If you have ever experienced the irresistible pull of warm, cheesy, garlicky goodness fresh from the oven, then you know why the Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe remains a beloved favorite in so many kitchens. These biscuits have that perfect balance of flaky tenderness and bold flavor, loaded with sharp cheddar and a hint of garlic that makes every bite a celebration. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe brings comfort and joy with every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is wonderfully simple, with a handful of basic ingredients that come together to give you that bakery-quality flavor and texture at home. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the biscuits’ rich, fluffy, and savory profile.
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and tenderness to the biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Your leavening agent that makes these biscuits rise beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Essential for that signature garlicky kick throughout the biscuit.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and rounds out all other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle heat to make things more exciting.
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika: Provides a subtle earthiness and beautiful color.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Gives moisture and a slight tang that tenderizes the dough.
- 1/2 cup butter (melted): Adds richness and tenderness inside every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded): The star ingredient that delivers gooey, cheesy bursts.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted): For brushing on top—adds shine and extra flavor.
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (chopped): Freshness and a pop of color to finish the biscuits.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Sprinkled on top to amplify the garlicky deliciousness.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to a high temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This quick prep ensures everything will bake evenly and come out perfect.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika. This aromatic blend is the foundation that infuses every biscuit with character, so make sure it’s thoroughly combined to distribute all those wonderful flavors evenly.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk and melted butter until smooth and unified. Pour this wet mixture into your dry ingredients, gently stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here because you want tender biscuits, not tough ones. Finally, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese with love, keeping that stringy melty goodness intact.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Biscuits
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough onto your prepared baking sheet. No need for perfect shaping—these rustic drop biscuits look inviting and homemade. Pop them into the hot oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown and your kitchen fills with that incredible scent.
Step 5: Brush with Butter and Herbs
While the biscuits are still hot, mix together the remaining melted butter with fresh parsley and garlic powder. Brush this savory mixture generously over each biscuit, sealing in moisture and giving them that classic shiny, flavorful finish. This last step brings the Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe to life and makes it impossible to stop at just one.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over the biscuits not only adds a lovely pop of green but also a fresh, herbal note that balances the rich cheddar and garlic beautifully. You can also sprinkle a pinch of extra cheese on top just before baking if you want an extra golden cheese crust.
Side Dishes
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a perfect companion to hearty meals such as creamy soups, flavorful stews, or grilled chicken. Their buttery and cheesy richness complements the flavors and adds a satisfying carb element to any dinner plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these biscuits alongside a small bowl of warm marinara or ranch dip. You can also slice them in half and use them as mini sandwich buns stuffed with your favorite ham or turkey and a dollop of honey mustard. The possibilities are delightfully endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and flavorful without drying out, so you can enjoy them fresh later.
Freezing
These biscuits also freeze beautifully. Place cooled biscuits in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, reheat biscuits in a 350-degree oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. For an even richer experience, brush them with a touch more butter before warming, and enjoy that signature Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe flavor as if you just baked them.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk can be used in a pinch, buttermilk’s slight acidity is key to tender, fluffy biscuits with a subtle tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Is it necessary to melt the butter before mixing?
Yes, melting the butter ensures it incorporates evenly into the dough and helps create that moist and tender texture Cheddar Bay Biscuits are known for. Cold butter would produce a different, flakier biscuit texture.
Can I add herbs other than parsley?
Absolutely! Fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives would be fantastic alternatives or additions to the parsley in the butter brush, each bringing a unique and delicious twist to the classic recipe.
Why should I avoid overmixing the dough?
Overmixing creates gluten development, which can make biscuits tough instead of soft and flaky. Gently folding the ingredients just until combined keeps your Cheddar Bay Biscuits light and tender.
Can this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe be made vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on butter, buttermilk, and cheddar, so to make it vegan, substitute plant-based butter, a non-dairy milk mixed with vinegar as a buttermilk replacement, and vegan cheese. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change, but it can still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking up a batch of Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe right in your own kitchen. They are a comforting, cheesy hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites for both everyday meals and special occasions. So grab your mixing bowls and give it a whirl—your taste buds will thank you time and time again!
Print
Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuits
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are soft, fluffy, and loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and a flavorful garlic butter topping. Inspired by restaurant-style biscuits, these savory treats are perfect as a side for dinner or a tasty snack. They’re quick to make with simple pantry staples and baked to golden perfection for a warm, cheesy delicacy.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and paprika until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and melted butter. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until a soft dough forms. Carefully fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, taking care not to overmix to keep the biscuits tender.
- Shape Biscuits and Bake: Using a spoon or scoop, drop biscuit dough onto the prepared baking sheet to form 8 equal-sized drop biscuits. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Topping: While the biscuits bake, mix together melted butter, chopped fresh parsley, and garlic powder in a small bowl. As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops to add flavor and sheen.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the dough to keep biscuits light and fluffy.
- Optional cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Serve warm, ideally fresh from the oven, for the best taste and texture.
- Substitute shredded sharp cheddar with your favorite cheese variety if desired.
