If you’ve ever dreamed of baking warm, fluffy, flavor-packed biscuits right in your own kitchen, this Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine biting into a golden, cheesy cloud with hints of garlic and fresh herbs—each biscuit perfectly tender on the inside and just lightly crisp on the outside. It’s comfort food elevated and surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty stew or simply enjoying one straight from the oven, these biscuits deliver joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these biscuits lies in a handful of simple yet essential pantry ingredients. Each one plays a special role: from the tangy buttermilk that tenderizes the dough, to the sharp cheddar cheese that brings bold flavor and a beautiful golden hue. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this recipe a winner every time.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and softness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for perfect lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the cheese taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle savory kick if you like a bit more depth.
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes: Chilled butter creates flaky layers.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharpness and richness that makes each biscuit memorable.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more if needed): Brings moisture and a slight tang for tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional): For a burst of fresh color and herbal brightness.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing, optional): A finishing touch that adds shine and taste.
How to Make Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). It’s important to get the oven nice and hot to ensure your biscuits rise quickly and develop a golden crust. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional garlic powder. This mix forms the foundation of the biscuit dough and evenly distributes the leavening agents so your biscuits rise beautifully.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or just your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is what makes the biscuits tender and flaky, so don’t rush it!
Step 4: Incorporate Cheese
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs if you’re using them. The cheese adds a wonderful sharpness and melt-in-your-mouth richness that makes this Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Mix the Dough
Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir everything until just combined. The dough should hold together without being sticky—if it feels too dry, add a splash more buttermilk. Overmixing here can make the biscuits tough, so keep it light and gentle.
Step 6: Shape Biscuits
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into about a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a biscuit cutter or a round glass to cut out individual biscuits. Carefully gather the scraps and repeat cutting until you’ve used all the dough. This step is fun and hands-on—almost like therapy!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the biscuits on your prepared baking sheet. For soft sides that pull apart easily, set them touching; for crispier edges, leave space between each biscuit. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown on top.
Step 8: Finish with Butter (Optional)
Right after baking, brush the tops with melted butter. This simple addition makes your biscuits glossy, flavorful, and downright irresistible. Serve them warm to fully enjoy their buttery, cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your cheddar biscuits with a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or parsley adds brightness and a pop of color. You can also serve them with a little swirl of honey butter or some herb-infused cream cheese for an elevated touch.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair beautifully with almost any meal. Think creamy soups like tomato bisque or chicken and wild rice, smoky barbecue ribs, or a fresh garden salad. They also make breakfast shine when served alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, slice biscuits horizontally and fill them with ham and a dollop of mustard aioli. Or turn them into mini sliders with pulled pork or fried chicken. The cheesy crumb and tender texture make your presentation as delightful as the taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is honestly rare), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain softness. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out quickly.
Freezing
Want to enjoy homemade cheddar biscuits anytime? Freeze unbaked biscuits arranged on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once firm. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time, and you’ll have fresh biscuits in no time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover biscuits in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to bring back that just-baked texture and melt any butter. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the flaky exterior.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk can be used, buttermilk adds acidity which reacts with the baking soda to create fluffier, tender biscuits. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?
No worries! You can use the rim of a glass or even shape the dough into small rounds with your hands. The shape might be less uniform but the taste stays just as wonderful.
Can I make these biscuits dairy-free?
To adapt this recipe, substitute the butter with a plant-based spread and use a dairy-free milk mixed with vinegar to mimic buttermilk. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might be slightly different, but still delicious!
Why are my biscuits sometimes dense?
Dense biscuits often result from overmixing the dough or using melted butter instead of cold. Be gentle when combining ingredients and keep the butter cold so it creates those lovely flaky layers.
Can I add other cheeses or flavors?
Absolutely! Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick, or parmesan for a savory twist. You can also add herbs like rosemary or spices like smoked paprika for extra personality.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe becomes one of your cherished kitchen staples. There’s nothing quite like pulling warm, cheesy biscuits from your oven and sharing them with family and friends. With simple ingredients and easy steps, baking homemade biscuits is a joyous and rewarding experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these become your favorite homemade treat.
Print
Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Homemade Cheddar Biscuits are flaky, cheesy, and loaded with sharp cheddar flavor. Perfectly golden and tender, they make a delightful side for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Quick to prepare and baked to perfection, these biscuits are an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Wet Ingredients and Add-ins
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder (if using), ensuring they are evenly combined.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and chopped herbs if you choose to include them, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
- Mix Dough: Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until the dough just comes together. If the dough seems too dry, add additional buttermilk a tablespoon at a time to achieve a soft consistency.
- Shape Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out rounds. Press the scraps gently together to cut out more biscuits.
- Bake: Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet. Position them close together for softer sides or spaced apart for crispier edges. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown.
- Optional Finish: Remove the warm biscuits from the oven and brush with melted butter for added flavor and moisture.
- Serve and Store: Serve the biscuits warm. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve flaky biscuits.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice if unavailable.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like chives or parsley.
- Brushing with melted butter right after baking adds shine and richness.
- Biscuits can be reheated in a toaster oven or conventional oven to restore freshness.
