Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Servings: 12 biscuits
Ingredients
For the Biscuits
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ cup (113 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1½ cups (170 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- ¾ cup (180 ml) cold buttermilk
- 1 large egg
Garlic Herb Butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika (if using)
Mix thoroughly so the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
These butter pockets create flaky biscuits during baking.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Fold the shredded cheddar cheese into the flour mixture.
Coating the cheese with flour helps distribute it evenly throughout the biscuits.
Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture.
Stir gently with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Do not overmix, as this can result in dense biscuits.
Step 6: Shape the Biscuits
Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, portion the dough into 12 equal mounds.
Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
There’s no need to flatten them; they will spread slightly as they bake.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until:
- The tops are lightly golden brown.
- The biscuits have risen well.
- The edges are lightly crisp.
Avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft and tender.
Step 8: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
While the biscuits bake, combine:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Parsley
- Salt
- Italian seasoning
Mix well.
Step 9: Finish the Biscuits
Remove the biscuits from the oven.
Immediately brush the warm biscuits generously with the garlic herb butter.
Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Keep the butter and buttermilk cold for maximum flakiness.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and flavor.
- Mix the dough gently to maintain a tender texture.
- Bake on the center oven rack for even browning.
- Brush with garlic butter while the biscuits are still hot so it absorbs into the crust.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Recipe Variations
Bacon Cheddar Biscuits
Fold in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon before adding the wet ingredients.
Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits
Mix in one finely diced jalapeño for a spicy variation.
Herb Cheddar Biscuits
Add chopped chives, thyme, rosemary, or dill to the dough.
Three Cheese Biscuits
Use a combination of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella for extra cheesy flavor.
Whole Wheat Version
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier biscuit.
Storage
Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions
Allow the biscuits to cool completely.
Freeze in airtight freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Oven
Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave
Heat for 15–20 seconds per biscuit.
Air Fryer
Warm at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Cheddar Bay Biscuits pair beautifully with:
- Seafood chowder
- Clam chowder
- Tomato soup
- Chicken noodle soup
- Beef stew
- Chili
- Grilled shrimp
- Fried fish
- Roasted chicken
- Steak
- Caesar salad
- Garden salad
- Pasta Alfredo
For beverages, serve with:
- Fresh lemonade
- Unsweetened iced tea
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Coffee for brunch
- Hot herbal tea
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- Soft, flaky texture
- Rich cheddar flavor
- Buttery garlic topping
- Easy, no-yeast recipe
- Family-friendly
- Perfect for holidays and weeknight dinners
- Great alongside soups and seafood
- Freezer-friendly
- Better than restaurant-style biscuits
Nutritional Information (Per Biscuit)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Calcium: 190 mg
- Iron: 1.5 mg
- Potassium: 95 mg
