If you love the comforting, cheesy goodness that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or a hearty soup, then you are going to adore the Australian Cheddar Busters Recipe. These biscuits are crispy on the outside, delightfully tender on the inside, and bursting with sharp cheddar flavor that elevates every bite. The subtle hint of cayenne pepper adds just the right kick, making them irresistibly moreish. Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch or a savory snack, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and simply, yet tastes like something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the Australian Cheddar Busters Recipe right starts with a handful of simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in the final taste, texture, and appearance. From rich butter to sharp cheddar and a touch of spice, each component enhances the biscuits perfectly.
- 8 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/4-inch dice: Butter adds moisture, richness, and a tender crumb to the biscuits.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is your base ingredient, providing structure and that satisfying biscuit chew.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Just enough to balance the flavors and enhance the sharpness of the cheese.
- 3 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, loosely packed: The star of the recipe, giving you bold, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- 6 to 7 tablespoons water: Critical for bringing the dough together without making it too sticky.
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper: A subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheddar.
How to Make Australian Cheddar Busters Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; this simple step ensures your biscuits bake evenly and won’t stick. Setting up your workspace first makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Butter
In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt. Then add the diced butter, rubbing it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This technique helps create that flaky texture that makes these biscuits so delightful.
Step 3: Stir in the Cheese
Next, gently mix in your shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese adds moisture and intense flavor, and mixing now distributes it evenly throughout your dough foundation.
Step 4: Add Water and Cayenne Pepper
Gradually stir in 6 tablespoons of water along with the cayenne pepper using a fork, combining until the dough just comes together. If it seems dry, add the extra tablespoon of water in small increments. This careful mixing prevents overworking your dough, which helps keep the biscuits tender.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Rolling to this thickness balances the biscuits’ crisp exterior with a soft, cheesy interior.
Step 6: Cut and Prick the Biscuits
Use a 3-inch round cutter to create your biscuit shapes. Place them on your prepared baking sheet and re-roll any scraps to get the most out of your dough. Then, prick each biscuit 10 times with a fork to help them bake evenly and develop a lovely texture on top.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your biscuits into the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. There’s nothing like opening the oven door to the smell of freshly baked cheddar biscuits—that aroma alone is worth the wait!
Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once baked, allow the biscuits to sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool. This step helps them set perfectly, making them easier to handle and enjoy without crumbling.
How to Serve Australian Cheddar Busters Recipe
Garnishes
These biscuits are fantastic on their own, but you can also elevate the experience with simple garnishes like a pat of soft butter, a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives, or even a drizzle of honey to balance the savoriness.
Side Dishes
Pair the Australian Cheddar Busters Recipe with creamy soups like tomato bisque or pumpkin soup for a warm and satisfying meal. They’re also perfect alongside a fresh salad or a hearty breakfast spread featuring eggs and bacon.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn these cheesy biscuits into mini sandwiches—slice them in half and fill with ham, smoked turkey, or a dollop of homemade chutney. They also shine as part of a cheese board or a picnic platter, making them a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Australian Cheddar Busters Recipe leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying the next day or two.
Freezing
You can freeze these biscuits either before or after baking. To freeze raw dough, portion and flash freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. For baked biscuits, wrap individually and freeze similarly. This makes for easy grab-and-bake snacks anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your chilled or frozen Australian Cheddar Busters in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy instead of crunchy and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! Sharp cheddar is classic for this recipe, but you can experiment with cheeses like gouda, parmesan, or even a smoky gruyere for a unique twist. Just make sure the cheese has good melting properties and strong flavor.
Is it possible to make these biscuits gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, preferably one designed for biscuits or cakes for best texture. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.
What’s the purpose of pricking the biscuits with a fork?
Pricking helps release steam as the biscuits bake. This prevents them from puffing up too much and encourages an even, crisp texture on top, perfect for that ideal Australian Cheddar Busters bite.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready, roll it out and bake as usual.
How spicy are these biscuits with the cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth rather than intense heat, nicely complementing the sharp cheddar without overpowering it. You can adjust the amount to suit your personal taste, or leave it out if preferred.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Australian Cheddar Busters Recipe that makes it a must-have in your baking repertoire. They’re quick to make, wonderful in flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. If you’re craving a biscuit that is cheesy, flavorful, and just a little bit irresistible, this recipe is going to become one of your new favorites. So go ahead, grab your cheddar and butter, and get ready to enjoy biscuits that bring warmth and joy to every table.
Print
Australian Cheddar Busters Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Description
Australian Busters are flaky, cheesy biscuits baked to a golden brown perfection, featuring a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. These savory biscuits combine sharp cheddar cheese with butter and a tender dough, making them a perfect snack or accompaniment to meals.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/4-inch dice
- 3 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, loosely packed
- 6 to 7 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour and salt evenly to distribute the seasoning throughout the dough.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the diced butter to the flour mixture and use your fingertips to rub it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which ensures a flaky texture.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly throughout the crumbly mixture for a rich cheesy flavor.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add 6 tablespoons of water and the cayenne pepper, stirring with a fork until the dough starts to come together. If the dough feels too dry, add the remaining water a little at a time until it holds together but is not sticky.
- Roll Out Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness for even baking and a tender biscuit texture.
- Cut Biscuits: Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gather and re-roll scraps as needed to minimize waste.
- Prick Biscuits: Prick each biscuit 10 times with the tines of a fork to prevent puffing and help them bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Cool Biscuits: Remove from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps retain their crisp texture.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor balance and melty texture.
- Be gentle when rubbing in the butter to maintain a flaky texture.
- If the dough is sticky, add a little flour when rolling out.
- These biscuits are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top before baking.
