biscuits and gravy

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 - 1 cup cold buttermilk
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups milk
• 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. While biscuits are baking, whisk together the cream cheese, milk, and pepper in a saucepan.
8. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and the gravy is smooth.
9. Pour gravy over warm biscuits.

Notes

• For extra flaky biscuits, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Using cold ingredients is crucial for flaky biscuits.
• If gravy is too thick, add more milk.
• Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat gently.
• For a richer gravy, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.