Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Herbs in 30 Mins

Name: Cheddar Cheese Biscuits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour; 1 tbsp Baking powder; ¼ tsp Baking soda; ½ tsp Salt; 1 tbsp Sugar; 6 tbsp Butter (unsalted, chilled, cubed); ¾ cup Buttermilk (or Milk ); 1 tbsp Rosemary Leaves (finely chopped); 1 tbsp Thyme leaves (fiinely chopped); 1 cup Cheddar cheese (grated); 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Brace yourself, cheese lovers, because I’m about to share the ultimate cheddar cheese biscuits recipe that will leave your taste buds in bliss. A simple and easy recipe that works great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Biscuits on a wooden board. — Homemade Biscuits, Cheddar Cheese, and Herbs

Biscuits are a type of soft, flaky bread that originated in the southern United States. Known for their tender, buttery texture and golden crust, they are often served as a side dish with meals, a base for breakfast sandwiches, or enjoyed simply with butter and jam. What makes biscuits so special is their light, airy texture and the way they strike a perfect balance between crispness on the outside and softness on the inside. Their versatility also makes them a favorite, whether served sweet or savory.

Adding cheddar cheese to biscuits elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. The sharp, tangy flavor of cheddar melts into the dough, creating pockets of cheesy goodness with every bite. These cheddar cheese biscuits are perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or even as a snack on their own.

Why make these cheese biscuits?

Not only does the cheese enhance the taste, but it also adds a beautiful golden hue to the biscuits. Their inviting appearance is enough to entice even the most discerning cheese lover.
The secret to these cheddar cheese biscuits is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Combining sharp cheddar cheese with the buttery biscuit base creates a symphony of savory goodness that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
But it’s not just the taste that sets these biscuits apart. The careful ratio of ingredients ensures that the texture is just right – not too dry or crumbly but wonderfully tender and moist.
These cheese biscuits are also incredibly versatile. Whether served as a side dish to a hearty soup or as the base for a breakfast sandwich, they will elevate any meal to a new level. They are perfect for brunch gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a treat for yourself.

A sliced biscuits with butter. — Cheddar cheese biscuits

Ingredients and substitutes

All-purpose flour is the base of the biscuit dough, providing the necessary structure and texture. While all-purpose flour is recommended for its versatility, you can experiment with alternative flours like whole wheat or gluten-free flour if you have specific dietary preferences.
Regarding leavening agents, baking powder and baking soda are the go-to options. Baking powder helps your biscuits rise by interacting with moisture and heat. If you find yourself out of baking powder, fear not! You can create a substitute by combining baking soda and cream of tartar. Remember, this homemade substitute is a quick fix and may yield different results than store-bought baking powder. Understand baking powder vs baking soda.
A pinch of salt is essential for balancing the flavors and enhancing the overall taste of the biscuits. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the amount or opt for a low-sodium alternative.
Unsalted Butter adds richness and flavor to the biscuits. It’s important to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you don’t have unsalted butter on hand, you can substitute it with salted butter, but remember to adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
Cheese is the star of the show! Choose a sharp cheddar cheese to bring a robust flavor to the biscuits. You can either grate the cheese yourself or purchase pre-grated cheese for convenience.
Buttermilk adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together. Opt for whole milk for a richer and creamier texture, but you can also use low-fat or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or soy milk if needed.

Ingredients for cheddar cheese. — Homemade Biscuits, Cheddar Cheese, and Herbs

Step-by-step: Cheddar cheese biscuits

When it comes to making the ultimate cheddar cheese biscuits, the process is surprisingly straightforward. Start by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature—usually around 425°F / 220°C / Gas mark 7. This ensures that your biscuits bake evenly and develop that perfect golden-brown crust.

Progress pictures making dough for biscuits. — Cheddar cheese biscuits

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Whisk them together thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the dough. This step is crucial for achieving a consistent texture and flavor in your biscuits. Add the chopped herbs.
Once the dry ingredients are well mixed, cut your cold butter into small pieces. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This process creates a flaky texture in the biscuits, making them irresistibly tender.

Progress pictures cutting the biscuits. — Homemade Biscuits, Cheddar Cheese, and Herbs

Next, it’s time to incorporate the star of the show—the cheddar cheese. Grate the cheese you choose, whether sharp, aged, or mild, and add it to the dry mixture. Gently fold the cheese into the flour mixture until it is evenly distributed. This step ensures that every bite is bursting with cheesy goodness.
With the butter and cheese incorporated, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix everything until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough biscuits. A lightly combined dough will yield biscuits that are delightfully light and fluffy.
Once the dough has formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Fold the dough in half, then in quarters. Flatter it again and do that once or twice more. Avoid excessive kneading, as this can lead to dense biscuits. Pat the dough into a circle that is about an inch thick.

Progress pictures baking the biscuits with cheddar cheese. — Cheddar cheese biscuits

Now, it’s time to cut out your biscuits. Grab a round biscuit cutter or a drinking glass and firmly press it into the dough to create perfect circles. Place the cut biscuits onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a small space between each one.
Before popping them into the preheated oven, brush the tops of the biscuits with milk or melted butter. This step adds a beautiful sheen and enhances the flavor. The buttery glaze will also help the biscuits achieve a golden-brown color.
Bake the cheddar cheese biscuits for about 15-17 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden. Monitor them to ensure they cook and stay dry. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Biscuits with cheddar cheese on a table. — Homemade Biscuits, Cheddar Cheese, and Herbs

Buttermilk Biscuits Homemade

Homemade Biscuits

Frequently asked questions

How long will these buttermilk biscuits keep?

Biscuits are best served as soon as they are made fresh. However, biscuit dough can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Baked biscuits can be frozen for up to 3 months, wrapped in freeze-safe bags. Thaw in the fridge (not counter) for best results.

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls explicitly for cheddar cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Gouda, Parmesan, or a combination of cheeses can add different flavors and textures to your biscuits. Just make sure to adjust the measurements accordingly to maintain the perfect balance of cheesiness.

Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?

You can easily make these cheddar cheese biscuits gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Various gluten-free flour options are available, such as almond flour, rice flour, or a pre-packaged gluten-free flour blend. Remember that the texture and taste may vary slightly from the original recipe, but you can still enjoy the cheesy goodness of these biscuits.

Why are my biscuits flat?

The butter in the biscuits must be cold; if the dough is too soft, place the biscuits in the fridge before baking. Similarly, if the oven is not hot, the butter will melt instead of creating steam between layers. This causes the biscuits to become flat.

Why are my biscuits soft?

Adding too much sugar can make the biscuits softer rather than crumbly. So do not add extra sugar.

What is the secret to making the best biscuits?

1. Follow the recipe correctly. This recipe uses more baking powder, which helps puff these up in the oven.
2. Use cold butter. This will make the biscuits flakier, lighter, and airier. Because when baking, the butter will create steam between those folds and lift the dough.
3. Use a very hot oven. A hot oven will ensure the butter steams rather than melts between those layers. Keep the biscuits flaky!

Veena Azmanov