How to Create Savory Caramelized Onion and Cheddar Biscuits
Biscuits are an absolute favorite comfort food for many people. They’re buttery, flaky, and easy to make. But what happens when you take a regular biscuit recipe and give it a savory twist? You get caramelized onion and cheddar biscuits – a mouthwatering combination of rich, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavors that will impress everyone who tries them! Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a snack, or alongside dinner, these biscuits are sure to be a hit. And guess what? They’re also easy to make at home. Let’s dive into the simple recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For Caramelized Onions:
– 1 large onion (yellow or white works best)
– 1 tablespoon butter or oil
– A pinch of salt
For Biscuits:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
– 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 3/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice added)
– 1/2 cup caramelized onions (prepared earlier)
Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions
Caramelized onions bring out sweet, deep flavors, which pair beautifully with the cheddar in these biscuits. Here’s how to make them:
- Peel and thinly slice the onion into small strips.
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add the butter or oil.
- Toss the sliced onions into the skillet and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20–30 minutes. They will soften, turn golden, and release their sweetness. Keep the heat low so they don’t burn!
- Once the onions are caramelized, set them aside to cool. You’ll later mix them into the biscuit dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Making biscuit dough is easier than many people think! Follow these steps to get it right:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder if you’re using it. This is the dry mixture.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, break the butter down into small, pea-sized pieces. This step is important for creating flaky biscuits!
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese so it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together:
- Gently fold the cooled caramelized onions into the dry mixture.
- Slowly pour the buttermilk into the bowl – make sure to add it gradually as you stir the mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to gently combine everything. You want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky but not overly wet.
- Be careful not to overmix, as doing so can make your biscuits dense instead of airy and flaky. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
Step 4: Form and Bake the Biscuits
Shaping the biscuits is simple:
- Sprinkle a little flour on your countertop or cutting board to prevent sticking. Turn the dough out onto the surface and gently press it together into a rough circle or rectangle about 1 inch thick.
- Use a biscuit cutter or a sturdy glass to cut out round biscuits. If you don’t have a cutter, you can simply shape the dough into small squares or circles by hand.
- Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the biscuits rise and turn a light golden brown on top.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
When the caramelized onion and cheddar biscuits are done baking, take them out of the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve them warm with a pat of butter, alongside soup, or as part of a hearty breakfast. Their flaky texture, cheesy flavor, and sweet onion goodness will have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds)!
Helpful Tips:
- Cold Ingredients Are Key: Make sure your butter and buttermilk are cold before you start. Cold ingredients help create perfectly flaky biscuits.
- Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to experiment! You can add chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat them before adding to the dough.
- Storage Options: Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before enjoying.
Caramelized onion and cheddar biscuits are a twist on the classic recipe and perfect for elevating everyday meals. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to deliver delicious results. Happy baking!
