Sweet Potato Biscuits: The Perfect Southern Side Dish

If you’re craving a warm, flaky, and slightly sweet bite of Southern comfort, sweet potato biscuits are your next must-bake. These biscuits are a staple in many Southern kitchens, blending the earthiness of mashed sweet potatoes with the buttery flakiness of traditional buttermilk biscuits. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, planning a brunch, or simply looking to use up leftover sweet potatoes, this recipe delivers rich flavor and tender texture in every golden bite. Don’t miss our Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe if you’re looking to add a cozy fall twist to your table.

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What Makes Sweet Potato Biscuits So Special?

Southern roots and seasonal comfort food appeal

Rooted deeply in Southern cuisine, sweet potato biscuits reflect the resourceful, rustic cooking of the region—where ingredients like sweet potatoes were abundant and flavor was king. These biscuits offer a subtle sweetness that plays well with savory dishes or even on their own with a slather of honey butter. They evoke the warmth and nostalgia of Sunday suppers, holiday gatherings, and passed-down family recipes.

The unique texture and flavor from sweet potato purée

Unlike regular buttermilk biscuits, sweet potato biscuits boast a vibrant orange hue and moist, pillowy interior thanks to the sweet potato purée. This purée not only adds visual appeal but also contributes fiber, vitamin A, and a delicate earthy flavor that balances beautifully with butter and brown sugar. When paired with cold butter and the right leavening agent, you get a soft, flaky biscuit that practically melts in your mouth.

Sweet and savory pairing possibilities

One of the best things about these biscuits? Their versatility. Want a savory biscuit for fried chicken night? Add a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme. Prefer a sweeter breakfast treat? Drizzle with maple glaze or serve with cinnamon butter. These biscuits play both sides—sweet or savory—without missing a beat.

Ingredients and Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Core ingredients and substitutions for dietary needs

Here’s what you’ll need to make traditional sweet potato biscuits:

Ingredient	Purpose	Substitutions
All-purpose flour	Structure and texture	Gluten-free all-purpose blend
Sweet potato purée	Moisture, color, natural sweetness	Canned pumpkin (for variation)
Cold unsalted butter	Flakiness and flavor	Vegan butter or shortening
Buttermilk	Tenderness and rise	Dairy-free milk + vinegar
Light brown sugar	Hints of sweetness	Coconut sugar or maple syrup
Baking powder	Leavening agent	Aluminum-free baking powder
Salt	Balances sweetness	Can be adjusted to taste

If you’re using canned sweet potatoes, make sure to drain them well and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Homemade purée works best for flavor and consistency.

Tools that make baking easier and faster

A few handy tools go a long way in biscuit perfection:

• Biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter (3-inch is ideal)
• Pastry blender or fork to cut in butter
• Parchment paper-lined baking sheet
• Large mixing bowls
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Cooling rack

These tools help reduce handling time and ensure consistent biscuit height and texture.

Tips for choosing the best sweet potatoes

Choose firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes with deep orange flesh. Avoid any with cuts, sprouts, or green tints. The fresher the potato, the sweeter and creamier your purée will be. For deeper flavor, roast them instead of boiling. Want more cozy recipes? Discover great ideas like this Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins Recipe.

How to Make Sweet Potato Biscuits from Scratch

Step-by-step instructions with expert shortcuts

Making sweet potato biscuits is easier than it looks. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Prep the purée: Boil or roast a medium sweet potato, mash it well, and let it cool.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter: Use a pastry blender or fork to cut cold butter into the flour until it forms pea-sized crumbs.
4. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the sweet potato purée with buttermilk.
5. Make the dough: Gently stir the wet mixture into the flour blend until just combined.
6. Shape and cut: Roll dough 1 inch thick on a floured surface. Cut with a biscuit cutter.
7. Bake: Place biscuits on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 425°F for 18–22 minutes.
8. Serve: Brush with melted butter while hot and serve warm.

Check out Apple Pie Tacos Recipe for another creative seasonal dish that pairs perfectly with these biscuits.

Homemade vs. canned sweet potato purée

While canned purée is convenient, homemade offers more depth of flavor and less moisture. Roast your sweet potatoes for an intense caramelized taste, then mash until silky. If using canned, drain and blot dry to avoid a soggy dough. The key to fluffy biscuits? Balanced moisture and gentle handling.

Tips to get fluffy, flaky layers every time

• Keep everything cold. Cold butter = steam = flaky layers.
• Don’t overmix. Stir until just combined. Overworked dough leads to tough biscuits.
• Use sharp cuts. Press biscuit cutter straight down—no twisting—or the edges won’t rise evenly.
• Close baking: Place biscuits close together on the tray to encourage vertical rise.
• Check your oven temp: Always preheat and use an oven thermometer if needed.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe as the perfect pairing.

Customizing Your Sweet Potato Biscuits

Savory variations with herbs and spices

Sweet potato biscuits can lean savory with just a few additions. Try mixing in dried thyme, rosemary, or sage to complement the sweetness of the potatoes. A dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of black pepper can elevate the flavor, especially when pairing these biscuits with soups or roasted meats. Want even more depth? Stir in shredded cheddar or crumbled cooked bacon for a bold, Southern-inspired twist.

Sweet twists with cinnamon or brown sugar glaze

On the flip side, a sweet version is perfect for brunch or dessert. Fold in warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger for a cozy fall feel. Brushing the tops with a brown sugar glaze or drizzling them with maple syrup can transform these biscuits into a sweet treat. Discover great ideas like this Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Bars for dessert pairing inspiration.

Add-ins: cheese, bacon, or nuts

Want to go gourmet? Try these creative add-ins:

• Cheese: Sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese adds a rich flavor.
• Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon brings a salty bite.
• Pecans or walnuts: Toasted nuts give a satisfying crunch.

Whatever your choice, fold them in gently at the final stage before shaping the dough to avoid overmixing.

Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion

Perfect for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving or Christmas

Sweet potato biscuits shine as a side dish for holiday spreads. Their color, warmth, and subtle sweetness pair beautifully with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, or glazed ham. Serve them in a warm bread basket with butter or a flavored spread. They’re a conversation starter—and usually the first to disappear from the table.

Brunch boards and breakfast sandwiches

Biscuit boards are trending, and sweet potato biscuits deserve a spot. Serve them with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, honey butter, or spiced jams. They’re also great for breakfast sandwiches. Slice one open and layer with sausage, fried egg, and cheddar for a Southern-inspired morning meal. Looking for more brunch bites? Check out our Mini Chicken Pot Pies Recipe.

Side dish pairings from soups to fried chicken

Beyond the holidays, these biscuits are an excellent side for hearty dinners. Think creamy soups like butternut squash or chicken pot pie. Or go classic Southern and serve them with fried chicken and gravy. Their soft texture helps soak up sauces and stews. Don’t miss our Stuffed Shells Dinner Recipe for a comforting pairing.

Make Ahead, Store, or Freeze – The Right Way

Best practices for prepping dough ahead of time

The beauty of biscuit dough is that it’s easy to make in advance. You can prepare and cut the biscuits, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked biscuits on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can bake them fresh even on your busiest days.

How to freeze baked and unbaked biscuits

Whether raw or cooked, sweet potato biscuits freeze beautifully. Here’s how:

Method	Storage Time	Reheating Tip
Unbaked dough	3 months	Bake straight from frozen, add 2–3 mins
Baked biscuits	3 months	Wrap in foil and warm at 300°F

To prevent freezer burn, always double-wrap: plastic wrap followed by foil or a zip-top freezer bag.

Reheating without losing moisture or flakiness

To reheat and retain that soft, flaky texture, avoid the microwave. Instead, wrap the biscuit in foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes. You can also add a damp paper towel in the oven to keep them from drying out. For quick weekday meals, reheat and serve with soup like this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe.

Sweet Potato Biscuits Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Full recipe card: ingredients, instructions & pro tips

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 8 fluffy biscuits

Ingredients	Measurements
All-purpose flour	1 ⅔ cups (208 g)
Light brown sugar	3 tablespoons (38 g)
Baking powder	1 tablespoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Cold, unsalted butter (cut into cubes)	½ cup (113 g)
Sweet potato purée (see note)	1 cup (220 g)
Cold buttermilk	½ cup (120 ml)
Melted butter (for brushing)	1 tablespoon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk sweet potato purée and buttermilk until smooth.
5. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients just until combined. If too dry, add buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time.
6. On a floured surface, gently knead the dough 3–4 times and shape it into a 1-inch thick disc.
7. Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut biscuits and place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
8. Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown. Brush tops with melted butter and serve warm.

Note: For homemade purée, peel and boil a sweet potato until tender. Drain, mash, and let it cool completely before using.

Pro Tip: Keep all ingredients cold and avoid overmixing to get fluffy, flaky biscuits every time.

FAQs About Sweet Potato Biscuits

Final Thoughts: Why Sweet Potato Biscuits Deserve a Spot on Your Table

Whether you serve them for brunch with jam or alongside a hearty stew, sweet potato biscuits are more than just a bread—they’re a warm, comforting reminder of why homemade is always better. Their unique mix of sweet, savory, and Southern charm makes them an instant favorite no matter the season. Don’t miss our Cinnamon Sugar Apple Chips for another fall-inspired treat to serve alongside.

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