If you’re craving a warm, savory treat that feels like it came straight from your favorite seafood restaurant, this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is exactly what you need. These biscuits are the perfect mix of fluffy, cheesy, and garlicky, delivering rich flavors wrapped in a tender crumb. Whether you’re serving them alongside a cozy bowl of soup or simply enjoying them as a snack, they’re irresistibly delicious and will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Cheddar Bay Biscuits, you only need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the sharp cheddar that adds that bold cheesy punch, to the garlic powder that infuses just the right amount of warmth, these ingredients come together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives the biscuits their structure and light texture.
- Baking powder: This little leavening agent helps the biscuits rise nice and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the richness of the cheese and butter.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides the signature cheesy flavor and delightful melty pockets.
- Cold butter: Cubed and mixed in to create flaky, tender layers.
- Whole milk: Brings moisture and helps bind everything together for a soft crumb.
- Parsley flakes: A fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures the biscuits bake evenly and don’t stick, resulting in perfectly golden bottoms every single time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mixing these first helps evenly distribute all your flavors before adding the wet ingredients, so every biscuit gets that wonderful cheesy, garlicky bite.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mix and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it in until you get coarse crumbs. This flaky texture is key to light, tender biscuits that practically melt in your mouth.
Step 4: Add the Milk
Slowly stir in the whole milk just until the dough comes together. It’s important not to overmix here; you want the dough to be slightly shaggy and moist without becoming dense.
Step 5: Drop the Dough
Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. This spacing allows the biscuits to rise and spread without sticking to one another.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the biscuits turn a gorgeous golden brown on top. That crisp edge paired with the soft interior is exactly what you’re looking for.
Step 7: Finish with Butter and Parsley
Once they’re out of the oven and still warm, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with parsley flakes for a pop of color and fresh flavor. This finishing touch not only makes them look irresistible but adds an extra layer of richness.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the classic parsley sprinkle, you can add a dash of smoked paprika or a light dusting of extra garlic powder on top for a flavor twist that will impress your guests. Fresh herbs like chives also make a lovely, fresh garnish.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair beautifully with hearty dishes like seafood chowder, crispy fried chicken, or a fresh green salad. Their cheesy, garlicky goodness makes them a perfect accompaniment to almost any meal, and they’re especially wonderful alongside a bowl of steaming soup on a chilly day.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow a crowd? Serve these Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe biscuits in a divided basket or a rustic wooden board lined with a colorful napkin. Stack them high and pair them with small bowls of flavored butters or honey for a delightful dipping experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their soft texture without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the unbaked dough spoonfuls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them fresh when needed for warm, homemade biscuits anytime you please.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers like fresh-baked, reheat biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This revives their fluffiness and gives the exterior a lovely warmth and slight crispness.
FAQs
Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of cheddar?
While you can swap cheeses, sharp cheddar gives these biscuits their classic bold flavor and helps them brown beautifully. Mozzarella will be milder and less flavorful, so consider mixing it with some cheddar for the best result.
Is it necessary to use cold butter?
Yes, cold butter is crucial! It helps create the flaky texture that defines these biscuits. Using room temperature butter will make the dough greasy and dense instead of light and fluffy.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly but the flavor will still shine through!
How long do these biscuits stay fresh?
Freshly baked Cheddar Bay Biscuits are best enjoyed within one day for peak flavor and texture. After that, they start to lose their soft, fluffy qualities, though refrigeration can extend freshness somewhat.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Just keep the balance so the cheddar and garlic remain the stars of the show.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again because it never fails to impress. The combination of cheesy, garlicky flavor with a tender, flaky texture makes these biscuits a true crowd-pleaser. So get your ingredients ready and share the joy of fresh-baked biscuits with your loved ones—they’re sure to thank you for it!
Print
Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits 1x
Description
Delight in these savory Cheddar Bay Biscuits, featuring a perfect balance of sharp cheddar cheese and garlic. With a tender, flaky texture and a buttery parsley topping, these biscuits are ideal as a side for any meal or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold butter (cubed)
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- melted butter for brushing (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix to keep the biscuits tender.
- Form Biscuits: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each biscuit about two inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the biscuits for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- Finish: Remove the biscuits from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter, and sprinkle with parsley flakes for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese.
- Ensure butter is cold to create a flaky texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough biscuits.
- You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier taste.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
