Description
Cheddar Butter Biscuits
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup cold butter
¾ cup milk
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Cut in butter, then stir in milk and cheddar cheese.
Roll out dough, cut into biscuits, and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and enjoy!
Cheesy and irresistible!
#CheddarBiscuits
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect biscuits every time. First, ensure your butter and milk are very cold; this is crucial for flaky layers. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cut the ½ cup of cold butter into small cubes. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. Gently stir in the ¾ cup of milk and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese just until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Using a sharp, floured biscuit cutter (about 2.5 inches), press straight down without twisting to cut out biscuits. Re-roll scraps once. Place biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, slightly touching for softer sides or 1 inch apart for crispier edges. Bake immediately.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile biscuits are fantastic served warm. Split them and slather with honey butter for a sweet-savory treat. They are the perfect side for soups, stews, or chili. For a hearty breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or use them as the base for a breakfast sandwich with egg, bacon, and a slice of tomato.
How-to Summary
To make Cheddar Butter Biscuits: Combine dry ingredients, cut in cold butter, mix in milk and cheese, pat out dough, cut into shapes, and bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-shredded cheese? It’s better to shred a block of cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is coated to prevent clumping, which can make it less melty and incorporate poorly into the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes. You can prepare the dry ingredients and cut in the butter ahead of time, storing the mixture in the fridge. When ready to bake, add the cold milk and cheese, then proceed. For best results, bake immediately after forming.
Why are my biscuits dense and not fluffy? This is usually due to overworking the dough, which develops gluten, or using warm ingredients that melted the butter before baking. Handle the dough as little as possible and keep everything cold.
Can I freeze these biscuits? Absolutely. You can freeze the unbaked, cut biscuits on a tray before transferring to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze baked biscuits and reheat them in the oven.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour? For a slightly different texture, you can use a 50/50 blend of all-purpose and cake flour for extra tenderness. For a whole wheat version, substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using room temperature butter or milk, which prevents proper flakiness.
- Overmixing the dough after adding the liquid, leading to tough biscuits.
- Twisting the biscuit cutter when cutting, which seals the edges and inhibits rise.
- Not preheating the oven fully, resulting in uneven baking and poor lift.
- Measuring flour incorrectly by scooping directly from the bag. Always spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
Conclusion
These Cheddar Butter Biscuits are a simple, satisfying homemade staple. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can achieve bakery-quality results with minimal effort. Their cheesy, buttery flavor and tender crumb make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any meal. Enjoy the process and the delicious, warm results!