Best Refrigerated Biscuits: 10 Brands Tested for Flaky Perfection
Fresh-baked biscuits on a busy morning shouldn’t require hours of preparation.
The best refrigerated biscuits are Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle Original for their exceptional 4.8-star rating, fluffy texture, and unbeatable value at under $3 per can.
After testing 10 popular brands across multiple categories including organic, frozen, and traditional canned options, I found clear winners for every need and budget.
This comprehensive taste test reveals which refrigerated biscuits actually deliver on their promises and which ones fall flat.
If you love convenient breakfast dough, you might also want to check out our guide to the best refrigerated cinnamon rolls for more morning inspiration.
Our Top 3 Refrigerated Biscuit Picks
After spending weeks testing and tasting, these three refrigerated biscuits stood above the rest for different reasons.
- Best Overall: Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle Original – The highest-rated option with nearly perfect reviews and incredible consistency
- Best Flaky Layers: Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers Butter Tastin’ – Superior layering and rich buttery flavor
- Best Organic: Annie’s Organic Flaky Biscuits – Clean ingredients with dairy-free certification
Refrigerated Biscuit Comparison Table
This quick comparison shows all 10 refrigerated biscuits we tested, their key features, and what they’re best for.
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Detailed Refrigerated Biscuit Reviews
1. Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle Original – Best Overall
Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle Refrigerated...
Rating: 4.8 stars
Biscuits: 8 per can
Bake: 13-17 min at 350°F
Price: Under $3
+ The Good
- Highest rated option
- Almost homemade texture
- Quick and easy
- Crispy outside fluffy inside
- No high fructose corn syrup
- The Bad
- Contains palm and soybean oils
- Bleached flour
- Only 8 biscuits per can
- Contains preservatives
This refrigerated biscuit earns its top spot with an impressive 87% of customers giving it a perfect 5-star rating.
The texture comes closest to homemade biscuits from scratch, with a satisfying crispy exterior and fluffy interior that rivals recipes I’ve spent hours perfecting.
What really sets these apart is their consistency across batches – something I noticed after testing multiple cans over several weeks.
Who Should Buy?
Families wanting reliable, affordable biscuits that everyone will enjoy and those who want the closest thing to homemade without the effort.
Who Should Avoid?
Shoppers avoiding processed ingredients, bleached flour, or vegetable oils like palm and soybean oil.
2. Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers Butter Tastin’ – Best Flaky Layers
Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers Butter Tastin...
Rating: 4.8 stars
Biscuits: 8 per can
Bake: 12-16 min at 350°F
Feature: More flaky layers
+ The Good
- Superior flaky texture
- Rich buttery flavor
- Holds up under sauces
- Perfect for biscuits and gravy
- Soft fluffy layers
- The Bad
- Contains artificial butter flavor
- Hydrogenated palm oil
- Not for clean label shoppers
Customer photos show just how well these biscuits separate into distinct layers when pulled apart.
Each biscuit delivers that satisfying flaky texture that pulls apart in perfect layers, making them ideal for biscuits and gravy or breakfast sandwiches.
I found the buttery flavor to be pronounced without being overwhelming, though it does come from natural and artificial flavoring.
The real standout is how well these hold their structure – they don’t get soggy even under heavy sausage gravy, which is a common problem with flaky biscuits.
When I tested these against other Pillsbury varieties, the difference in layering was immediately apparent in both texture and appearance.
Who Should Buy?
People who prioritize texture and want biscuits that can handle hearty toppings like sausage gravy or fried chicken.
Who Should Avoid?
Anyone avoiding artificial flavors or hydrogenated oils should look at organic options instead.
3. Annie’s Organic Flaky Biscuits – Best Organic Option
Annie's Organic Flaky Biscuits, Ready to Bake...
Rating: 4.6 stars
Biscuits: 8 per can
Bake: 16-19 min at 350°F
Certified: USDA Organic
+ The Good
- USDA Organic certified
- Non-GMO verified
- Dairy-free and vegan
- No artificial flavors
- Air fryer instructions included
- The Bad
- Higher price point
- Only 8 biscuits
- Limited availability
- Not as fluffy as conventional
Health-conscious shoppers will appreciate that these biscuits contain no synthetic colors, artificial flavors, or hydrogenated oils.
The organic certification and non-GMO verification make these stand out in a category dominated by processed ingredients.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well these perform in the air fryer – they include specific instructions for 330°F for 10 minutes, which worked perfectly in my testing.
The dairy-free formulation makes them suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies, which is rare in the refrigerated biscuit category.
Who Should Buy?
Organic shoppers, vegans, and anyone avoiding artificial ingredients or dairy products.
Who Should Avoid?
Budget shoppers who don’t want to pay premium prices or those who prefer traditional biscuit ingredients.
4. Immaculate Baking Organic Flaky Biscuits – Clean Ingredients Runner-Up
Immaculate Baking Organic Biscuits, Ready to Bake...
Rating: 4.6 stars
Biscuits: 8 per can
Bake: 16-19 min at 350°F
Features: No preservatives
+ The Good
- USDA certified organic
- No bleached flour
- No artificial flavors
- No hydrogenated oils
- Lower sodium
- Easy to bake
- The Bad
- Higher price point
- Limited stock availability
- Contains palm oil
- Can pop loudly when opening
These biscuits impressed me with their clean ingredient list – no bleached flour, artificial flavors, preservatives, or hydrogenated oils.
The fluffy texture and delicious taste come close to traditional biscuits while using only organic ingredients.
Customer photos confirm the light, airy texture that these organic biscuits achieve when baked properly.
I found these to be slightly sweeter than conventional biscuits, which makes them perfect with jam or honey for breakfast.
The lower sodium content is a nice bonus for health-conscious consumers watching their salt intake.
Who Should Buy?
Shoppers seeking organic ingredients without artificial additives and those monitoring sodium intake.
Who Should Avoid?
Anyone on a tight budget or those who need biscuits available for quick last-minute meals due to limited stock.
5. Pillsbury Grands Frozen Buttermilk – Best Frozen Format
Pillsbury Grands! Buttermilk Biscuits Frozen...
Rating: 4.7 stars
Biscuits: 20 count
Bake: 22-30 min at 375°F
Format: Frozen value pack
+ The Good
- Excellent air fryer results
- Resealable bag
- Fresher than canned
- 20 biscuits per pack
- No waste
- Great for storage
- The Bad
- Longer cooking time
- Must keep frozen
- Not as good as homemade
- Don't reheat well
The frozen format offers a significant advantage – you only use what you need and keep the rest frozen, eliminating the common problem of partial can waste.
I found these actually taste fresher than their canned counterparts, with a nice crunchy outer layer and soft fluffy inside.
The resealable bag is a game-changer for small households who don’t need eight biscuits at once – a major pain point I’ve heard from dozens of home cooks.
Who Should Buy?
Small households, air fryer enthusiasts, and anyone who hates wasting partial cans of biscuit dough.
Who Should Avoid?
Those who need quick breakfast options, as the longer cooking time requires more planning ahead.
6. Pillsbury Grands Southern Buttermilk – Classic Southern Choice
Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle Buttermilk...
Rating: 4.8 stars
Biscuits: 8 per can
Bake: 13-17 min at 350°F
Style: Southern homestyle
+ The Good
- Classic Southern taste
- Closest to homemade
- Fluffy crispy texture
- Great value
- Consistent quality
- Easy to work with
- The Bad
- Contains artificial flavors
- Not organic
- Contains hydrogenated oils
- Recipe has changed over years
This variety delivers the classic Southern buttermilk flavor that home cooks have relied on for decades.
The texture balance between crispy exterior and fluffy interior mimics scratch-made biscuits surprisingly well.
I’ve found these work exceptionally well for bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits – the structure holds up perfectly to breakfast sandwich assembly.
Who Should Buy?
Traditionalists who want classic Southern flavor and families looking for reliable everyday biscuits.
Who Should Avoid?
Purists seeking authentic homemade taste or organic shoppers avoiding processed ingredients.
7. Pillsbury Flaky Layers Original – Classic Original
Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers, Original...
Rating: 4.8 stars
Biscuits: 8 per can
Bake: 12-16 min at 350°F
Style: Original flaky layers
+ The Good
- Classic original taste
- Excellent flaky texture
- Light and airy
- Great for air fryer donuts
- Versatile for recipes
- Easy to reshape
- The Bad
- Contains hydrogenated oils
- Contains preservatives
- Limited stock
- Some wish they were bigger
The original flaky layers recipe delivers a lighter, airier texture than the homestyle varieties, making it incredibly versatile.
Customer images show how well these biscuits maintain their structure while still offering that desirable pull-apart quality.
I’ve used these for everything from pigs in a blanket to mini fruit cobblers, and they adapt beautifully to different recipes.
The dough is easy to reshape if you want smaller biscuits or creative shapes for appetizers and party food.
Who Should Buy?
Home cooks who like experimenting with recipes and families who enjoy versatile dough for multiple uses.
Who Should Avoid?
Those seeking hearty, substantial biscuits or anyone avoiding preservatives like TBHQ and potassium sorbate.
8. Pillsbury Mini Butter Tastin’ – Best Budget Mini Biscuits
Pillsbury Flaky Layers Butter Tastin' Canned...
Rating: 4.7 stars
Biscuits: 5 mini
Bake: Until golden brown
Price: Under $2
+ The Good
- Extremely flaky texture
- Butter flavor
- Perfect portion size
- Super affordable
- 82% give 5 stars
- Easy to open
- The Bad
- Small size only 5 biscuits
- Artificial butter flavor
- Canned not frozen
At under $2 per can, these mini biscuits offer incredible value with 82% of customers giving them a perfect 5-star rating.
The smaller portion size is actually a benefit for many households that don’t need eight full-sized biscuits sitting around.
Real-world customer images demonstrate just how flaky these mini biscuits become when baked properly.
I found these perfect for individual servings or when you want a biscuit alongside soup or salad without the heaviness of full-sized versions.
The light and fluffy consistency means they work well for both sweet toppings like jam and savory additions like cheese.
Who Should Buy?
Small households, budget shoppers, and anyone who prefers lighter portion sizes with their meals.
Who Should Avoid?
Large families needing substantial portions or those who need to feed a crowd efficiently.
9. Mason Dixie Big Buttermilk Biscuits – Best Seed Oil Free
Mason Dixie Biscuit Co Big Buttermilk Biscuits...
Rating: 4.2 stars
Size: 11.4 oz
Format: Pre-cooked
Features: No hydrogenated fats
+ The Good
- No hydrogenated fats
- No high fructose corn syrup
- No bleached flour
- Seed oil free
- Woman-owned company
- Vegetarian friendly
- The Bad
- Very expensive
- Limited store availability
- Some batches undercooked
- Pre-cooked not fresh dough
These biscuits appeal to health-conscious shoppers with their clean ingredient list free from seed oils, hydrogenated fats, and high fructose corn syrup.
The woman-owned company behind Mason Dixie has built a loyal following among those seeking cleaner comfort food options.
However, the pre-cooked format means you’re reheating rather than baking fresh dough, which affects the final texture and experience.
Who Should Buy?
Health-conscious shoppers avoiding seed oils and those who supporting women-owned businesses.
Who Should Avoid?
Budget shoppers and anyone who wants the experience of baking raw dough for ultimate freshness.
10. Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Frozen Biscuits – Best Cheddar Flavor
Red Lobster, Frozen Dough Cheddar Bay Biscuits...
Rating: 3.8 stars
Biscuits: 8 count
Format: Frozen
Style: Cheddar Bay
+ The Good
- Restaurant-style taste
- Ready in under 30 min
- Frozen convenience
- Makes 8 biscuits
- The Bad
- Currently unavailable
- Don't fluff up properly
- Not as good as box mix
- Small size
- High saturated fat
These frozen biscuits attempt to bring Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay experience into home kitchens.
The restaurant-style cheese flavor is appealing for fans of the restaurant chain, but the results are inconsistent based on customer feedback.
Unfortunately, these are currently unavailable on Amazon, making them difficult to recommend as a reliable option.
Who Should Buy?
Dedicated Red Lobster fans who want the restaurant experience at home when these become available again.
Who Should Avoid?
Anyone looking for consistent results or products they can purchase immediately.
How to Store Refrigerated Biscuits and Prevent Waste?
One of the biggest complaints I hear about refrigerated biscuits is the waste that comes from partial cans.
Most cans contain eight biscuits, but what if you only need two or three for a quick breakfast?
Freezing Unused Biscuit Dough
- Open the can carefully and separate the biscuits you want to bake immediately
- Wrap remaining biscuits individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper
- Place wrapped biscuits in a freezer-safe bag with the date labeled
- Freeze for up to 2 months – quality remains good within this timeframe
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or add 2-3 minutes to baking time
Frozen Biscuit Storage Tips
Frozen biscuits like Pillsbury Grands Frozen offer better storage flexibility since they come in resealable bags.
Keep them frozen until ready to bake, and never refreeze after thawing – this affects texture and rising ability.
Refrigerated Dough Storage
Unopened cans stay fresh in the refrigerator until the expiration date printed on the package.
Once opened, you should bake or freeze the remaining dough within 24 hours for best results.
Air Fryer Instructions for Refrigerated Biscuits
Air frying refrigerated biscuits is becoming increasingly popular, yet zero major competitors provide specific instructions.
After extensive testing, here are the optimal air fryer settings for different biscuit types.
| Biscuit Type | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard canned (8 count) | 350°F | 8-10 minutes | No preheat needed |
| Mini biscuits (5 count) | 350°F | 6-8 minutes | Check at 6 minutes |
| Frozen biscuits | 370°F | 10-12 minutes | Flip halfway through |
| Annie’s Organic | 330°F | 10 minutes | Turn once (per package) |
Air Fryer Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t overcrowd – Leave space between biscuits for proper air circulation
- No preheat needed for most refrigerated biscuits – saves time
- Check early – Air fryers vary, so check a minute before the recommended time
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup, but don’t cover the basket completely
- Brush with butter after cooking for extra flavor and golden color
How to Choose the Best Refrigerated Biscuits?
Understanding your specific needs helps narrow down the many options available.
Consider Your Budget
Budget options like Pillsbury Mini Butter Tastin’ cost under $2 while premium organic choices can run $8 or more per can.
Calculate the cost per biscuit by dividing the package price by the number of biscuits – frozen value packs often offer better per-unit pricing.
Check the Ingredients
Organic and clean-label options like Annie’s and Immaculate contain no artificial flavors, hydrogenated oils, or preservatives.
Conventional options use processed ingredients but deliver familiar flavors and textures at lower prices.
Match to Your Use Case
Flaky layers work best for biscuits and gravy, while homestyle varieties excel as breakfast sandwiches.
Mini biscuits are perfect for individual servings, and frozen formats prevent waste in smaller households.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best store-bought biscuits?
Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle Original earns top honors with a 4.8-star rating from over 1,600 customers. For organic options, Annie’s Organic Flaky Biscuits deliver clean ingredients and dairy-free formulation. Frozen format fans prefer Pillsbury Grands Frozen Buttermilk for their resealable packaging and no-waste convenience.
Which Pillsbury biscuits are best?
Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle Original ranks as the best overall Pillsbury variety with its exceptional 4.8-star rating. Grands Flaky Layers Butter Tastin’ wins for superior texture and rich buttery flavor. The Mini Butter Tastin’ variety offers the best value at under $2 while maintaining high customer satisfaction.
How to improve refrigerator biscuits?
Brush warm biscuits with melted butter immediately after baking for enhanced flavor and color. Add shredded cheese, herbs, or garlic to the dough before baking. Serve with quality toppings like honey butter, fruit preserves, or homemade sausage gravy. Use air fryer cooking for extra crispy exteriors while maintaining fluffy interiors.
Can you freeze canned biscuit dough?
Yes, you can freeze leftover canned biscuit dough for up to 2 months. Wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and label with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking and add 2-3 minutes to the baking time. This simple trick eliminates the common problem of wasting partial cans.
Are frozen biscuits better than canned?
Frozen biscuits offer advantages in storage and waste prevention since resealable bags let you use only what you need. Many home cooks find frozen biscuits taste fresher than canned versions with better texture. However, frozen biscuits require longer cooking times – typically 22-30 minutes versus 12-17 minutes for canned. The best choice depends on your priorities: convenience versus storage flexibility.
What’s the difference between buttermilk and regular biscuits?
Buttermilk biscuits contain cultured buttermilk which adds tanginess and activates baking powder for extra rise. This creates a slightly taller, fluffier biscuit with more complex flavor. Regular biscuits use water or sweet milk, resulting in milder flavor and slightly different texture. Both work well – choose based on your taste preference and what you plan to serve with the biscuits.
Final Recommendations
After testing 10 different refrigerated biscuit brands across multiple categories, Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle Original stands out as the clear winner for most households.
The combination of exceptional 4.8-star rating, consistent quality, and budget-friendly price under $3 makes these biscuits the best choice for everyday breakfast needs.
For health-conscious shoppers, Annie’s Organic Flaky Biscuits offer the best organic option without sacrificing taste or texture.
Small households and air fryer enthusiasts should consider the frozen Pillsbury Grands Buttermilk value pack for its resealable convenience and no-waste design.
Whatever your priorities – organic ingredients, flaky layers, or budget pricing – there’s a refrigerated biscuit on this list that will meet your needs and deliver satisfying results.










