Cheese biscuits are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a perfect combination of flaky, buttery texture and savory cheese flavor. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a side with dinner, these biscuits are easy to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty soup or enjoying them with a simple salad, cheese biscuits are sure to impress. This recipe will guide you through the process of making light, fluffy, and flavorful cheese biscuits from scratch, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Ingredients for Deliciously Flaky Cheese Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
How to Make Deliciously Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper (if using). The combination of baking powder and baking soda helps the biscuits rise and become light and fluffy.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The key to flaky biscuits is to ensure the butter remains in small, pea-sized pieces, which will create pockets of steam during baking.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. The cheese will melt and create pockets of cheesy goodness in the biscuits.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and sour cream. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice. The acidity in buttermilk or lemon juice helps to tenderize the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk and sour cream mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough biscuits. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently pat or roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a bit more flour on top.
- Cut the Biscuits: Use a round biscuit cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out biscuits. Press the cutter straight down into the dough without twisting to ensure the biscuits rise evenly. Gather any excess dough, gently re-roll, and cut out additional biscuits.
- Bake the Biscuits: Place the cut biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. If desired, brush the tops with a little melted butter and sprinkle with additional shredded cheese for extra flavor and a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the biscuits to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm with butter, jam, or alongside your favorite dishes.
About the Main Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour provides the structure for the biscuits. It has the right balance of protein and starch to create a tender crumb without being too dense. It’s important to measure the flour accurately to ensure the right texture.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that help the biscuits rise. Baking powder provides the initial lift, while baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients like buttermilk to create additional rise and fluffiness.
Butter
Cold, cubed butter is crucial for creating flaky layers in the biscuits. As the biscuits bake, the butter melts and creates steam, which forms the biscuit’s light and airy texture. Using cold butter ensures that it remains in small pieces during mixing, contributing to the flakiness.
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar cheese adds a savory flavor and richness to the biscuits. The cheese melts during baking, creating pockets of gooey, cheesy goodness. You can use other types of cheese if you prefer a different flavor.
Buttermilk and Sour Cream
Buttermilk and sour cream add moisture to the dough and contribute to a tender texture. They also help to activate the baking soda, which enhances the rise of the biscuits. If you don’t have buttermilk, mixing milk with lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
Chives and Garlic Powder (Optional)
Fresh chives and garlic powder can be added for extra flavor. Chives provide a mild onion flavor, while garlic powder adds a savory depth that complements the cheese.
By following this recipe, you’ll be able to make perfectly flaky and flavorful cheese biscuits that will elevate any meal. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later use. These biscuits are versatile, easy to make, and a guaranteed hit with anyone who loves cheese.
