There’s something absolutely magical about biting into a warm, tender biscuit that bursts with savory cheese and a hit of garlicky butter. The Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe captures all that comfort and joy in every golden, crumbly bite. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or want to wow dinner guests with a basket of irresistible homemade biscuits, this recipe delivers big flavor with little fuss. Prepare to fall in love with the simple steps, rich aromas, and real bakery-quality results—these biscuits are bound to become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is how the most basic ingredients can become something extraordinary. Each element plays a crucial role, from the sharp cheddar that supplies its signature taste, to the cold butter that guarantees light, flaky layers. Here’s what you’ll need and why every item matters:
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that creates a tender but sturdy crumb, perfectly balancing lift and structure.
- Baking powder: Gives biscuits a lofty rise, making them fluffy and light.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the buttermilk for a little extra leavening, resulting in even more tenderness.
- Granulated sugar: Just a hint softens the savory edge and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Garlic powder: Adds that unmistakable garlicky kick we all crave from this classic biscuit.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Chilled bits create flakes as they melt, making the biscuits wonderfully layered.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show—use sharp cheddar for maximum cheesy flavor and those gooey, molten pockets.
- Buttermilk: Gives moisture, tang, and tenderness, making every bite soft and rich.
- For the garlic butter topping: A mix of melted butter, garlic powder, and fresh parsley delivers restaurant-style pizzazz and vibrant color right at the finish.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C)—a hot oven is essential for that bakery-style rise and golden crust. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and prevent any sticky messes. Getting this set up first means your dough can go straight from bowl to oven without delay!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Whisking aerates the ingredients (helping the biscuits rise better) and ensures everything is evenly distributed, so every biscuit will taste just right.
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Take your cold, cubed butter and work it into the dry mix using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips—just be quick, as you want to keep the butter from melting. The goal here is a crumbly, slightly shaggy mixture with bits of butter no bigger than a small pea. These butter pockets will create those dreamy, flaky layers as they bake.
Step 4: Add Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and toss it gently to coat the pieces. This step ensures the cheese is evenly distributed, and prevents big clumps, so you get gooey pockets of cheese peppered throughout every single biscuit.
Step 5: Mix in the Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing—once the dough comes together and there are no big dry streaks, stop! Overworked dough makes tough biscuits, and we want pillowy, tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Using a large spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. No need to fuss over perfect shapes—the rustic, craggy tops are what soak up that garlicky butter best! Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops turn beautifully golden and the cheese bubbles at the edges.
Step 7: Prepare and Brush on Garlic Butter
While your biscuits are baking, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley. This buttery, herby magic is what puts the “Cheddar Bay” in Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. As soon as the biscuits emerge, brush them generously with the garlic butter while they’re still piping hot for maximum flavor absorption.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra flourish, sprinkle a little more fresh chopped parsley over the top for color and a hint of freshness. A pinch of flaky sea salt or even a touch more sharp cheddar right as they come out of the oven amps up the savory wow factor.
Side Dishes
These biscuits play nicely with almost any meal. Serve your Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe alongside creamy soups like clam chowder, a hearty stew, or a fresh garden salad. They also pair perfectly with classic favorites like fried chicken, grilled shrimp, or alongside a holiday turkey spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few biscuits in a linen-lined basket and set them at the center of the table for a family-style appeal. You can also split them and use as the base for breakfast sandwiches with egg and bacon, or cut into smaller rounds for bite-sized appetizers. No matter how you serve them, prepare for a stack to disappear quickly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any biscuits left, allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll lose some of their initial crispiness but will stay flavorful and soft.
Freezing
To prolong that fabulous homemade flavor, freeze cooled biscuits in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container for up to three months. For best results, wrap them individually in plastic wrap before sealing. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to eat.
Reheating
For that “just-baked” warmth, pop leftover biscuits in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through. A quick microwave zap will work in a pinch, but the oven is best for reviving a touch of the original crispness. If you have extra garlic butter, brush it on as they warm up for an added treat.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese in this recipe?
You can, but freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts more smoothly and gives the biscuits a richer flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains added starches to prevent clumping, which can slightly affect the texture.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, make a quick substitute by combining 3/4 cup milk with 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using—it delivers the tang and acidity needed for tender biscuits!
How do I keep my biscuits from coming out tough?
The key is to handle the dough as gently and minimally as possible—stop mixing once the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to dense, less tender biscuits.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or dried chives, rosemary, or thyme can add a unique twist to your Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. Get creative—this dough welcomes flavorful additions.
Is it okay to make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough up to a few hours in advance and refrigerate it, covered. Just be sure to bake the biscuits right before serving for the freshest flavor and fluffiest results.
Final Thoughts
It’s nearly impossible to resist the irresistible aroma of this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe fresh from the oven. Whether you’re sharing them at your next dinner party or sneaking one as a midnight snack, they’ll bring joy to both the cook and everyone lucky enough to find one in their hand. Go ahead—give these a try, and don’t be surprised if they quickly become your most requested side dish!
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Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Cheddar Bay Biscuits at home with this easy recipe. These cheesy, garlic-infused biscuits are a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For garlic butter topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and garlic powder.
- Add butter and cheese: Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Combine wet ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk and mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare garlic butter: Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a bowl.
- Finish: Brush the hot biscuits with garlic butter and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cayenne pepper to the dough or use a blend of cheeses.
- Best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
