Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
There’s a certain magic to pulling a tray of golden, flaky Homemade Cheddar Biscuits from the oven — that irresistible aroma of melting butter, toasty cheese, and tender dough practically calls the whole family to the kitchen. These biscuits hit the sweet spot between comforting classic and bakery-wow, offering up a lovely balance of savory sharp cheddar, buttery layers, and a subtle hint of garlic. Whether you’re pairing them with a cozy bowl of soup or sneaking one as a snack straight off the pan, you’ll find yourself craving just one more bite long after the last crumb is gone.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Homemade Cheddar Biscuits is in their simplicity; every ingredient plays a starring role, creating that unmistakable taste and texture. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen, but together, they deliver a cheesy, buttery dream with a soft crumb and gorgeous color.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your biscuits, providing just the right structure for a tender, fluffy bite.
- Baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise and stay light, creating the classic biscuit lift.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the buttermilk to yield perfect fluffiness and a subtle tang.
- Salt: Brings out the best in the cheese and gives the biscuits the perfect pop of flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, savory note that underscores the cheddar beautifully.
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed: The secret to flaky, lofty layers—make sure it’s very cold when you work it in!
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, offering melty pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Cold buttermilk: Brings a slight tang and keeps the dough soft and tender, making your biscuits moist but never dense.
- Melted unsalted butter (for brushing): Gives those freshly baked tops their irresistible shine and rich, buttery flavor.
How to Make Homemade Cheddar Biscuits
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by setting yourself up for biscuit glory! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s piping hot when your dough is ready — high heat ensures tall, golden biscuits. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which guarantees easy cleanup and biscuits that won’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. This not only combines everything evenly but also introduces a little air, making your Homemade Cheddar Biscuits extra light and fluffy.
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Add your cubes of cold butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingers to work the butter into the flour. You’re aiming for a crumbly mixture with pea-sized bits of butter throughout. This is where biscuit magic happens — those cold butter pieces will melt in the oven, creating steam and those signature flaky layers.
Step 4: Add the Cheddar Cheese
Gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, coating it with the flour mixture. Each cheese shred should be surrounded by flour, which prevents clumping and helps distribute that gorgeous cheddar flavor all through your biscuits.
Step 5: Mix in the Buttermilk
Make a small well in the center of your mixture and pour in the cold buttermilk. Stir gently with a fork or spatula, just until everything comes together into a shaggy dough. Overmixing at this stage is a common biscuit pitfall — a light hand keeps the texture tender and delicate.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Biscuits
Lightly flour your work surface, then turn out the dough. Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle (no rolling pins required here). Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out rounds, pressing straight down without twisting to let them rise to their full, fluffy height.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart for crispy sides or nestled close if you prefer soft edges. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until your Homemade Cheddar Biscuits are puffed and golden-brown on top, filling your kitchen with the most mouthwatering scent.
Step 8: Brush and Serve
As soon as you pull the biscuits from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter. This final flourish creates a glossy, flavorful finish that makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth irresistible. Serve them while still warm for maximum happiness!
How to Serve Homemade Cheddar Biscuits

Garnishes
Sometimes it’s those little extra touches that make food downright swoon-worthy. Scatter fresh chives or parsley over the warm biscuits for an herbaceous pop of color and light oniony flavor. A sprinkle of flaky salt or a dash of extra cheddar right out of the oven can also make your Homemade Cheddar Biscuits even more special.
Side Dishes
Homemade Cheddar Biscuits are the ultimate go-with-anything kind of bread. Serve them with a steaming bowl of tomato soup, a juicy roast chicken, or even alongside a hearty breakfast scramble. Their savory richness also pairs beautifully with fresh salads or roasted vegetables—perfect for soaking up dressings and sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to level up your biscuit game, try splitting them and stuffing with scrambled eggs and bacon for an unforgettable breakfast sandwich. Or, serve minified versions as sliders with pulled pork. You could even turn Homemade Cheddar Biscuits into a savory bread pudding for brunch—the possibilities are truly endless when you have a fresh batch in hand!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homemade Cheddar Biscuits are a happy problem to have. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days. They’re just as delightful cold or gently rewarmed, and they don’t lose their tenderness overnight.
Freezing
If you want Homemade Cheddar Biscuits at the ready any time, simply freeze baked—and cooled—biscuits in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. You can also freeze the unbaked, cut biscuit dough; bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
For warm, bakery-fresh flavor, reheat refrigerated or frozen biscuits in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until hot and fragrant. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven brings back that perfect crisp-tender texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese in Homemade Cheddar Biscuits?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment—try pepper jack, gouda, or a smoked cheddar for a twist. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well to maintain that coveted tender, cheesy crumb.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries at all! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 3/4 cup of milk. Let it sit for five minutes, then use as directed for similar tang and lift in your Homemade Cheddar Biscuits.
Can I make Homemade Cheddar Biscuits gluten free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the biscuits will still be cheesy, puffy, and delicious.
Why do my biscuits turn out tough?
Tough biscuits are usually the result of overmixing or working the dough too much. Stir the dough just until combined and handle it gently when shaping to keep your Homemade Cheddar Biscuits tender and light.
Can I add extra flavors or herbs?
Absolutely! Throw in some chopped chives, parsley, or a little smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor. These additions only make your Homemade Cheddar Biscuits more memorable and unique to your table.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, once you make a batch of Homemade Cheddar Biscuits, they’re bound to become a regular star at your family table or brunch. There’s something magical about a simple, from-scratch recipe that brings smiles all around. Give them a try—you might just find yourself baking them again and again!
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Homemade Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Cheddar Biscuits are a savory delight, perfect for breakfast or as a side to a hearty meal. Loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of garlic, these biscuits are fluffy on the inside and golden brown on the outside.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
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 mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the cheddar cheese. Make a well in the center, pour in the buttermilk, and stir just until the dough comes together.
- Shape and Bake: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, pat to 1-inch thickness, cut into rounds, and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix chopped fresh chives into the dough.
- These biscuits freeze well—reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Keeping ingredients cold is key to light, flaky biscuits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg