If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, cheesy, and irresistibly tender treat, this Cheddar Biscuits Recipe will soon become your go-to. These biscuits boast a perfect golden crust with a tender crumb, bursting with sharp cheddar flavor infused by just the right hint of garlic. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty meal or enjoying them as a snack fresh from the oven, these cheddar biscuits give you that warm, homemade goodness that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheddar Biscuits Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role—flour for structure, butter for richness, cheddar for that sharp cheesy kick, and buttermilk for tenderizing and a subtle tang that keeps the biscuits moist and flavorful.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base, creating a tender but sturdy biscuit.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps these biscuits rise nice and tall for a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to add extra lift and lightness.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Just a touch to balance the savory flavors and encourage browning.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the richness of the cheese and butter.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Essential for a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, bringing bold, tangy flavor.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more if needed): Makes the dough moist and tender with a lovely tangy bite.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing): Adds a glossy, rich finish once baked.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional for garnish): A fresh pop of color and subtle herbaceousness.
How to Make Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your biscuits from sticking and to ensure even baking. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and garlic powder in a large bowl. This blend of dry ingredients is the foundation for your biscuit dough, providing rise, flavor, and that perfect crumb texture.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
This step is key to creating those flaky layers we all love in a biscuit. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter melts during baking, leaving pockets of buttery goodness that give your cheddar biscuits their signature texture and taste.
Step 3: Add the Cheddar Cheese
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly throughout the crumbs. This step ensures that every bite is loaded with cheesy flavor. Feel free to get creative here—mix in a bit of Monterey Jack for extra meltiness if you want to experiment.
Step 4: Mix in the Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and gently combine with a spatula or wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough just combined to keep the biscuits tender and light. If the dough feels too dry, add a splash more buttermilk, but tread lightly to avoid a sticky mess.
Step 5: Form and Bake the Biscuits
Drop spoonfuls of dough, roughly 1/4 cup each, onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for rising. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the biscuits turn a beautiful golden brown on top. The vibrant color indicates that the cheese is perfectly melted and the crust is nicely crisped.
Step 6: Brush with Melted Butter and Garnish
As soon as your cheddar biscuits come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter. This not only adds shine and richness but also locks in moisture. Sprinkle with dried parsley if you want a touch of green that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
How to Serve Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
These biscuits stand beautifully on their own but garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or thyme) elevate their appeal and flavor. For an extra indulgent touch, try a light brush of garlic butter or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar while still warm.
Side Dishes
Cheddar biscuits are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with soups, stews, and chili, soaking up all those rich flavors. They’re also fantastic alongside classic breakfast spreads or set next to roasted meats and vibrant salads for a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these biscuits as sliders filled with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and a touch of mayo for a fun twist. You can also slice them in half and use as a base for warm sandwiches or serve with a side of honey butter for a sweet-and-savory balance that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be tough), store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They will remain soft but fresh, perfect if you want a quick snack or to complement another meal within a couple of days.
Freezing
To enjoy cheddar biscuits any time, freeze uncooked biscuit dough or fully baked biscuits. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop into a freezer bag; this keeps the dough fresh for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw and bake fresh or reheat as needed.
Reheating
Warm leftover biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through, to revive that freshly baked texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the biscuits from turning gummy; the oven is your best friend here!
FAQs
Can I substitute the buttermilk in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by combining 3/4 cup milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it slightly curdles, then use it just like buttermilk in the recipe.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar works wonderfully here because it delivers a bold, tangy flavor that stands out in the biscuits. However, feel free to experiment with mild cheddar or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier melt.
Can I make these biscuits vegan or dairy-free?
While this Cheddar Biscuits Recipe relies heavily on dairy for its flavor and texture, vegan alternatives can be tried. Use vegan butter, plant-based buttermilk substitutes, and vegan cheese, though expect some changes in texture and taste.
How do I get flaky layers in my biscuits?
The key to flaky biscuits is keeping the butter cold and not overworking the dough. Cutting the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs and mixing gently with the wet ingredients preserves the butter pockets that create the flaky layers when baked.
Can I add other flavors to these cheddar biscuits?
Definitely! Ingredients like diced jalapeños, cooked bacon bits, or herbs such as rosemary or thyme make excellent additions to customize these cheddar biscuits to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cheddar Biscuits Recipe, it’s hard to go back to store-bought biscuits. They’re quick to toss together, bursting with flavor, and have that warm, cozy feel that says homemade with every bite. These biscuits are sure to brighten any meal or stand alone as a delicious snack. So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch that will quickly become a beloved favorite!
Print
Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheddar Biscuits are soft, flaky, and bursting with sharp cheddar cheese flavor. Perfect as a side for any meal or enjoyed warm with a bit of butter, these cheesy drop biscuits are quick to make and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Wet Ingredients & Add-ins
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and garlic powder until evenly combined.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates a flaky texture.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly throughout the flour and butter mixture.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix the dough until it just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep biscuits tender. Add a little more buttermilk if the dough is too dry.
- Form Biscuits: Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1/4 cup each) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the biscuits turn golden brown on top.
- Brush with Butter and Garnish: Remove from oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter for a rich finish. Sprinkle with dried parsley if desired for a touch of color and flavor.
- Serve Warm: Serve the biscuits warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra cheesy flavor, try a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with 3/4 cup milk plus 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before use.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain light and fluffy biscuits.
- Cold butter is essential for flaky biscuits; avoid letting it soften before mixing.
- Biscuits are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated briefly in the oven.
