Are you craving warm, fluffy biscuits that melt in your mouth? Look no further! This recipe, passed down through generations (okay, maybe just Jim and Nick's family!), delivers the ultimate cheesy, buttery biscuit experience. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a comforting side dish, these easy recipes are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to enjoy homemade cooking at its finest! This quick dinner idea is so simple, even beginner cooks will find success.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for perfectly fluffy biscuits.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix; some pea-sized pieces of butter are ideal. Cold butter is key for flaky biscuits!
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Buttermilk
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing gently until just combined. Don't overmix the dough; a slightly lumpy texture is okay. Overmixing leads to tough biscuits.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a sharp knife to cut out biscuits. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Tips for the Best Cheese Biscuits:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and buttermilk are essential for flaky biscuits.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits.
- Handle the dough gently: Avoid kneading the dough, as this will also make the biscuits tough.
- Bake at a high temperature: A high oven temperature helps the biscuits rise quickly and evenly.
Variations:
- Spicy Cheese Biscuits: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the dough for a kick.
- Herb Biscuits: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby.
Nutritional Information (per biscuit, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-12g
- Protein: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 18-22g
These delicious and easy cheese biscuits are perfect for any occasion. They are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and best recipes. Enjoy!