Craving those famous restaurant-style Cheddar Bay Biscuits but don’t have the time to dine out? This quick and easy recipe will have you enjoying warm, buttery, cheesy biscuits right from your oven in under 30 minutes! Perfect as a side for soups, salads, or even as a snack, these biscuits are loaded with cheddar and a hint of garlic. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up these savory treats in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cut in the butter: Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly distributed, but small pieces should still remain to help make the biscuits flaky.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly incorporated into the flour mixture.
- Add the milk: Pour in the milk and gently stir the mixture until it just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense biscuits. The dough should be slightly sticky.
- Shape the biscuits: Drop large spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You should have about 8-10 biscuits, depending on the size.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.
- Brush with butter: As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them with the melted butter and sprinkle with dried parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the biscuits warm and enjoy them on their own or alongside your favorite meal.
Cooking Notes
- Cold butter is key: Using cold butter helps create pockets of steam during baking, resulting in flaky biscuits. Make sure to work quickly so the butter stays cold.
- Don’t overmix: Stir the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits.
- Shredded cheddar: For the best cheesy flavor, use sharp cheddar. You can also try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for variation.
Variations
- Spicy Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the dry ingredients for a little heat.
- Herbed Biscuits: Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the flour mixture for an aromatic twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these biscuits gluten-free. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to about 1/2 teaspoon to avoid overly salty biscuits.
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
These biscuits are best served fresh, but you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked biscuits and bake them directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
These biscuits are incredibly versatile. Serve them with soups, stews, chili, or alongside a salad. They’re also perfect as a side for seafood dishes, similar to how they’re served at certain restaurants.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to bring back their freshness and crispiness.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as pepper jack for a spicier kick, or Gruyere for a more robust flavor.
These Quick and Easy Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delightful addition to any meal. Their flaky, buttery texture combined with the sharpness of cheddar cheese and a hint of garlic make them a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them with seafood, soup, or just enjoying them as a snack, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with the simple ingredients and fast preparation, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. Try out the variations to switch things up, or keep them classic—either way, you’re in for a delicious treat!
