Irish Cheddar Scallion Biscuits

Irish Cheddar Scallion Biscuits are a delicious and savory addition to any meal. These fluffy biscuits are filled with the rich flavor of Irish white cheddar and the fresh taste of scallions, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making these delightful biscuits, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes.

Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1 1/4 cups Irish white cheddar, shredded
• 3/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced

For Finishing:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon cold water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and kosher salt until well combined.

Step 2: Incorporate the Butter

1. Cut in the Butter:
   • Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins

1. Add Buttermilk:
   • Pour the buttermilk into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
2. Add Cheese and Scallions:
   • Gently fold in the shredded Irish white cheddar and thinly sliced scallions until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Shape and Cut the Biscuits

1. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Roll or pat the dough out to about 1-inch thickness.
2. Cut the Biscuits:
   • Use a biscuit cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out biscuits. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

1. Prepare Egg Wash:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water to make an egg wash.
2. Brush with Egg Wash:
   • Brush the tops of the biscuits with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color.
3. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve Warm:
   • Allow the biscuits to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these Irish Cheddar Scallion Biscuits warm with butter or alongside your favorite meal.

Cook Notes and Variations

Cook Notes:

• Butter: Ensure the butter is cold to create flaky layers in the biscuits.
• Mixing: Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough biscuits. Mix until just combined.

Variations:

• Herbed Biscuits:
  • Add 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or chives to the dough for extra flavor.
• Spicy Biscuits:
  • Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dough for a spicy kick.
• Cheddar and Bacon Biscuits:
  • Add 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon to the dough along with the cheese and scallions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Irish white cheddar with other types of sharp cheddar or even a combination of your favorite cheeses.

2. How do I store leftover biscuits?

Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and cut out the biscuits ahead of time. Place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. What can I serve with Irish Cheddar Scallion Biscuits?

These biscuits pair well with soups, stews, salads, or as a side for breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs and bacon.

5. Can I use self-rising flour?

Yes, you can use self-rising flour. If you do, omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe.

Irish Cheddar Scallion Biscuits are a savory and fluffy treat that’s perfect for any meal. With their rich flavor and delightful texture, these biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish, this recipe is easy to follow and full of delicious flavors. Give these Irish Cheddar Scallion Biscuits a try and enjoy a comforting and delightful treat. Happy baking!