If you love warm, flaky, and cheesy treats fresh from the oven, this Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These biscuits strike the perfect balance between crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, boasting sharp cheddar cheese that adds a rich and savory punch. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just craving a hearty snack, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers comforting, buttery goodness every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is how straightforward yet essential the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor, from the sharpness of the cheddar to the flaky layers crafted by the butter and buttermilk.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and fluffiness to the biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Provides the rise and lightness to ensure fluffy biscuits.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works in tandem with buttermilk to help the dough rise just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the flavors throughout the biscuit.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note that perfectly complements the cheddar.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Cold butter is key to achieving those irresistibly flaky layers.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient bringing rich, melty cheese flavor to every bite.
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk: Adds moisture and tanginess, helping to create tender biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing): Gives the finished biscuits a glossy, buttery finish as they come out of the oven.
How to Make Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and dry ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder in a large bowl. This dry blend is the foundation that creates perfect rise and flavor in your biscuits.
Step 2: Cut in the cold butter
Next, add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to your dry mix. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is critical because the little chunks of butter create those flaky, tender layers we all love in a biscuit.
Step 3: Add the sharp cheddar cheese
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly throughout the crumbly mixture. The cheese will not only infuse the biscuits with savory richness but also add delightful pockets of melty goodness when baked.
Step 4: Incorporate the buttermilk
Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the dough. The buttermilk’s acidity works with the baking soda to give your biscuits the perfect lift and tenderness.
Step 5: Fold and shape the dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold it in half, then pat down again. Repeat this folding and patting 2 to 3 times to build those signature flaky layers. Afterward, cut the dough into rounds or squares using a biscuit cutter or knife.
Step 6: Bake and finish
Place the biscuits spaced on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Brush the warm biscuits with melted butter as soon as they come out for that irresistible shiny finish and extra buttery flavor.
How to Serve Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
These biscuits shine on their own but topping them with fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley adds a wonderful pop of color and fresh taste that complements the sharp cheddar perfectly. You can also spread a bit of honey butter or a garlicky herb butter for an extra indulgent twist.
Side Dishes
Cheddar biscuits pair beautifully with classic comfort foods like hearty soups, creamy chowders, or savory stews. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to breakfast favorites such as scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage gravy. Adding these biscuits elevates any meal and guarantees smiles all around.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your cheddar biscuits as the base for mini biscuit sandwiches—think ham, turkey, or roasted veggies with a dab of mustard or mayo. Or arrange them on a platter alongside cheese and charcuterie for an irresistible appetizer spread that invites guests to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cheddar biscuits, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and moist, though best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Freezing
The Cheddar Biscuits Recipe also freezes wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature before reheating to enjoy nearly fresh-baked texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place wrapped biscuits in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For a quick fix, microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, but be aware the texture won’t be as crisp. Brushing with a little melted butter before warming helps bring back that fresh-baked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cheddar cheese in this biscuit recipe?
While freshly shredded cheddar cheese produces the best melt and texture, frozen cheese works fine as long as it’s thawed and drained of excess moisture before mixing. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents for best results.
Can I substitute the buttermilk with regular milk?
Regular milk lacks the acidity of buttermilk, which is important for tenderizing and leavening. To mimic buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3/4 cup milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
What makes these cheddar biscuits flaky?
The key to flakiness is cold butter cut into the flour and the folding technique used during shaping. These steps create layers that puff up and separate while baking, giving you those buttery, flaky bites.
Can I add herbs or spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or rosemary enhances the flavor and aroma. You can also experiment with spices such as smoked paprika or cayenne for a hint of heat.
How do I know when the biscuits are fully baked?
Look for a golden-brown color on the tops and bottoms of the biscuits with a slightly firm texture. They should spring back lightly when pressed. Baking for 12 to 15 minutes typically achieves this perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cheddar Biscuits Recipe enough. It’s a simple but spectacular way to bring warmth and cheesy goodness to your table any day of the week. Once you try these flaky, flavorful biscuits, they’ll become the staple everyone asks for again and again. Happy baking, friend!
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Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheddar Biscuits are delightfully flaky and packed with sharp cheddar cheese, offering a perfect savory side for any meal. Made with buttermilk and a blend of baking powder and soda, these biscuits rise beautifully in the oven to become golden brown and tender inside. A quick pat-and-fold technique creates layers of buttery goodness, with an optional touch of melted butter brushed on top for extra richness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it is ready for the biscuits.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder until evenly combined.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese so it is evenly distributed throughout the crumbly mixture.
- Add Buttermilk and Mix Dough: Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently mix just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overwork it to keep the biscuits tender and flaky.
- Form Dough Layers: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in half and press down again. Repeat this folding and patting process 2 to 3 times to create flaky layers.
- Cut Biscuits: Using a biscuit cutter, cut the dough into rounds or slice into squares as preferred. Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn a golden brown color and are puffed up.
- Brush with Butter and Serve: Remove the biscuits from the oven and brush them with the melted butter while they are still warm. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For an herby twist, add chopped chives or parsley to the dough before baking.
- These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen and reheated later without losing their flavor.
