- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Recipe Intensity
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Skill Level: Beginner Friendly
Servings
- Makes 10–12 biscuits
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Butter and Cheese
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk
- 1 large egg
Optional Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
Ingredient Notes
Cheese
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or a cheese blend for a unique twist.
Butter
Cold butter is essential for flaky layers. When the butter melts in the oven, it creates steam pockets that make the biscuits light and airy.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk adds tenderness and a subtle tangy flavor. If you do not have buttermilk, mix ¾ cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Biscuit cutter or drinking glass
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
A hot oven helps the biscuits rise quickly and creates a golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Whisk everything together evenly.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture.
Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Small butter pieces should still be visible.
Do not overmix. Keeping the butter cold is important for flaky biscuits.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
The cheese adds flavor and creates delicious melted pockets inside the biscuits.
Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Buttermilk
- Egg
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
Mix gently with a spoon until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough because this can make the biscuits dense.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface and place the dough on it.
Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Fold it over itself 2–3 times to create layers.
Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut out biscuits.
Place them on the prepared baking tray with slight space between each biscuit.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
The biscuits should rise beautifully and smell rich and buttery.
Step 8: Add the Butter Topping
While the biscuits are baking, mix together:
- Melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Parsley
Brush the warm biscuits immediately after removing them from the oven.
This step gives them a delicious restaurant-style finish.
Tips for Perfect Cheese Biscuits
Use Cold Ingredients
Cold butter and cold buttermilk help create fluffy, layered biscuits.
Do Not Overmix
Mix the dough only until combined. Overworking develops gluten and makes biscuits tough.
Use Fresh Baking Powder
Fresh leavening agents help biscuits rise properly.
Handle the Dough Gently
Press instead of rolling the dough for softer biscuits.
Bake in a Hot Oven
High heat creates a crisp exterior and fluffy center.
Flavor Variations
Jalapeño Cheese Biscuits
Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Herb Cheese Biscuits
Mix in fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or rosemary.
Bacon Cheese Biscuits
Add cooked crumbled bacon for extra savory flavor.
Parmesan Garlic Biscuits
Replace cheddar with Parmesan and increase garlic seasoning.
What to Serve with Cheese Biscuits
These biscuits pair perfectly with many dishes, including:
- Tomato soup
- Chicken soup
- Beef stew
- Fried chicken
- Scrambled eggs
- Sausage gravy
- Barbecue meals
- Salads
They are also delicious sliced in half and used for breakfast sandwiches.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store biscuits in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months. Wrap individually for best freshness.
Reheating
Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Warm Butter
Warm butter melts before baking and prevents flaky layers.
Overworking the Dough
Too much mixing creates dense biscuits instead of light fluffy ones.
Using Too Much Flour
Excess flour can dry out the dough.
Twisting the Cutter
Press straight down when cutting biscuits to help them rise evenly.
Nutritional Information (Per Biscuit)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used.