If you’re anything like me, there’s something irresistibly comforting about warm, flaky biscuits fresh out of the oven—especially when they’re loaded with cheesy goodness. This Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make at home. I love how these biscuits turn out flaky, buttery, and perfectly cheesy every single time. Whether you’re serving them with dinner or enjoying them at brunch, I promise you’re going to want to keep this recipe on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You’ll have fresh cheddar biscuits ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect Flakiness: The folding technique I share helps create layers that puff up beautifully in the oven.
- Flavor-Packed: With garlic powder, honey, and fresh parsley in the topping, these biscuits burst with irresistible flavors.
- Reliable Results: I’ve tested and tweaked this recipe until it’s foolproof, so you can bake with confidence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this cheddar biscuits recipe work harmoniously to create a biscuit that’s both tender and packed with flavor. Using cold butter and buttermilk really helps achieve a light texture, while the cheddar adds that sharp, melty goodness.
- All-purpose flour: A classic base that holds the biscuit together while staying tender; spoon and level it for accuracy.
- Baking powder: Aluminum-free is best to avoid any metallic aftertaste.
- Baking soda: Helps with rise and browning alongside the baking powder.
- Garlic powder: This adds a subtle, savory note that complements the cheddar beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for flavor balance.
- Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s very cold to create flaky pockets as it melts during baking.
- Buttermilk: The acidity tenderizes the dough while adding a slight tang.
- Honey: Just a touch to balance the savory with gentle sweetness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar works depending on your preference; I love sharp for the boldness.
- Melted butter (for brushing): Mixed with garlic powder and parsley for that irresistible golden crust.
- Dried or fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herb note and lovely color.
Variations
One of the things I love about this cheddar biscuits recipe is how you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. I often mix things up depending on what I’m serving or what cheeses I have on hand.
- Herb Lovers: I sometimes add chopped rosemary or thyme to the dough for an earthier flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheddar.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika brings a fun, subtle heat that my family absolutely adores.
- Gluten-Free: I’ve successfully made this using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour—just be aware the texture changes slightly but the flavor is still spot on.
- Different Cheeses: Trying sharp white cheddar, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda can elevate the flavor profile in exciting ways.
How to Make Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Cut in the Butter
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl or pulsing them a few times in a food processor. Then, add the cold, cubed butter. I like using a pastry cutter for this step because it gives me control, but if you’re short on time, the food processor does a great job too. The key is to cut the butter into the flour until you have coarse crumbs—think pea-sized bits. These little chunks of butter are what make your biscuits flaky, so resist the urge to over-mix!
Step 2: Fold in Cheese, Add Buttermilk and Honey, and Form Dough
Once your butter and flour mixture looks like coarse crumbs, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Make a well in the center and pour in 1 cup of cold buttermilk along with the honey drizzle on top. Use a big spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together until it just comes together. This dough will look shaggy and have some wet spots—that’s exactly what you want! Don’t overwork it or the biscuits will get tough.
Step 3: Fold and Shape the Dough for Flaky Layers
Pour your shaggy dough onto a well-floured surface and use generously floured hands to bring it together. I learned this folding method by trial and error—the folds create those buttery layers that make biscuits irresistible! Flatten the dough into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle, fold one side over the center, then the other side on top, and turn it horizontally before flattening again. Repeat this folding process a few times, always keeping the dough gently flattened and well-floured to avoid sticking.
Step 4: Cut and Bake Your Biscuits
Use a 2.5- or 3-inch biscuit cutter to stamp out rounds. Here’s a trick I learned: don’t twist the cutter when pressing down—that seals the edges and prevents the biscuits from rising properly. Arrange the biscuits snugly in a cast-iron skillet or on a lined baking sheet so they touch (this helps them rise tall). Brush the tops with the remaining buttermilk, then pop them in a 425°F oven for 18–22 minutes until golden brown on top.
Step 5: Brush with Garlic-Parsley Butter and Serve Warm
While the biscuits are still warm, brush them generously with the melted butter mixture flavored with garlic powder and parsley. This finish gives them a beautiful shine and that classic savory flavor that keeps everyone reaching for more.
Pro Tips for Making Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- Keep Butter Cold: I can’t stress this enough—cold butter is what gives biscuits their flaky layers, so pop your cubed butter back into the fridge if it starts to soften too much during prep.
- Don’t Overmix Dough: Overworking the dough develops the gluten and leads to dense biscuits. Fold gently until the dough just holds together.
- Use a Sharp Biscuit Cutter: A thin, sharp cutter cuts clean edges without pressing down and sealing, helping biscuits rise beautifully.
- Bake Immediately: Once shaped, bake the biscuits right away for best oven spring; resting them first can result in less rise.
How to Serve Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these cheddar biscuits with a little extra melted butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving. Sometimes, I even add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to amp up the flavor and add a subtle crunch—it’s such a simple step but really elevates the experience.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are my go-to side for hearty soups, roasted chicken, or even a fresh garden salad. When I serve a big Sunday breakfast, I pair them with eggs and crispy bacon—my family goes crazy for it every time!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve placed these biscuits in a cast-iron skillet straight out of the oven, garnished with sprigs of fresh herbs for that rustic charm. Another fun idea is serving mini biscuits filled with honey butter or a slice of ham to make savory breakfast sliders — perfect for brunches or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover cheddar biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, I keep them wrapped tightly in the fridge; they’ll stay fresh up to 5 days that way without drying out.
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing leftover biscuits individually wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag. When you want some, thaw them overnight in the fridge or warm them straight from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat biscuits in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes wrapped in foil to keep them soft and warm them through evenly. For a quick fix, I pop them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds, but I prefer the oven method because it revives the crispy edges.
FAQs
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Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk for this Cheddar Biscuits Recipe?
You can, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite the same. Buttermilk’s acidity helps tenderize the biscuits and gives a slight tang that balances the richness, making the final product fluffier and more flavorful. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use that as a substitute.
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Why is cold butter important in this cheddar biscuits recipe?
Cold butter creates steam as it melts in the oven, which helps the biscuits puff up and form flaky layers. If the butter is too warm or melted before baking, the biscuits become dense and lose that tender flakiness we’re aiming for.
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Can I make these biscuits ahead of time and bake later?
Absolutely! After assembling and cutting your biscuits, you can freeze them unbaked in a baking dish covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. This is a great way to prep ahead for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
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What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?
No worries! You can use the rim of a drinking glass or even shape the dough into rough rounds with a knife or spatula. Just try to keep them fairly uniform in size so they bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
This cheddar biscuits recipe holds a special spot in my heart because of how simple it is to pull off and how incredibly satisfying the results are. I often make these when I want to impress friends or just treat my family to something cozy but fuss-free. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll love pulling these golden, cheesy beauties out of the oven and savoring every warm, buttery bite. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become your new go-to biscuit recipe too.
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Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 biscuits
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Homemade Cheddar Biscuits are a deliciously simple and savory treat packed with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of garlic. Perfect for brunch or dinner, they are flaky, buttery, and have a tender crumb with a golden crust. With a quick preparation and a 20-minute bake time, these biscuits rival popular restaurant versions and are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed for hands and work surface
- 1 Tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, cubed and very cold
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (270ml) cold buttermilk, divided
- 2 teaspoons (14g) honey
- 1 cup (125g) shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the biscuits.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl or food processor, whisk or pulse together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cut in Butter: Add the very cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or pulse in the processor until the mixture forms coarse crumbs resembling small peas.
- Add Cheese and Wet Ingredients: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Make a well in the center, pour in 1 cup (240ml) of cold buttermilk and drizzle the honey on top. Gently fold the mixture with a spoon or spatula just until the dough starts to come together; it will be shaggy and slightly wet.
- Form Dough: Transfer the dough and any crumbles onto a floured surface and bring it together gently using floured hands. Flatten into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle, fold one side in, then the other, turn the dough, and repeat this folding and flattening process three more times to create layers.
- Cut Biscuits: Flatten the dough into a final 3/4-inch thick rectangle, then cut into 2.5- or 3-inch circles using a biscuit cutter. Avoid twisting the cutter to ensure rising. Re-roll scraps and cut additional biscuits until all dough is used. You should have about 8 to 10 biscuits.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the biscuits close together in a 10-inch cast iron skillet or on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they touch, which helps them rise tall and soft.
- Brush with Buttermilk & Bake: Brush the tops with the remaining buttermilk. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Add Topping: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Generously brush this mixture onto the warm biscuits as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Serve and Store: Serve the biscuits warm. Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- These cheddar biscuits rival restaurant versions and are quick enough for a weekday or weekend meal.
- Using very cold butter is essential for flaky biscuit layers.
- Do not twist the biscuit cutter to ensure tall, fluffy biscuits.
- Brushing with buttermilk before baking helps develop a golden crust.
- Baking in a cast iron skillet promotes even browning and soft sides where biscuits touch.
- Biscuits are best served warm but keep well covered for several days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg