There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, cheesy, garlicky Cheddar Bay Biscuit straight from the oven. With their golden exterior, tender crumb, and that irresistible hit of melted butter and fresh parsley, these biscuits are the kind of treat that turn an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary. Whether you’re looking to recreate restaurant magic at home or searching for an easy, show-stealing side that everyone begs for, Cheddar Bay Biscuits deliver pure, savory comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheddar Bay Biscuits is how a handful of familiar kitchen staples create bakery-worthy results. Each ingredient brings something special, from buttery richness and sharp cheddar flavor to a gentle garlic warmth. Gather these up—the results are always worth it!
- All-purpose flour: The structure of the biscuits, creating a soft, tender crumb you’ll love.
- Baking powder: This gives the biscuits their lift, ensuring that signature fluffy texture.
- Baking soda: Helps react with the buttermilk for extra rise and softness.
- Garlic powder: Subtle, savory garlic flavor is a Cheddar Bay Biscuits trademark!
- Salt: A pinch ties all the cheesy, garlicky flavors together perfectly.
- Cold unsalted butter (cubed): The secret to flaky layers and melt-in-your-mouth richness—always use cold butter!
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheese ensures creamy pockets throughout every biscuit.
- Cold buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness, setting these biscuits apart from the ordinary.
- For the garlic butter topping:
- Melted unsalted butter: Brushed on hot biscuits for irresistible shine and flavor.
- Garlic powder: A second sprinkle makes the topping extra aromatic.
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried: Vibrant color and a fragrant, fresh touch.
- Pinch of salt: Makes the garlic butter sing.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare Your Pan
Start by firing up your oven to 425°F (220°C)—that high heat makes the biscuits rise tall and golden. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, so your biscuits glide right off and cleanup stays easy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt. This step combines the leaveners and seasonings evenly, so every Cheddar Bay Biscuit is consistently flavored and perfectly puffed.
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Add your cubes of cold butter to the dry mix and use a pastry cutter or fork to work it in. You’re aiming for coarse, pea-sized crumbs—those little pockets of butter mean serious flakiness once baked.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheddar Cheese
Fold in the shredded cheddar gently, so it’s sprinkled throughout. Each bite of biscuit should have pops of cheesy richness—the key to authentic Cheddar Bay Biscuits flavor.
Step 5: Add the Buttermilk and Combine
Pour in the cold buttermilk and mix just until everything comes together. The dough will be shaggy and a little sticky, but that’s exactly how it should look. Don’t overmix or you’ll lose that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6: Drop and Bake the Biscuits
Drop heaping spoonfuls (about 10 in total) onto your parchment-lined sheet, leaving room for them to expand. Pop them into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until beautifully golden with crisp, cheesy edges.
Step 7: Brush with Garlic Butter
While the biscuits bake, melt your butter and stir in garlic powder, parsley, and a pinch of salt. The moment the biscuits emerge, brush this luscious garlic butter all over the tops. It soaks in, amping up the aroma and flavor that defines Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of green and freshness on top of your warm Cheddar Bay Biscuits. If you adore a little extra cheese, a light dusting of freshly shredded cheddar on top before baking gives irresistible melted puddles.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are perfect with classic seafood main dishes like shrimp scampi or crab cakes. They’re also pure comfort alongside steaming bowls of soup, hearty stews, or even breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Cheddar Bay Biscuits into sliders by splitting and filling them with fried chicken or pulled pork. Or, serve small baskets of biscuits as a party appetizer with herby whipped butter or a spicy honey dip on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftover Cheddar Bay Biscuits, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and delicious at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for a slightly longer shelf life.
Freezing
These biscuits freeze beautifully! Wrap baked, cooled biscuits individually and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or warm gently for fresh-baked flavor.
Reheating
To restore their just-made texture, reheat Cheddar Bay Biscuits in a 350°F oven for about five minutes. A quick brush with a little extra garlic butter freshens them right up and brings back all that signature aroma.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese in Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
You can, but freshly shredded cheddar melts better and gives you the gooey cheese pockets that make these biscuits so crave-worthy. Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the biscuit’s texture.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! Make a quick substitute by mixing 3/4 cup milk with 2 teaspoons lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes before adding to the dough, and you’ll get that same subtle tang.
How can I make Cheddar Bay Biscuits spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dough for a delicious kick. It won’t overpower—the heat just lifts the cheddar and garlic flavors.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! Drop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze before baking. Once frozen, transfer the portions to a bag and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Are Cheddar Bay Biscuits vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian. Just double-check your cheese and buttermilk ingredients if buying pre-made to be sure.
Final Thoughts
With their cheesy centers, golden tops, and that unmistakable garlicky finish, Cheddar Bay Biscuits truly steal the show every time they hit the table. Don’t wait for a special occasion—these are easy enough for any weeknight, and just fancy enough to wow at gatherings. Give them a try, and watch them disappear!
Print
Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delicious and cheesy addition to any meal. Fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with cheddar flavor, these biscuits are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour in the cold buttermilk and mix until just combined.
- Bake the Biscuits: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Garlic Butter Topping: Mix melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, and salt. Brush the warm biscuits with the garlic butter topping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dough.
- Best served warm and pairs well with seafood or soups.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
