Mashed Potato Biscuits: A Taste of Home

My grandmother, Nana Elsie, had a way with leftovers. Nothing ever went to waste in her kitchen, and some of our most cherished family recipes were born from creative repurposing. I still remember the aroma that would waft from her kitchen every Saturday morning—a blend of warm butter, baking dough, and a hint of something savory and comforting. It was the smell of Nana Elsie’s mashed potato biscuits, a delightful creation born from Sunday’s roast dinner and a whole lot of love. These weren’t just biscuits; they were tiny edible hugs, a testament to her resourcefulness and a reminder that the simplest ingredients can create the most extraordinary memories.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yields: 12-16 biscuits
• Dietary Type: Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mashed potatoes, cold or room temperature
• ¼ cup shortening, chilled
• 3 tablespoons milk, plus more for brushing (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Fork or pastry blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Floured surface
• Rolling pin
• Biscuit cutter (or knife)
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). This high temperature is key to achieving a light and fluffy biscuit.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed, as this is what will give the biscuits their rise.
3. Add the chilled shortening and mashed potatoes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or a fork, cut in the shortening and mashed potatoes until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The smaller the pieces of shortening, the flakier the biscuits will be. Don’t overmix at this stage; you want to maintain some small lumps of shortening.
4. Gently stir in the milk until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly shaggy dough is perfectly fine. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher biscuits.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough 6 to 8 times. This helps to bring the dough together without overworking it.
6. Roll the dough out to about ½ inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits. If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, you can use a sharp knife to cut square or rectangular biscuits. Try to cut straight down without twisting the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
7. Place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet, about 1 ½ inches apart. This spacing allows for proper air circulation and even baking.
8. For a golden-brown crust, brush the tops of the biscuits with a little milk before baking. This is optional, but it adds a nice color and sheen.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. The bottoms should also be golden.
10. Serve warm with fresh butter, honey, jam, or alongside your favorite savory dishes.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Keep ingredients cold: Chilling the shortening and even the mashed potatoes helps prevent the shortening from melting into the flour, which results in flakier biscuits.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough biscuits. Mix until just combined.
• Use cold mashed potatoes: The temperature difference between the cold mashed potatoes and the warm oven creates steam, which helps the biscuits rise.
• High oven temperature: The high oven temperature helps the biscuits rise quickly and develop a golden-brown crust.
• Brush with milk or melted butter: Brushing the tops of the biscuits with milk or melted butter before baking will give them a beautiful golden color and a richer flavor.
• Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the dough ahead of time, cut out the biscuits, and place them on a baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Adding Herbs: Feel free to add your favorite herbs to the dough for extra flavor. Rosemary, thyme, or chives would be delicious additions.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these mashed potato biscuits warm from the oven for the best flavor and texture. They are delicious with butter, honey, jam, or alongside soups, stews, or roasted meats. They also make a great addition to breakfast or brunch.

Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap the biscuits in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly softer.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked biscuits. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the biscuits in the refrigerator overnight, then warm them in the oven as described above.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	150 kcal	8%
Total Fat	6g	8%
Saturated Fat	2g	10%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	250mg	11%
Total Carbohydrate	22g	8%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	1g	2%
Protein	3g	6%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a bit more milk to achieve the right consistency.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Be sure to use a dairy-free shortening as well.
• Herbed Biscuits: Add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or chives, to the flour mixture.
• Cheesy Biscuits: Add ½ cup of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to the flour mixture.
• Sweet Potato Biscuits: Substitute half of the mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potato for a slightly sweeter and more colorful biscuit.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes in this recipe?
A: While fresh mashed potatoes are preferred for the best texture and flavor, you can use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch. Prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package directions, using slightly less liquid to ensure they are thick enough.

Q: My biscuits didn’t rise. What could have gone wrong?
A: Several factors can affect the rise of biscuits, including using old baking powder, overmixing the dough, or not using a hot enough oven. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, avoid overmixing, and ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature.

Q: Can I freeze the biscuit dough before baking?
A: Yes, you can freeze the biscuit dough. Cut out the biscuits and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I use butter instead of shortening?
A: Yes, you can use butter instead of shortening. Make sure the butter is very cold and cut it into small pieces. This will help create flaky biscuits.

Q: What is the best way to reheat leftover biscuits?
A: The best way to reheat leftover biscuits is in the oven. Wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. This will help them retain their moisture and texture.

Final Thoughts

These mashed potato biscuits are more than just a way to use up leftovers; they are a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a testament to the magic that can happen in the kitchen with a little creativity and love. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of creating something delicious and comforting from humble ingredients. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and add your own personal touch. And most importantly, share these biscuits with those you love and create your own lasting memories. Serve them alongside a hearty bowl of chili or a comforting roast chicken for the ultimate cozy meal. Enjoy!