If you’ve ever fallen in love with those irresistible, buttery, cheesy rolls from your favorite seafood spot, then you’re going to adore this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. These biscuits are everything you want in a warm, comforting treat: golden, fluffy, packed with sharp cheddar cheese, and kissed with fragrant garlic and fresh parsley. They come together so easily, making them the perfect side for almost any meal or just a snack to savor with a cup of tea. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy biscuit haven with this classic favorite that always impresses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For truly delicious Cheddar Bay Biscuits, the ingredients are simple but play a vital role in creating their signature flavor and texture. Each item contributes to that perfect balance of tender crumb, cheesy richness, and a hint of herbaceous freshness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for light, fluffy biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Enhances tenderness and rise alongside the baking powder.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle, savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a warmth and gentle color to the dough.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient for cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Creates flakiness and richness.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Keeps the dough moist and tender with a slight tang.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): Freshness and a pop of green in every bite.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) for topping: For the perfect glossy finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for topping: Boosts that irresistible garlic aroma.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped) for topping: The final touch of fresh flavor and color.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to a sizzling 450°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the biscuits from sticking and makes cleanup effortless. Then whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, salt, and paprika until well combined. This dry mixture forms the dry backbone and evenly distributes the seasonings.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Take your cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for flaky texture because those small bits of butter melt during baking to create tender, layered biscuits.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Parsley
Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. The cheese brings that iconic savory bite, and the parsley adds a lovely fresh contrast, making every biscuit burst with flavor and just a hint of color.
Step 4: Mix the Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until just combined. Try not to overmix since that can lead to tough biscuits. You want the dough slightly messy, soft, and ready to drop onto the pan.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Drop 1/4-cup mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room to puff up. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown on top, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Step 6: Add the Garlic Butter Topping
While the biscuits bake, whisk melted butter with garlic powder and chopped parsley. As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush each one generously with this fragrant mixture. This step locks in moisture and adds that glossy, garlicky finish you’ll swoon over.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley or finely shredded cheddar right after brushing with garlic butter for added visual appeal and burst of flavor. A small pinch of cracked black pepper can also provide a nice contrast without overwhelming the subtleties of these biscuits.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are a dream alongside hearty dishes like hearty chowders, chili, or roast chicken. Their cheesy, garlicky charm also pairs beautifully with fresh salads or steamed veggies, rounding out meals without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe in a bread basket lined with a cozy kitchen towel to keep warm during serving. You can also slice them open and add a pat of herb butter or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for an extra indulgence. A simple drizzle of honey butter over warm biscuits offers a delicious sweet-savory twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their soft, fluffy texture. Avoid refrigeration, which can dry them out quickly.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze biscuits in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet to firm up first, then move to the bag to avoid sticking together.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored biscuits in a preheated 300°F oven for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. For that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, a quick microwave zap (30 seconds or so) works great, just follow with a brush of garlic butter on top.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 3/4 cup of regular milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade buttermilk substitute works beautifully in the Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe.
What cheese works best for these biscuits?
Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic and gives the biscuits their signature flavor. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like smoked cheddar or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a unique twist.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend can work, but be mindful that texture might vary slightly. Adding a little extra baking powder or xanthan gum may help mimic the fluffiness.
Why is it important to keep the butter cold?
Cold butter creates pockets of steam as it melts during baking, which helps the biscuits rise and have a flaky, tender crumb. If the butter warms too much, you’ll end up with denser, less delightful biscuits.
How should I store leftover garlic butter topping?
Keep any leftover garlic butter in a small airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. It’s perfect to warm quickly and spread over fresh bread or veggies.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe—it’s a little bite of joy that brings warmth and cheesy, garlicky happiness to any meal. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these biscuits are simple to whip up and endlessly satisfying. So grab your mixing bowl, get ready to bake, and share this comforting classic with your loved ones. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become an all-time favorite in your recipe collection!
