Irish Cheddar Scallion Biscuits are a deliciously savory treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to any meal. These biscuits combine the sharpness of Irish white cheddar and the fresh, mild flavor of scallions in a fluffy, buttery biscuit. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
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: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and kosher salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
- Add Butter:
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Add Buttermilk:
- Pour the buttermilk into the flour and butter mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add Cheese and Scallions:
- Gently fold in the shredded Irish white cheddar and thinly sliced scallions until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Form the Biscuits
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
- Cut the Biscuits:
- Use a biscuit cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out biscuits from the dough. Gather any scraps, pat into a rectangle again, and cut more biscuits until all the dough is used.
Step 6: Prepare the Egg Wash
- Mix Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of cold water until well combined.
- Brush Biscuits:
- Place the cut biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash to give them a golden brown finish.
Step 7: Bake the Biscuits
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and puffed.
Step 8: Serve
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Irish Cheddar Scallion Biscuits warm, with butter if desired. Enjoy these savory and flavorful biscuits with your favorite meal!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Butter: Ensure the butter is very cold to create flaky layers in the biscuits.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough biscuits.
- Cheese: Grate the cheese yourself for the best texture and flavor, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents.
Variations
Bacon Cheddar Scallion Biscuits
- Add Bacon:
- Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the dough for an extra savory twist.
Herb Cheddar Scallion Biscuits
- Add Herbs:
- Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or chives to the dough for added flavor.
Spicy Cheddar Scallion Biscuits
- Add Spice:
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dry ingredients for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Breakfast or Brunch
- With Eggs:
- Serve the biscuits alongside scrambled eggs, an omelet, or a breakfast casserole for a complete meal.
Lunch or Dinner
- As a Side:
- Serve the biscuits with soups, stews, or chili for a comforting and hearty meal.
Snacks
- On Their Own:
- Enjoy the biscuits on their own as a savory snack, or with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these biscuits ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and cut out the biscuits ahead of time. Place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the biscuits? A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked biscuits. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes, you can substitute the Irish white cheddar with another sharp cheddar or any other cheese you prefer.
Q: Can I make these biscuits gluten-free? A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these biscuits gluten-free.
Irish Cheddar Scallion Biscuits are a savory and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any meal. With their sharp cheddar flavor and fresh scallions, these biscuits are sure to become a favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, these biscuits are easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful biscuits with your family and friends!
