Umami Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients (makes ~8 biscuits)

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp nutritional yeast (adds savory depth without cheesiness)

1 Tbsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp kosher salt

4 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, diced

4 Tbsp cold lard (or all butter if preferred)

¾ to 1 cup cold buttermilk (start with ¾ cup; add more as needed)

Optional flavor upgrades (if you want to lean into the savory side):

½ tsp onion powder or garlic powder

¼ tsp white pepper or a pinch of cayenne

1 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan (just for extra umami layering — totally optional)

🧀 Flavor Profile

You’ll notice:

A deeper, toasty and buttery flavor, even though it’s not cheesy.

A slightly more golden crumb and a rich aroma, like the biscuit version of umami popcorn.

The same flaky lift and tender texture you’d expect from Alton’s original.