Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a warm, cheesy, and savory treat that feels like a hug in biscuit form, this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is absolutely what you need. Bursting with sharp cheddar cheese, enriched with garlic and fresh herbs, and impressively fluffy inside with a lightly golden crust, these biscuits are legendary for their irresistible flavors and easy, approachable preparation. Whether you serve them as a side or enjoy them on their own, they bring a joy and comfort to the table that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe lies in simplicity combined with carefully chosen ingredients that each contribute essential flavor, texture, or that delightful golden color. From the sharpness of the cheddar to the aromatic garlic and fresh parsley, every component works together to create a biscuit you won’t want to put down.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the biscuit, providing structure and tenderness.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that makes these biscuits rise perfectly fluffy.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives the biscuits a fragrant, savory kick to elevate the flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making every bite satisfying.
• 1/3 cup butter or shortening: Adds richness and creates a tender, flaky texture.
• 1 cup milk or buttermilk: Keeps the biscuits moist and tender with just a hint of tang if using buttermilk.
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that gives these biscuits their iconic cheesy goodness.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted: For brushing on top, adding that silky garlic finish.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Mixed into the melted butter for a punch of extra flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a touch of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness.

How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). Get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper or simply using an ungreased sheet to prevent sticking. This step ensures your oven is primed and your biscuits bake evenly for a perfect golden finish.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir these together thoroughly to make sure every biscuit will have those flavors perfectly balanced right from the start.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Grate the cold 1/3 cup butter with a box grater or cut it into small pieces and use a pastry cutter to mix it into the dry ingredients. Your goal is to achieve a coarse meal or sandy texture with visible butter bits—this step is crucial in ensuring tender, flaky biscuits packed with buttery flavor.

Step 4: Add Milk or Buttermilk

Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk or buttermilk while stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; a lightly sticky, slightly uneven dough will yield the fluffiest biscuits with the most delicate crumb.

Step 5: Fold in Cheese

Now fold in 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, folding gently to distribute it evenly throughout the dough. This step ensures every bite bursts with cheesy goodness without losing the light texture of the biscuit.

Step 6: Form Biscuits

Using a large spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop 12 mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about an inch apart, but don’t worry about perfect shapes—they bake beautifully as they are, rustic and full of charm.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the biscuits in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and the biscuits have risen nicely. The smell at this stage is utterly irresistible and promises the delicious feast to come.

Step 8: Prepare Garlic Butter

While the biscuits bake, mix up your garlic butter topping. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in short bursts in the microwave, then stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon dried parsley. This flavorful butter will elevate your biscuits from great to unforgettable.

Step 9: Brush Biscuits

As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush the garlic butter evenly over each one. This final touch adds a glossy finish and infuses each biscuit with herbaceous, garlicky goodness that makes them simply addictive.

How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle a little finely chopped fresh parsley or chives over the biscuits just before serving. This simple addition brightens the flavor and adds a cheerful splash of green that says homemade love.

Side Dishes

Cheddar Bay Biscuits are the perfect partners for robust dishes like creamy chicken soups, buttery seafood boils, or a classic steak dinner. Their savory, cheesy character brings balance and a fun texture contrast that rounds out any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing these biscuits open and filling them with crispy bacon, a dollop of honey butter, or even a spoonful of spicy jam for a sweet-savory twist. They also make excellent sliders bases or can be served alongside dips like spinach artichoke or warm queso.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Cheddar Bay Biscuits left (and that can be tricky!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and flavorful. Avoid refrigeration as it tends to dry them out.

Freezing

These biscuits freeze beautifully. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap each biscuit tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen biscuits will keep for up to two months and make for a quick, delicious treat anytime.

Reheating

To enjoy your biscuits warm again, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Brushing them again with a little melted garlic butter before serving revives their fresh-from-the-oven charm.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Absolutely! Regular milk works just fine in this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and can help make the biscuits a bit more tender, but either option yields delicious results.

Is there a substitute for sharp cheddar cheese?

You can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked cheddar to vary the flavor. Just remember that a sharper cheese will provide the classic bold taste these biscuits are known for.

Why should I avoid overmixing the dough?

Overmixing activates the gluten too much, leading to tougher biscuits. The key to soft, fluffy biscuits is gentle handling so the dough stays tender and light.

Can I make these biscuits vegan?

While this recipe uses butter and milk, you could substitute vegan butter and plant-based milk to make them vegan-friendly, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly from the original.

How do I get a crispier biscuit crust?

For a crunchier crust, bake the biscuits a couple of minutes longer until they deepen to a darker golden color, but watch closely to avoid drying them out.

Final Thoughts

There is something undeniably magical about this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe that makes it a standout in any kitchen. It’s the perfect mix of cheesy, garlicky, and buttery deliciousness wrapped in a fluffy biscuit that’s so simple to make yet so satisfying to eat. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it becomes a beloved staple for your family and friends, just as it has in mine!

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