Looking for a warm, cheesy treat straight from the oven? These cheese biscuits offer a delightful combination of flaky layers and a buttery, savory taste.
Perfect as a side dish or a tasty snack, they are surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
For best results, keep ingredients cold unless otherwise noted.
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, adds a nice savory note)
½ cup cold unsalted butter, diced
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¾ cup cold buttermilk, plus 1 tablespoon for brushing
1. Preheat and Prepare
Set the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and encourage even baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Stir well to distribute everything evenly.
3. Incorporate the Butter
Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter bits.
4. Add Cheese and Buttermilk
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently fold the mixture until it just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender.
5. Fold and Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Fold it in half, pat down, and repeat this folding process 2–3 times to build flaky layers. After the last fold, shape the dough one final time.
6. Cut the Biscuits
Press a biscuit cutter straight down into the dough without twisting to cut out rounds. Arrange the biscuits close together on the prepared baking sheet, this helps them rise tall by supporting each other.
7. Brush and Bake
Brush the tops with a little buttermilk for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits feel set.
8. Cool and Serve
Transfer the baked biscuits to a wire rack and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Grate your own cheese for better melt and flavor—pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that affect texture.
- Use a sharp metal cutter to get clean edges and better rise.
- Keep all ingredients cold to encourage flakiness and rise.
- Experiment by adding herbs like chives or spices such as smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Freeze unbaked biscuits on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag for baking fresh later—just add a few extra minutes to baking time when frozen.
- Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- Warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven wrapped in foil for 5–7 minutes to restore freshness.
- Baked biscuits freeze well and can be reheated the same way. Avoid microwaving as it may alter texture.
These cheese biscuits bring comforting warmth and rich flavor to any table. Baking them yourself adds a special homemade touch that’s hard to beat. Whether served with dinner or enjoyed as a snack, they’re a delicious way to satisfy cheesy cravings. Keep trying different cheeses and seasonings to make the recipe your own!