How to Make Golden Cheddar Biscuits: A Simple Guide
There’s something special about warm, flaky cheddar biscuits fresh out of the oven. They’re perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, and they’ll make your whole kitchen smell amazing. But the best part? Cheddar biscuits are surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the steps to create golden cheddar biscuits that are buttery, cheesy, and downright delicious—using simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start by gathering everything you need. Here are the basic ingredients for these biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk + 1 tablespoon of lemon juice)
That’s it! These ingredients are simple yet come together perfectly to create fluffy, cheesy biscuits.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools ready:
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork (to mix butter into the dough)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let’s get baking! Follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the biscuits bake evenly and develop a golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl, and add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder (if using). Stir everything together with a whisk or spoon until evenly combined.
Step 3: Add Butter
The key to flaky biscuits is using cold butter. Take your 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (straight from the fridge) and cut it into small cubes. Add the butter to the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl.
Using a pastry cutter or fork, gently work the butter into the flour mixture. You’ll want to break the butter down into little pieces, about the size of peas. This helps create pockets of buttery goodness in the final biscuits. Don’t overmix—cold chunks of butter are what create that lovely flaky texture!
Step 4: Add Cheddar Cheese
Now it’s time for the cheese! Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Mix it gently with your hands or a spoon, so the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Pour in Buttermilk
Next, pour 3/4 cup of buttermilk into the bowl. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar mixed in—it works just as well. Stir gently with a spoon until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not overly sticky.
If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of buttermilk at a time until it forms a nice, workable consistency.
Step 6: Shape the Biscuits
Lightly sprinkle flour on your countertop or a flat surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and pat it down gently with your hands. You don’t need to use a rolling pin—just flatten the dough until it’s about 1 inch thick.
Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough. If you don’t have a cutter, simply shape the dough into rough circles with your hands—it doesn’t have to be perfect!
Place the biscuit rounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each one, as they’ll expand while baking.
Step 7: Bake
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the biscuits for 12–15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. While they’re baking, your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible cheesy aroma.
Step 8: Optional Finishing Touch
For an extra-special finishing touch, melt a small amount of butter and brush it over the tops of the baked biscuits. You can sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder or parsley on top for extra flavor. This step is optional, but it makes the biscuits even more delicious!
Serving Suggestions
Cheddar biscuits are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with a bowl of soup or chili for a comforting meal. They’re also fantastic for breakfast—you can pair them with scrambled eggs or use them as a base for breakfast sandwiches. If you’re entertaining, they make a great side dish for roasted chicken, barbecue, or holiday dinners.
Tips for Success
- Use cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and buttermilk are cold. This helps the dough stay flaky.
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can make the biscuits tough. Mix just enough to bring everything together.
- Bake immediately: Once the dough is ready, get those biscuits into the oven right away to avoid flattening.
Conclusion
Making golden cheddar biscuits from scratch is easier than you think. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of biscuits that are buttery, cheesy, and perfectly golden. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, these biscuits are guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead—grab your ingredients and get baking! You’ll love the warm, cheesy goodness waiting for you.
