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
Scale
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
