
Step 5: Finish with Butter
Brush the hot biscuits with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.
Why Add Mayonnaise to Biscuits?
Using mayonnaise in biscuit dough might sound unusual, but it works beautifully.
Mayonnaise contains:
• Oil (for tenderness and moisture)
• Egg (for structure and richness)
• Vinegar or lemon (for a subtle tang)
This combination creates biscuits that are:
• Soft like yeast rolls
• Rich like Southern biscuits
• Easy like quick bread
Tips for Perfect Mayo Biscuits
To make the best Southern mayo biscuits every time:
• Don’t overmix the dough
• Use full-fat mayonnaise for best texture
• Preheat your cast iron skillet for a crispy crust
• Adjust milk slightly if dough is too thick or thin
• Serve warm for best flavor
What Do They Taste Like?
These biscuits are:
• Buttery
• Slightly tangy
• Soft and fluffy inside
• Crispy on the outside
They pair perfectly with:
• Fried chicken
• Breakfast eggs
• Gravy
• Or just a pat of butter and honey
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Southern mayo biscuits baked in a cast iron skillet, this is your sign to do it. The recipe is simple, forgiving, and delivers bakery-style results with minimal ingredients.
Inspired by Collard Valley Cooks, this is one of those Southern recipes you’ll keep coming back to.
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