Hardees Biscuit Copycat Recipe

You know, we’ve spent a lot of time trying to get that real Hardee’s Biscuits taste just right. After so many tries, we finally figured out the perfect way to make them soft, flaky, and buttery – just like the ones you’d get fresh at Hardee’s. We’re excited to share exactly how we did it.

Hardees Biscuit Copycat Recipe is a homemade version of the famous Hardee’s Biscuits. These biscuits are light, fluffy, and layered with buttery goodness, baked to a golden brown perfection that melts in your mouth.

Keep reading, and we’ll show you every little trick we’ve learned – from mixing the dough to getting that perfect rise. By the end, you’ll be baking biscuits that taste just like Hardee’s (maybe even better!).

What Makes Hardee’s Biscuits So Special?

Hardee’s Biscuits have earned their fame for a reason. The restaurant uses a time-tested formula: cold fat, real buttermilk, and gentle handling. Each of these steps contributes to the signature biscuit texture – flaky on the outside and tender inside.

Here’s what sets them apart:

• Real Buttermilk: Gives the biscuits a subtle tang and moist crumb.
• Cold Butter or Shortening: Ensures those irresistible, layered flakes.
• Hand-mixed Dough: Overmixing ruins the rise, so Hardee’s keeps it light and airy.
• High Heat Baking: The secret to that golden, crispy crust.

Unlike standard homemade biscuits, Hardee’s biscuits are rolled and folded several times before cutting – similar to puff pastry. This simple trick creates those iconic, sky-high layers that make every bite so satisfying.

Pro Tip: The real Hardee’s biscuit recipe is closely guarded, but this copycat version nails the texture and flavor with pantry-friendly ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Hardee’s Biscuit Recipe

Before you start baking, gather everything you need for this copycat Hardee’s biscuit recipe. These simple ingredients combine to make biscuits that are buttery, flaky, and perfectly Southern.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

• 2 cups self-rising flour – The foundation of tender, fluffy biscuits.
• ¼ cup cold butter or shortening – Cold fat is essential for flaky texture.
• ¾ cup cold buttermilk – Adds tang and activates the leavening.
• 1 tablespoon sugar – Balances the salty butter and enhances browning.
• A pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter) – For flavor depth.

Optional Add-Ins for a Custom Touch

• Cheddar cheese – For cheesy Hardee’s-style biscuits.
• Honey butter glaze – Brush on top for a glossy, sweet finish.
• Black pepper – Adds a slight savory kick that pairs beautifully with sausage or gravy.

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Mixing bowl
2. Pastry cutter or fork
3. Measuring cups & spoons
4. Rolling pin (optional)
5. Biscuit cutter or round glass
6. Baking sheet
7. Parchment paper or silicone mat
8. Pastry brush (for butter glaze)

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Guide – How to Make Hardee’s Biscuits at Home

Ready to bake your own Hardee’s-style biscuits? Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.

Step 1 – Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together self-rising flour and sugar. This ensures an even distribution and helps the biscuits rise properly.

Step 2 – Cut in the Fat

Add your cold butter or shortening. Using a pastry cutter or fork, work the fat into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs.

The small chunks of butter are what create those flaky Hardee’s layers.

Step 3 – Add Buttermilk

Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently stir until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky – don’t overmix.

Step 4 – Shape and Cut the Biscuits

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Fold it in half, then pat it out again. Repeat 2–3 times to create those buttery layers. Cut biscuits with a sharp round cutter – no twisting!

Step 5 – Bake Until Golden

Place biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sides touching for soft edges. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown. Brush the tops with melted butter for that authentic Hardee’s finish.

Tips to Get the Perfect Hardee’s-Style Biscuits Every Time

To make biscuits that truly rival Hardee’s, these small techniques make all the difference:

1. Keep everything cold – Butter, buttermilk, even the mixing bowl if you can.

2. Don’t overwork the dough – Gentle handling = tender biscuits.

4. Use fresh self-rising flour – Old flour loses its leavening power.

5. Bake on a hot pan – Preheat your baking sheet for extra rise.

6. Brush with melted butter after baking – Adds shine and rich flavor.

How to Serve Your Hardee’s Biscuits

Your Hardee’s-style biscuits are golden, fluffy, and ready to impress – now let’s make the most of them.

Serving Ideas

These biscuits aren’t just for breakfast; they’re a comfort food classic you can enjoy any time of day.

• Classic Southern Breakfast: Split warm biscuits and top them with creamy sausage gravy or scrambled eggs.

• Hardee’s Breakfast Sandwich Style: Add crispy fried chicken, egg, and cheese for that iconic fast-food flavor.

• Sweet Touch: Brush biscuits with honey butter or drizzle maple syrup for a dessert-like twist.

• Brunch Board: Pair biscuits with bacon, jam, and fruit for a Southern-inspired brunch platter.

 Pro Tip: Warm your biscuits in the oven for 5 minutes before serving to revive that just-baked aroma.

How to Store and Reheat Hardee’s Biscuits

Store leftover Hardee’s-style biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes until soft and fluffy again. For longer storage, freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months and reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of baking time.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Hardee’s Biscuit Copycat Recipe

1. What makes Hardee’s biscuits unique?

From our experience, it’s all about cold fat, real buttermilk, and minimal handling. Hardee’s biscuits have that soft, buttery inside and crispy golden top because the dough stays cold and layered. The folding technique also creates those beautiful, flaky layers that make each bite melt in your mouth.

2. Are Hardee’s biscuits made from scratch?

Yes! Hardee’s actually makes their biscuits fresh in-store every morning. Each batch is mixed, rolled, and baked by hand – which explains that unmistakable homemade taste. That’s exactly what this copycat Hardee’s biscuit recipe replicates at home.

3. What ingredients do you need to make a biscuit?

You only need a few pantry staples: self-rising flour, cold butter or shortening, buttermilk, sugar, and salt. It’s simple, but the magic comes from using cold ingredients and not overworking the dough – trust us, it makes all the difference.

4. What are common biscuit baking mistakes?

We’ve made plenty! The biggest ones are using warm butter, overmixing the dough, and not preheating the oven properly. These mistakes lead to dense, flat biscuits instead of tall, fluffy ones. Keep everything cold and handle the dough gently for the best results.

5. How do I make my biscuits rise higher like Hardee’s?

The trick is to fold the dough a few times before cutting, just like laminating puff pastry. Also, make sure your baking powder (if you’re not using self-rising flour) is fresh. Cutting biscuits with a sharp edge – and not twisting the cutter – helps them rise straight up.

6. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, buttermilk gives that tangy flavor and soft crumb. If you don’t have it, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. It’s a quick homemade substitute that works great in this recipe.

7. What flour works best for making biscuits like Hardee’s?

We’ve tested a few, and White Lily self-rising flour is the gold standard. It’s made from soft winter wheat and gives the biscuits their tender, fluffy texture – just like Hardee’s uses in their kitchens.

8. How do you keep biscuits soft after baking?

Once your biscuits come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter and cover with a clean kitchen towel while cooling. This traps a bit of steam, keeping them soft while maintaining that buttery crust.

9. Can I freeze Hardee’s-style biscuits?

Absolutely – we do it all the time! You can freeze either baked or unbaked biscuits. If baking from frozen, just add a few extra minutes in the oven. The texture stays just as flaky and buttery.

10. What can I serve with Hardee’s biscuits?

We love them with sausage gravy, fried chicken, bacon, or fruit jam. They’re also perfect for making breakfast sandwiches – exactly like Hardee’s does. Honestly, they’re so good you can enjoy them plain with a pat of butter!

There’s something special about biting into a warm, buttery biscuit that instantly takes you back to weekend breakfasts or road trip mornings at Hardee’s.

With this Hardee’s biscuit copycat recipe, you now have everything you need to bake biscuits that rise high, flake beautifully, and taste just like the ones made fresh in the restaurant kitchen.

So, preheat that oven, grab your buttermilk, and get baking – your kitchen is about to smell like a Hardee’s bakery!

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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