There is something truly comforting and utterly irresistible about a warm, freshly baked biscuit, especially when it’s bursting with the rich, sharp flavor of cheddar cheese. This Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is a personal favorite that combines simplicity and flavor in the best way possible. Fluffy, golden, and packed with cheesy goodness and a subtle hint of garlic, these biscuits turn any meal into a special occasion or can be enjoyed all on their own. Whether you’re entertaining friends or craving a cozy snack, this recipe will quickly become a kitchen staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in the perfect texture and flavor of your biscuits. From the sharp cheddar that delivers the signature cheesy punch to the cold butter that creates those tender, flaky layers, every item is essential.
- 2 cups all purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to your biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that makes your biscuits rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle warmth and depth without overwhelming.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create a lighter biscuit.
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: The secret to tender, flaky layers.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and the heart of this recipe.
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk: Provides moisture and a touch of tang while activating the leavening.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: For brushing to add a rich finish and beautiful golden color.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Combined with melted butter for brushing to enhance the garlic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant touch for garnish.
How to Make Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your biscuits bake evenly and don’t stick. Having everything set up first makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and baking soda. This combination is key in achieving the perfect rise and balanced flavor in your cheddar biscuits. Combining these dry ingredients well helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mix, then cut it in using a pastry cutter or just your fingertips until your mixture looks like coarse crumbs. The cold butter will create those coveted flaky layers by melting during baking, so be sure to keep it chilled for best results.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
Next, stir in the sharp shredded cheddar cheese. This step infuses every bite with bold, melty cheese flavor and makes these biscuits uniquely delicious. You can even experiment with cheese varieties if you’re feeling adventurous.
Step 5: Add Buttermilk and Form Dough
Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently mix just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, or your biscuits might become dense rather than light and fluffy. The dough should be soft but hold its shape.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to portion the dough into mounds and place them spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, until the biscuits rise tall and develop a gorgeous golden-brown color.
Step 7: Brush with Garlic Butter
While your biscuits bake, mix the melted butter with the remaining garlic powder and parsley if using. When the biscuits come out warm and fragrant, brush this garlic butter over the top for a rich, savory finish that elevates this Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe to next-level yum.
How to Serve Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the cheddar and butter. For a little extra indulgence, a light drizzle of honey butter can also be a heavenly complement.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are incredibly versatile and can pair up beautifully with almost any meal. Think creamy chicken pot pie, hearty soups, or smoky barbecue dishes. For breakfast, serve them alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to start your day on a cheesy, fluffy high note.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the freshly baked biscuits horizontally and fill them with ham and a fried egg for a luxurious breakfast sandwich. Or serve mini versions as party appetizers alongside a dipping sauce like a tangy ranch or spicy aioli—your guests will be asking for the recipe right away.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain freshness, you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap before storing. This Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe holds up well and remains soft and flavorful.
Freezing
These biscuits freeze wonderfully! Place cooled biscuits in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your biscuits in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes to bring back their fresh-from-the-oven flakiness. If pressed for time, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven method keeps that perfect crispy edge.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for this recipe, you can try Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoked cheese to add a new flavor dimension. Just keep the cheese shredded for easy mixing.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a similar tangy effect that activates the baking soda.
How do I make the biscuits more flaky?
Keep your butter and buttermilk very cold and avoid overworking the dough—this is the secret to those flaky layers. Using a light hand when mixing really pays off.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After forming the dough, you can shape it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Are these biscuits vegetarian?
Yes, this Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat. Perfect for a satisfying snack or side that fits a vegetarian lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is one of those moments where simple ingredients come together to create something truly special and comforting. They are fluffy, cheesy, and have just the right amount of garlic to keep you coming back for more. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try baking these biscuits at home—you might just find yourself making them a part of your regular repertoire, sharing them with family and friends, and filling your kitchen with that irresistible warm-baked smell that feels like a big cozy hug.
Print
Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Cheddar Biscuits are fluffy, cheesy, and packed with garlic buttery flavor. Crispy golden on the outside and tender inside, they make a perfect savory side or snack. Made with simple pantry staples including sharp cheddar cheese and cold buttermilk, these biscuits come together easily and bake to perfection in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Wet & Dairy Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and baking soda until evenly combined for a uniform dough.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining for flakiness.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly throughout the flour and butter mixture.
- Add Buttermilk and Form Dough: Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently mix using a spoon or spatula until just combined into a soft dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender and flaky.
- Shape Biscuits: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, scoop the dough into mounds and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the biscuits for 14 to 16 minutes or until they are tall and golden brown on top, indicating a perfect bake.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While the biscuits bake, mix the melted butter with the remaining garlic powder and chopped fresh parsley if using to create a flavorful garlic butter.
- Brush and Serve: As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter and serve warm to enjoy the melty, garlicky goodness.
Notes
- For extra flaky biscuits, keep all ingredients very cold and handle the dough as little as possible to avoid overworking the gluten.
- You can swap sharp cheddar for other cheeses such as Colby Jack or pepper jack to add different flavor profiles.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, increase the garlic powder slightly in the dough or garlic butter.
- Serve these biscuits warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
