Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
If there’s one recipe I can count on to make people smile, it’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Imagine soft, pillowy biscuits brimming with sharp cheddar, a kiss of garlic, irresistible buttery flavor, and a whisper of cayenne for just the right tingle—these are tender, outrageously cheesy, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re serving them with a favorite family dinner or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, you’ll find any excuse to whip up these savory little wonders. Let’s dive into all the secrets (and simplicity!) that make Cheddar Bay Biscuits feel so special every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering what you need for Cheddar Bay Biscuits couldn’t be easier. Each ingredient truly pulls its weight—from creating lift and structure, to flavoring the dough with lusciously cheesy, garlicky goodness. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone that gives these biscuits their classic, fluffy structure.
- Baking powder: Essential for that perfect rise and cloud-like texture.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create extra tenderness.
- Granulated sugar: Just a pinch, to balance out the savory flavors.
- Salt: Sharpens and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the biscuits with that signature savory aroma.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle warmth that makes everything pop—try not to skip it!
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Bold, melty, and the star of the show.
- Cold buttermilk: Keeps the dough tender and ensures biscuits stay moist.
- Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Rich and decadent, it binds the dough and adds a luxurious touch.
- Melted butter (for topping): Brushed on at the end, it’s what makes each biscuit golden and irresistible.
- Garlic powder (for topping): A finishing touch for even more garlicky flavor.
- Dried parsley (for topping): Flecks of color that make the biscuits extra charming on your table.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F, so it’s good and hot by the time your dough is ready. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This quick mix ensures your biscuits will be evenly flavored with every bite.
Step 2: Add the Cheddar Cheese
Stir the shredded sharp cheddar cheese right into your dry mix. Coating the cheese in flour first helps it stay evenly distributed and ensures you’ll find gooey, cheesy pockets in every biscuit.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend your cold buttermilk with the cooled melted butter. Don’t be surprised if you see little clumps—that’s exactly what you want! Those small bits of butter are the secret to fluffy, tender Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Step 4: Bring the Dough Together
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here; a few streaks of flour is okay. The less you work the dough, the lighter and fluffier your biscuits will be.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Using a 1/4 cup measure, scoop the dough into rough mounds and drop them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the scent is simply irresistible.
Step 6: Add the Signature Topping
As soon as the biscuits emerge from the oven, mix your melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley together. Use a brush to spread this delicious garlicky butter all over the hot biscuits. Watch as it seeps in, turning everything glossy and extra inviting.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Garnishes
Give your Cheddar Bay Biscuits a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, or even some extra shredded cheddar on top for an added flair of color and decadence. If you’re feeling bold, a pinch of smoked paprika in the topping is a quick secret weapon for smoky depth.
Side Dishes
Serve these biscuits alongside hearty seafood stews, creamy chowders, or a classic roasted chicken dinner. They’re the ultimate comfort food side, equally at home with scrambled eggs at brunch or a bowl of tomato soup on chilly evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, split warm Cheddar Bay Biscuits and stuff them with scrambled eggs and bacon for an over-the-top breakfast sandwich. Or, cut smaller portions for slider buns—imagine tiny pulled pork sandwiches with cheesy, garlicky biscuits. Absolute crowd pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow resist eating the entire batch, keep leftover Cheddar Bay Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. They’ll remain tender, though they truly shine when enjoyed fresh and warm.
Freezing
To make life even easier, you can freeze the baked biscuits. Once cooled completely, wrap them tightly and stash them in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
To bring the magic back, pop your Cheddar Bay Biscuits in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This revives the structure and re-melts the cheese, making them every bit as delicious as the day you made them. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the texture a little chewy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts much better and brings a richer flavor. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents, which can keep your biscuits from being perfectly gooey inside.
What makes these biscuits so tender?
The combination of cold buttermilk and just-melted butter is the real trick. The cold buttermilk keeps the dough light, while little pockets of butter create extra fluffiness as they melt in the oven.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Try mixing in chopped chives, dill, or even a dash of paprika or Italian seasoning for a twist. Just be sure to keep the cheese and garlic at the forefront—they’re the flavors that define Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No buttermilk, no problem! Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of milk, let it sit for a couple of minutes, and use it as a homemade substitute. The tangy acidity gives your biscuits the classic tender crumb.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and you’ll have Cheddar Bay Biscuits that anyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of many recipes that deliver as much comfort and joy as Cheddar Bay Biscuits. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, cheesy bites, and garlicky aroma, these biscuits have a way of gathering everyone back around the table. Give them a try—and watch how fast they disappear!
Print
Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a savory delight, perfect for any meal or as a tasty snack. With a cheesy, buttery flavor and a hint of garlic, these biscuits are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix cold buttermilk and melted butter until clumps form. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients, stir until just combined.
- Bake: Scoop dough into 1/4 cup portions, drop on a baking sheet, bake for 12 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare Topping: Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush biscuits with topping after baking.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the topping.
- Handle the dough gently to keep the biscuits tender.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 176 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg
