If you’ve been searching for a delightful snack that bursts with cheesy flavor and a touch of spice, look no further than this Australian Cheddar Biscuits Recipe. These biscuits are a perfect blend of sharp cheddar, buttery richness, and a hint of cayenne that creates a satisfying crunch and an irresistible taste. Whether you’re serving them at a casual gathering or enjoying them alongside your favorite meal, this recipe offers a simple yet utterly delicious way to bring a bit of Aussie-inspired comfort to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are in this Australian Cheddar Biscuits Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from the creamy butter that creates flaky layers, to the sharp cheddar that delivers bold cheesy goodness, and the tiny kick of cayenne pepper to lift the flavor profile beautifully.
- Butter, 8 tablespoons, diced: Using cold butter cut into small pieces is essential for achieving that perfect flaky texture.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: This forms the base of the biscuits, giving structure while keeping them tender.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, 3 1/2 cups shredded: The star ingredient that brings bold, tangy, and creamy notes to every bite.
- Water, 6 to 7 tablespoons: Added gradually to bind the dough without making it sticky.
- Cayenne pepper, 1/8 teaspoon: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat to keep things interesting.
How to Make Australian Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your biscuits bake evenly and come off the pan without sticking, setting you up for success right from the beginning.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Butter
Combine the flour and salt in a medium bowl, then add the cold, diced butter. Using your fingertips, gently rub the butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is such a satisfying step because you’re creating the irresistible flaky texture that makes these biscuits so special.
Step 3: Add Cheese
Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. You’ll notice how the cheese lightly coats the flour mixture, promising every biscuit will be bursting with rich, cheesy flavor once baked.
Step 4: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually stir in 6 tablespoons of water and the cayenne pepper, using a fork to bring the dough together. If the dough feels too dry, add the remaining water carefully until it forms a cohesive ball. This part is key to ensuring the biscuits hold their shape while staying tender inside.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and gently roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out your biscuits and place them on the baking sheet. Don’t waste any scraps — simply re-roll and cut more biscuits until all the dough is used.
Step 6: Prick and Bake
Prick each biscuit 10 times with the tines of a fork. This prevents puffing while they bake and helps achieve that perfectly crisp crust. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown, and then let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Australian Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or a light dusting of smoked paprika complements the savory cheese and subtle cayenne beautifully. A smear of herb butter spread on warm biscuits can take them from delicious to downright decadent in seconds.
Side Dishes
Australian Cheddar Biscuits pair wonderfully with soups and stews, especially creamy tomato or a hearty beef stew. They’re also fantastic alongside a fresh green salad or a charcuterie board filled with cured meats and pickles for a perfect appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these biscuits into mini sandwiches filled with smoked ham and arugula or serve them as a base for individual pot pies or open-faced cheese melts. Their cheesy texture is versatile enough to adapt to numerous creative presentations that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days so the biscuits maintain their crisp exterior and tender inside. For best taste, enjoy them soon after baking.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked biscuits by arranging them on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply place them on the baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm the biscuits in a low oven (about 300°F) until heated through to revive their fresh-baked flavor and crunchy edges. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the delightful crust.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While sharp cheddar is the classic choice for this Australian Cheddar Biscuits Recipe, you can experiment with other flavorful cheeses like aged gouda or smoked cheddar to add variety. Just keep in mind the cheese’s moisture content as it affects dough consistency.
What if I don’t have cayenne pepper?
If you don’t have cayenne on hand, a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder can offer a different but equally lovely hint of spice. You can also omit it altogether for a milder biscuit.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Rolling the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness ensures your biscuits bake up nicely with a golden crust and fluffy inside. Thinner dough will yield crispier biscuits, while thicker dough may need longer baking time.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend suitable for biscuits. You might need to adjust water and baking time slightly since gluten-free flours behave differently.
Why do I prick the biscuits before baking?
Pricking the biscuits prevents excessive puffing and helps them bake evenly with a crisp crust. It also adds a rustic, charming touch to their appearance.
Final Thoughts
This Australian Cheddar Biscuits Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for good reason — it’s simple, delicious, and truly comforting. I encourage you to give it a try, whether you’re looking to whip up a quick snack or impress guests with a homemade treat that speaks volumes in flavor. Trust me, once you taste these biscuits, they’ll be a regular in your recipe rotation.
Print
Australian Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Australian Busters are savory cheddar cheese biscuits with a hint of cayenne pepper, offering a crispy golden exterior and rich, cheesy flavor. Perfectly baked to a flaky finish, these biscuits are ideal for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Butter & Flour Mixture
- 8 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/4-inch dice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cheese & Spices
- 3 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, loosely packed
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Liquid
- 6 to 7 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the diced butter, then rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs, giving the biscuits a flaky texture.
- Add Cheese: Mix the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the flour and butter mixture, distributing it evenly.
- Form Dough: Gradually stir in 6 tablespoons of water along with the cayenne pepper using a fork until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too dry, add the remaining water teaspoon by teaspoon to achieve the right consistency.
- Roll Out Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even baking.
- Cut Biscuits: Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out biscuits and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Gather and re-roll any scrap dough to maximize yield.
- Prick Biscuits: Prick each biscuit 10 times with the tines of a fork. This helps steam to escape during baking, resulting in crispier biscuits.
- Bake: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown, signalling they are perfectly cooked.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the biscuits sit for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and maintains crisp texture.
Notes
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with aged cheddar for a stronger flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.
- Ensure the butter is cold to create a flakier biscuit texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
