Biscuits, with their flaky, buttery goodness, are a beloved staple in many households. While they are often enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack, their versatility extends to dinner time as well. Pairing biscuits with savory dishes can create a satisfying and comforting meal that appeals to the whole family. In this article, we'll delve into various options for what to eat with biscuits for dinner, drawing inspiration from different cuisines and culinary preferences.
Classic Southern Pairings
In Southern cuisine, biscuits are a cornerstone, often served alongside hearty, flavorful dishes. Here are some classic pairings:
1. Fried Chicken
- Crispy, golden fried chicken alongside warm, fluffy biscuits is a match made in comfort food heaven. The contrast of textures and flavors between the crunchy chicken and soft biscuits is delightful.
2. Sausage Gravy
- Biscuits and sausage gravy make up the iconic dish known as biscuits and gravy. The creamy, peppery sausage gravy poured over warm biscuits creates a hearty and filling meal.
3. Shrimp and Grits
- For a Southern twist, serve biscuits with shrimp and grits. The creamy grits and flavorful shrimp complement the biscuits, offering a balance of textures and flavors.
4. Collard Greens
- Tender collard greens cooked with bacon or ham hock pair wonderfully with biscuits. The slightly bitter greens contrast with the buttery sweetness of the biscuits.
Comforting Main Dishes
Beyond Southern classics, biscuits can be paired with a variety of comforting main dishes that enhance their flavor profile:
5. Beef Stew
- A rich, hearty beef stew with tender chunks of meat and vegetables is perfect with biscuits. Use the biscuits to soak up the savory gravy from the stew.
6. Pot Roast
- Tender pot roast cooked low and slow in its juices pairs beautifully with biscuits. The richness of the roast complements the lightness of the biscuits.
7. Chicken Pot Pie
- Creamy chicken and vegetable filling encased in a flaky crust pairs wonderfully with biscuits. Enjoy dipping the biscuits into the pot pie filling for a comforting bite.
8. Meatloaf
- Classic meatloaf, served with mashed potatoes and biscuits, makes for a comforting and satisfying dinner. The biscuits add a light and fluffy contrast to the hearty meatloaf.
Vegetarian and Lighter Options
For those looking for vegetarian or lighter options, biscuits can still play a central role in a delicious dinner:
9. Vegetarian Chili
- A hearty vegetarian chili topped with cheese and served with biscuits is a comforting and filling meal. The biscuits provide a nice contrast to the spicy chili.
10. Stuffed Bell Peppers - Biscuits can accompany stuffed bell peppers filled with a mix of rice, beans, and vegetables. The biscuits add a soft texture to the dish.
11. Creamy Mushroom Sauce - Serve biscuits with a creamy mushroom sauce poured over them. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms complement the buttery biscuits perfectly.
International Flavors
Biscuits can also be paired creatively with international dishes, offering a fusion of flavors:
12. Indian Butter Chicken - Enjoy biscuits with Indian butter chicken, using the biscuits to scoop up the flavorful sauce. The buttery biscuits contrast nicely with the spicy and creamy chicken.
13. British-Style Beef Stew - Serve biscuits with a British-inspired beef stew, which often includes root vegetables and a rich gravy. The biscuits provide a comforting base for the hearty stew.
14. Mediterranean Chickpea Stew - A Mediterranean chickpea stew flavored with herbs and spices can be served with biscuits. The biscuits add a light touch to the robust flavors of the stew.
Sides and Accompaniments
To round out the meal, consider adding complementary sides and accompaniments:
15. Coleslaw - Fresh, tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast to the soft biscuits and savory main dish.
16. Roasted Vegetables - Serve roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, alongside biscuits. The roasted flavors add depth to the meal.
17. Green Salad - A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty biscuits and main dish.
Desserts
Lastly, don't forget about dessert! After a satisfying meal with biscuits, treat yourself to a sweet ending:
18. Fruit Cobbler - Enjoy warm fruit cobbler topped with a biscuit crust. The combination of sweet fruit and buttery biscuit is irresistible.
19. Pecan Pie - Pecan pie served with a side of biscuits offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
20. Berry Shortcake - Serve biscuits with macerated berries and whipped cream for a light and refreshing dessert option.
Conclusion
Biscuits are more than just a breakfast food—they're a versatile addition to dinner that can enhance a wide range of savory and sweet dishes. Whether you're in the mood for classic Southern fare, comforting stews, international flavors, or light vegetarian options, biscuits can play a central role in creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Experiment with these ideas to discover your favorite combinations and enjoy the comfort and versatility of biscuits at dinnertime.
