Garlic Cheddar Biscuits

Garlic cheddar biscuits are a savory treat that combines the buttery flakiness of traditional biscuits with the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and garlic. These biscuits are irresistibly soft, packed with cheesy goodness, and lightly golden on the outside. The addition of garlic butter brushed over the top takes these biscuits to the next level, creating a flavor-packed bite that’s perfect as a side dish or a standalone snack.

Whether you’re serving these biscuits alongside a hearty soup, a pasta dish, or as part of a breakfast spread, they’re guaranteed to elevate any meal. The recipe is simple and straightforward, making it accessible even for beginner bakers. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of making the ultimate garlic cheddar biscuits, complete with tips for success, variations to try, and creative serving suggestions. By the end, you’ll have a go-to recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Cheesy Flavor: Cheddar cheese and garlic butter give these biscuits a bold, savory taste.
• Fluffy and Buttery Texture: The biscuits are soft and flaky, with just the right amount of crunch on the edges.
• Quick and Easy: With no yeast required, these biscuits come together in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a family dinner, potluck, or holiday spread, these biscuits are a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: Add herbs, swap cheeses, or make them spicy for a personalized twist.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 biscuits
• Serving Size: 1 biscuit

Nutritional Information (per biscuit)

• Calories: 190
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

For the Biscuits

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)

For the Garlic Butter

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, salt, and paprika.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Add the Liquid

1. Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in dense biscuits.

Step 3: Shape the Biscuits

1. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For uniform biscuits, use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop.
2. Flatten the tops slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

Step 4: Bake the Biscuits

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on the edges.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter

1. While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the garlic powder and parsley (if using).
2. Brush the hot biscuits with the garlic butter immediately after they come out of the oven.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the biscuits warm as a side dish, snack, or appetizer. They pair wonderfully with soups, salads, and main courses.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Mini Biscuits: Use a smaller scoop to create bite-sized biscuits that are perfect for parties and appetizers.
2. Drop Biscuits: For a more rustic look, drop the dough onto the baking sheet without shaping. The uneven edges become wonderfully crisp as they bake.
3. Layered Biscuits: Roll out the dough and fold it over several times before cutting to create flaky, layered biscuits.
4. Stuffed Biscuits: Place a cube of cream cheese, ham, or extra cheddar in the center of each dough scoop for a surprise filling.
5. Garlic Bread Biscuits: Split the baked biscuits in half, top with additional garlic butter and cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes for a garlic bread-inspired treat.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Keep the Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and buttermilk are crucial for creating fluffy biscuits. If the dough warms up, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before baking.
2. Don’t Overmix: Stir the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can make the biscuits tough.
3. Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture. Freshly grated cheese melts better and blends seamlessly into the dough.
4. Use a Light Touch: When shaping the biscuits, handle the dough gently to preserve its light texture.
5. Customize the Garlic Butter: Add a pinch of salt, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest to the garlic butter for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

1. Herb Cheddar Biscuits: Mix fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives into the dough for an aromatic twist.
2. Spicy Cheddar Biscuits: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
3. Cheddar and Bacon Biscuits: Fold in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon for a hearty variation.
4. Gluten-Free Biscuits: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
5. Vegan Cheddar Biscuits: Use plant-based butter, vegan cheese, and almond or oat milk as substitutes for the dairy ingredients.

Freezing and Storing

1. Room Temperature: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm them in the oven before serving for best results.
2. Refrigeration: Refrigerate the biscuits in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.
3. Freezing Dough: Freeze unbaked biscuits on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the bake time.
4. Freezing Baked Biscuits: Wrap the cooled biscuits individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Use Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
2. Lower the Butter: Reduce the butter in the dough by half and replace it with Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce.
3. Low-Fat Cheese: Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese to cut down on calories and fat.
4. Dairy-Free Biscuits: Use plant-based butter and almond milk instead of their dairy counterparts.
5. Add Veggies: Fold in finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for a nutritious addition.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Holiday Table: Serve garlic cheddar biscuits alongside roasted meats, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole for a festive holiday meal.
2. Appetizer Platter: Pair mini biscuits with a cheese board, cured meats, and dips for a party-ready appetizer spread.
3. Brunch Menu: Include these biscuits in a brunch buffet with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
4. Soup Sidekick: Serve the biscuits with creamy soups like tomato bisque, potato leek, or broccoli cheddar.
5. Picnic Treats: Pack the biscuits with a side of butter or honey for an easy, portable snack.

Special Equipment

1. Pastry Cutter: Essential for cutting the butter into the flour mixture to create flaky biscuits.
2. Grater: A box grater works well for shredding cheddar cheese. Freshly grated cheese blends better into the dough.
3. Baking Sheet: Use a heavy-duty, nonstick baking sheet for even baking. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
4. Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform biscuit sizes and shapes.
5. Silicone Brush: Perfect for brushing garlic butter over the biscuits without damaging their delicate texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
   Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts better and adds a creamier texture to the biscuits.
2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
   Make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 3/4 cup of whole milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
3. Why are my biscuits dense?
   Overmixing the dough or using warm butter can result in dense biscuits. Keep the ingredients cold and mix gently.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking or freeze unbaked biscuits for longer storage.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake in batches if needed.
6. How do I make the biscuits extra golden?
   Brush the tops with a little milk or an egg wash before baking.
7. Can I add other cheeses?
   Yes, try mixing in Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a unique flavor profile.
8. What pairs best with these biscuits?
   Garlic cheddar biscuits go well with soups, pasta dishes, salads, and hearty stews.

Conclusion

Garlic cheddar biscuits are a flavorful and comforting addition to any meal. Their buttery texture, cheesy richness, and savory garlic butter topping make them an irresistible choice for both casual and formal dining. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation process, these biscuits are as easy to make as they are delicious to eat.

Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, adapt them with creative variations, or serve them at your next event, garlic cheddar biscuits are sure to impress. They’re a versatile recipe that brings warmth and joy to every table, making them a must-have in your baking repertoire!

Garlic Cheddar Biscuits

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• Author: Sophia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 biscuits 1x

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Biscuits

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)

For the Garlic Butter

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, salt, and paprika.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Add the Liquid

1. Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in dense biscuits.

Step 3: Shape the Biscuits

1. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For uniform biscuits, use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop.
2. Flatten the tops slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

Step 4: Bake the Biscuits

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on the edges.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter

1. While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the garlic powder and parsley (if using).
2. Brush the hot biscuits with the garlic butter immediately after they come out of the oven.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the biscuits warm as a side dish, snack, or appetizer. They pair wonderfully with soups, salads, and main courses.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 biscuit
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g