Cheddar Biscuits
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Whenever I get that craving for something warm and buttery like the cheddar drop biscuits from Red Lobster, I skip the drive and make these Cheddar Biscuits at home instead. They’ve got the same cheesy comfort, but with a tender, flaky texture inside and a beautiful lift that’s surprisingly easier to achieve than you might expect.
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When I want to bring something homemade to the table that everyone loves, these biscuits never miss. They can be your cheesy appetizer or side for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or a cozy weekend brunch. They keep well in the fridge or freezer, making it easier to have them ready for breakfast on busy mornings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Cheddar Biscuits with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
If you follow my simple steps, you’ll find this easy cheddar biscuits recipe bakes up beautifully using just simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to create the base of your dough. If you’re looking for a reliable bowl that won’t slide around, I use this non-slip mixing bowl and love how stable it stays while I’m whisking.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or a fork to blend it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with small bits of butter throughout.
A pastry blender like this cuts in the butter easily without melting it, while a food processor makes quick work of it.
Add Cheese and Herbs
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and fresh thyme. The cheese adds richness while the thyme brings a subtle, herby aroma that makes these biscuits smell irresistible as they bake.
This box grater with a container is perfect for shredding your own cheddar while keeping your counter mess-free.
Mix in the Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk slowly, folding it in just until the dough begins to come together. It should look slightly shaggy but hold together when pressed. Be gentle here; overmixing will make your biscuits dense instead of light and fluffy.
Using a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon makes folding the dough easy without overworking it.
Shape the Biscuits
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently press it into a flat disc about 1 inch thick using your hands. A bench scraper helps lift and fold the dough if it gets sticky on the counter.
Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits, pressing straight down without twisting to help them rise tall and even. I use this biscuit cutter set because it cuts cleanly through the dough every time.
Bake until Golden
Place the biscuits on the lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
I like using a nonstick baking sheet for evenly browned biscuits without anything sticking, and pre-cut parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Serve Warm
When they come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter while they’re still warm for a rich, glossy finish that adds an extra touch of flavor. A silicone pastry brush helps you gently coat the tops without tearing the delicate crumb.
Finally, serve and enjoy your homemade cheddar biscuits!
If you’re bringing these to a potluck or brunch gathering, use a hard-sided container to protect them from getting squished in transit. I also like using an insulated casserole carrier to keep the biscuits warm and just as comforting until serving time.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup unsalted butter
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and fresh thyme until evenly distributed.1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Slowly pour in the buttermilk, stirring just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.¾ cup buttermilk
- Gently press the dough into a flat disc using your hands. Cut out biscuits with a cookie cutter.
- Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Brush the tops with melted butter before serving, if desired.2 tablespoons melted butter
Notes
- Keep the butter cold: Cold butter is key to creating flaky biscuits. Dice it right before adding to the dry ingredients, so it stays firm.
- Cut in the butter quickly: Work quickly to cut in the butter before it softens. This helps form those perfect pockets of steam that lift the biscuits as they bake, even without the help of yeast.
- Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and gives better flavor to these cheesy biscuits than bagged shreds. You can also stir in a little pepper jack here if you want to add a subtle spicy taste to the biscuits.
- Add herbs and seasoning for flavor: Fresh thyme adds a light, savory note that balances the richness of the cheese and butter. A pinch of garlic powder also works beautifully here for extra depth.
- Avoid overmixing the dough: Stir only until the dough comes together to keep the texture tender.
- Cut cleanly: Press straight down with the cutter. Twisting it can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
- Watch your bake time: Start checking at 12 minutes. The tops should be golden and the centers soft and airy.
- Brush with butter: Melted butter brushed over the tops right after baking adds shine and even more flavor.
Nutrition
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve gathered a few helpful tips to make sure your cheddar biscuits turn out perfectly every time, even if you’re making them from scratch.
- Keep the butter cold: Cold butter is key to creating flaky biscuits. Dice it right before adding to the dry ingredients, so it stays firm.
- Cut in the butter quickly: Work quickly to cut in the butter before it softens. This helps form those perfect pockets of steam that lift the biscuits as they bake, even without the help of yeast.
- Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and gives better flavor to these cheesy biscuits than bagged shreds. You can also stir in a little pepper jack here if you want to add a subtle spicy taste to the biscuits.
- Add herbs and seasoning for flavor: Fresh thyme adds a light, savory note that balances the richness of the cheese and butter. A pinch of garlic powder also works beautifully here for extra depth.
- Avoid overmixing the dough: Stir only until the dough comes together to keep the texture tender.
- Cut cleanly: Press straight down with the cutter. Twisting it can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
- Watch your bake time: Start checking at 12 minutes. The tops should be golden and the centers soft and airy.
- Brush with butter: Melted butter brushed over the tops right after baking adds shine and even more flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
Store your leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. This stackable glass storage container keeps them fresh, prevents them from drying out, and is microwave and oven-safe.
To reheat, warm them in the oven or microwave until soft and heated through. If you’d like to keep them longer, let them cool completely, then wrap each biscuit tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Here’s a roll of BPA-free plastic wrap that clings really well. A reusable freezer-safe bag like this helps protect the wrapped biscuits against freezer burn. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
What to Serve With Cheddar Biscuits
Cheddar Biscuits go with just about anything. They’re great alongside hearty soups, creamy chowders, or classic comfort meals like fried chicken and gravy.
For breakfast, pair them with scrambled eggs or bacon, or turn them into a sandwich with ham or sausage. They even make a cozy side dish for holiday dinners, like roast turkey or even creamed spinach!
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
I’ve got plenty more simple, homemade recipes that bring the same kind of comfort and warmth to your table.
