If you have a soft spot for those warm, flaky bites that pair perfectly with almost any meal, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. These golden, cheese-studded biscuits are bursting with sharp cheddar and a delightful garlic-parsley butter brush that turns every bite into pure comfort. Whether you’re serving them up for a casual family dinner or impressing guests, they bring both irresistible flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to match.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe calls for simple pantry staples that each play a crucial role. From the tangy sharp cheddar that adds a burst of flavor to the garlic powder that lends its savory magic, every ingredient works together to create that classic biscuit goodness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives these biscuits their soft, fluffy texture.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps your biscuits rise to a perfect lightness.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness balancing the salt and cheese.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, aromatic garlicky flavor throughout the dough.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and seasons the dough evenly.
- 1/3 cup butter or shortening: Cold and grated to create a flaky crumbly texture.
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk: Moistens the dough while buttermilk adds a slight tang and tenderness.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient providing rich, sharp, cheesy bites.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: For that irresistible garlic butter glaze on top.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Mixed into the melted butter for an extra kick of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a fresh color and an herbaceous note to the garlic butter.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot—this is essential for those biscuits to rise and bake to golden perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or simply use an ungreased one; this helps the biscuits release easily without sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly dispersed and the flavors are perfectly balanced throughout the dough, setting the foundation for your biscuits.
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter or Shortening
Grate your cold butter right into the dry mix or cut it into small pieces and use a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture looks like coarse sand. Those little bits of butter are going to create flaky layers in the biscuits, so don’t skip this step or rush it.
Step 4: Add the Milk
Gradually pour in the milk or buttermilk while stirring gently. You’re aiming for a dough that just comes together—overmixing will make the biscuits tough rather than tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Fold in That Cheddar Cheese
Gently fold the sharp cheddar cheese into the dough, ensuring it’s evenly spread without overworking the dough. This step guarantees that every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Shape the Biscuits
Using a large spoon or an ice cream scoop, portion the dough into 12 even mounds on your baking sheet. Spacing them about an inch apart is perfect—they don’t need to be perfectly shaped, which adds to their rustic charm.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Pop your biscuits into the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops show a lovely light golden color. The smell at this point is absolutely mouthwatering, and the anticipation is real.
Step 8: Prepare and Apply the Garlic Butter
While the biscuits are baking, melt the two tablespoons of butter in short bursts, then stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley. As soon as your biscuits come out of the oven, brush this garlic butter mixture on top. The warmth helps it soak in, giving your biscuits an extra layer of buttery, garlicky brilliance.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a finishing touch, sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or chives on top after brushing the garlic butter. It adds a cheerful pop of color and a fresh herbal note that pairs beautifully with the cheese and garlic.
Side Dishes
These biscuits steal the show alongside hearty stews, creamy soups, or classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and collard greens. They also make a wonderful accompaniment to your favorite breakfast spread with eggs and sausage.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these biscuits with a side of honey butter or cream cheese spread. You can also split them open and layer with ham and extra cheese for a biscuit sandwich that’s sure to wow everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheddar Bay Biscuits keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This way, you can enjoy their flaky texture and cheesy flavor without rushing to finish them.
Freezing
If you want to savor these biscuits at a later time, freeze them after baking and cooling completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To revive your biscuits, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Brushing on a little extra garlic butter after reheating will bring back that freshly baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in the Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe?
Absolutely! While buttermilk adds a slight tang and extra tenderness, regular milk works just fine if that’s what you have on hand. The biscuits will still be deliciously soft and flavorful.
Is there a substitute for shortening in this recipe?
You can use all butter if you prefer, which adds a rich flavor. Just keep the butter cold when mixing it into the flour to help achieve that flaky texture similar to shortening.
How do I make these biscuits dairy-free?
To make dairy-free biscuits, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind the flavor may differ slightly without the cheddar cheese, but there are dairy-free cheddar-style cheeses available that work well.
Can I add herbs or spices to the biscuit dough?
Yes! Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives can be folded into the dough for an extra flavor boost. Just be careful not to overpower the cheddar and garlic combination that makes this recipe so special.
Why are my biscuits dense instead of light and fluffy?
This usually happens if the dough is overmixed or the baking powder is old and not active. Mix just until combined and make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise and tender crumb.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is like inviting a little slice of buttery, garlicky heaven into your kitchen. They’re a timeless crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, comfort, and sheer joy to any meal. I can’t wait for you to try them and enjoy every cheesy, tender bite as much as I do!
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Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a deliciously cheesy and garlicky treat, perfect as a side for dinner or a savory snack. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they combine sharp cheddar cheese with fragrant garlic butter for an irresistible classic biscuit experience that’s simple to make in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup butter or shortening (cold)
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
Garlic Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use an ungreased baking sheet to prepare for the biscuits.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all dry ingredients.
- Incorporate Butter: Grate the cold 1/3 cup butter into the flour mixture using a box grater, or cut the butter into small pieces and use a pastry cutter to blend it into the flour until the texture resembles coarse meal or sand.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk or buttermilk while stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will keep the biscuits tender and light.
- Fold in Cheese: Gently fold in 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese until it is evenly incorporated into the dough.
- Form Biscuits: Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, portion the dough into 12 even mounds. Place these on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 1 inch apart; shaping doesn’t have to be perfect.
- Bake Biscuits: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden and the biscuits are cooked through.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While the biscuits bake, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second increments. Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon dried parsley until well combined.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Remove the biscuits from the oven and immediately brush the tops generously with the prepared garlic butter mixture to impart a flavorful, buttery finish.
Notes
- Using cold butter is essential to create flaky biscuits.
- Substitute milk with buttermilk for a richer flavor and tender crumb.
- Grated butter distributes more evenly, resulting in a better texture.
- Make sure not to overmix to avoid dense biscuits.
- Biscuits can be reheated in a warm oven for a few minutes to refresh crispiness.
