Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
If there’s one comfort food that instantly puts a smile on my face, it’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Golden, cheesy, garlicky, and impossibly fluffy, each biscuit is a handheld bite of happiness. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or want the ultimate side for soup night, these homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits channel everything we adore about the restaurant classic with all the freshness and pride of baking from scratch. Trust me, you’ll want them in your regular baking rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheddar Bay Biscuits is how a handful of everyday ingredients work together to create something downright irresistible. Each element plays its part—giving you the cheesy flavor, flaky crumb, and fragrant, buttery finish we all crave.
- All-purpose flour: This is the base of the biscuits, providing the structure that holds everything together fluffily and tenderly.
- Baking powder: Gives the biscuits their signature lofty rise and cloud-like softness.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch balances out the savoriness and adds depth.
- Garlic powder: Key for infusing that classic savory, aromatic kick, both in the dough and brushed on top.
- Salt: Enhances all the bold flavors and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle bit of warmth—totally optional, but highly recommended for a subtle zing!
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: For that dreamy tender crumb and rich flavor; cold butter works its magic as it bakes.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Essential for the gooey, cheesy pockets throughout every biscuit.
- Whole milk: Provides moisture, creating a soft, tender interior.
- Large egg: Adds structure and richness for biscuits that bake up beautifully golden.
- Unsalted butter (for topping): Melted and brushed on top, this seals in all the flavor and gives a gorgeous shine.
- Garlic powder (for topping): Doubles down on the irresistible garlicky aroma.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for topping): Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish to each biscuit.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking—and to make cleanup a breeze. Gather your ingredients and cut your cold butter into small cubes, so they’re ready when you need them. Having everything prepped ahead lets you move quickly when mixing, which helps keep your Cheddar Bay Biscuits extra tender.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you love a touch of heat. This blend is your biscuit base, creating the savory backbone and the melt-in-your-mouth fluffiness that define any great Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add your cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits remaining. This step is the golden ticket to those sought-after flaky layers—it’s all about working quickly so your butter stays cold.
Step 4: Add Cheddar Cheese
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Every cheesy strand will melt into the biscuit as it bakes, ensuring every bite packs plenty of tangy, savory flavor. Cheddar Bay Biscuits are all about that signature cheesy goodness!
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine
In a small bowl, whisk the milk and egg together until smooth. Pour this mixture over the flour and cheese blend, then gently stir everything together. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until the flour is moistened. It’s perfectly fine if the dough looks a bit scraggy—this keeps the biscuits light and tender.
Step 6: Drop and Bake
Using a large spoon or 1/4-cup scoop, drop mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, keeping them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the biscuits are puffed up and gorgeously golden with crispy edges. Your kitchen will smell heavenly as the Cheddar Bay Biscuits transform in the oven.
Step 7: Buttery Garlic Topping
While your biscuits finish baking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and chopped fresh parsley. As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, generously brush this flavorful butter all over their warm tops. The combination of real butter, garlic, and fresh herbs sends these Cheddar Bay Biscuits straight over the top.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley is all you need for a vibrant, restaurant-worthy finish. If you’re feeling playful, try a little extra shredded cheddar or even a pinch of flaky sea salt for pop and crunch on your Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Side Dishes
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are endlessly versatile—serve them alongside classic seafood dishes, creamy chowders, stews, or even with a simple salad. Their hearty, cheesy flavor balances rich main courses beautifully, making them a perfect companion to just about any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try stacking Cheddar Bay Biscuits in a warm bread basket lined with a linen napkin. For brunch, split and fill with scrambled eggs and bacon, or turn them into adorable sliders with savory fillings. These biscuits are the ultimate blank canvas for snacking or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Cheddar Bay Biscuits cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh on your counter for a day, or you can refrigerate them for up to three days where they’ll hold onto their flavor and texture.
Freezing
To enjoy Cheddar Bay Biscuits down the line, wrap each cooled biscuit individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag. When sealed well, they keep their freshness in the freezer for up to 2 months—perfect for sudden cravings!
Reheating
For that just-baked magic, reheat biscuits directly from the fridge or freezer on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. This brings back the fluffy centers and crisp, golden exteriors. Brushing with a little melted garlic butter after warming is the ultimate finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding it myself?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, but shredding your own sharp cheddar gives the best melt and richer flavor since pre-shredded blends often include anti-caking agents that can make biscuits less tender.
Are Cheddar Bay Biscuits spicy if I add cayenne pepper?
No need to worry—they’re not hot! The 1/4 teaspoon cayenne just adds a subtle warmth and balances the flavors. If you want zero heat, it’s totally fine to leave it out.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. Keep an eye on the biscuit texture; some blends may need an extra splash of milk for the perfect dough consistency.
Do Cheddar Bay Biscuits work with other cheeses?
They do! While sharp cheddar is classic, mixing in a little Parmesan or Monterey Jack is delicious. Just keep the total cheese amount close to one cup so the biscuits still hold together nicely.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer, this recipe scales up wonderfully. Just be sure to work quickly with the dough and bake in batches so every Cheddar Bay Biscuit comes out perfectly golden.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Cheddar Bay Biscuits from scratch, now’s your moment to experience cheesy, garlicky bliss straight from your own oven. With their simple method and unforgettable taste, these biscuits are destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a batch today!
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Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that will have your whole family coming back for more. Fluffy, cheesy, and with just the right amount of garlic, these biscuits are perfect for any meal or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients and cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cheddar cheese. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients and then combine with the flour mixture. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the biscuits for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Topping: While the biscuits bake, melt butter and mix in garlic powder and parsley. Brush over the hot biscuits after removing from the oven.
- Serve: Enjoy the biscuits warm.
Notes
- For an extra cheesy flavor, add 1/4 cup Parmesan to the cheddar.
- Best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
