Cheesy Cheddar Cheese Drop Biscuits Recipe - A Perfect Complement to Any Meal
Cheesy Cheddar Cheese Drop Biscuits Recipe - A Perfect Complement to Any Meal is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Matt's World DIY on YouTube.
Prep: 26 min | Cook: 14 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $2.59 total, $0.65 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 0.25 teaspoon Baking Soda (ensure fresh)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (double‑acting)
- 0.25 teaspoon Coarse Salt (can use iodized salt, slightly less if iodized)
- 0.5 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (adds a subtle sweetness)
- pinch Cayenne Pepper (adds a gentle heat)
- 3 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (ice‑cold, cubed)
- 3 ounce Sharp Cheddar Cheese (freshly grated)
- 0.75 cup Buttermilk (shake before measuring)
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (for garlic butter, melted)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 0.25 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (dried)
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 425°F and let it fully preheat.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 425°F
Sift Dry Ingredients
Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, coarse salt, sugar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper into a mixing bowl.
Time: PT2M
Whisk Dry Ingredients
Whisk the sifted dry ingredients briefly to combine.
Time: PT1M
Cube Cold Butter
Cut 3 Tbsp of ice‑cold unsalted butter into small cubes.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Butter
Add the butter cubes to the dry mixture. Using clean hands, gently coat the butter with flour, then squeeze to break into pea‑sized pieces.
Time: PT3M
Add Cheddar Cheese
Stir in 3 oz of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese.
Time: PT2M
Add Buttermilk
Shake the buttermilk, measure 3/4 cup, and pour into the bowl. Stir just until the dough comes together.
Time: PT2M
Portion Biscuits
Drop the dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto a parchment‑lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Lightly pat each mound if you prefer a flatter top.
Time: PT3M
Prepare Garlic Butter
Combine 2 Tbsp melted butter, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder in a microwave‑safe bowl.
Time: PT2M
Melt Garlic Butter
Microwave the mixture in 10‑second bursts, stirring, until fully melted.
Time: PT0.5M
Bake Biscuits
Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 12‑14 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
Time: PT13M
Temperature: 425°F
Brush with Garlic Butter
Remove biscuits and, while still hot, brush the tops lightly with the melted garlic butter.
Time: PT1M
Cool Slightly
Let the biscuits rest on the sheet for about 2 minutes before serving or transferring to a cooling rack.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 13 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole Wheat Flour (will be denser)
- Instead of Baking Soda: Potassium Bicarbonate
- Instead of Baking Powder: Cream of Tartar + Baking Soda
- Instead of Coarse Salt: Kosher Salt
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (reduce other liquids)
- Instead of Cayenne Pepper: Paprika (milder)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine (less flavor)
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Gruyère, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk + 1 tsp lemon juice (let sit 5 min)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Black Pepper: White Pepper
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Herbes de Provence
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (use less)
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Sifter (optional)
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Tablespoon (for dropping dough)
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Microwave‑Safe Bowl
- Basting Brush
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Incorporating cold butter into the dry mixture without over‑mixing.
- Achieving pea‑size butter pieces for a flaky texture.
- Balancing dough moisture with buttermilk; add more buttermilk or flour as needed.
- Baking at a high temperature until golden without over‑browning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Sift the flour even if you skip the sifter; it removes any clumps.
- Keep all ingredients, especially butter and buttermilk, chilled until just before mixing.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Brush the garlic butter immediately after baking for maximum flavor absorption.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too dry and crumbly.
Add a tablespoon of buttermilk at a time until the dough holds together.
Dough is overly wet and spreads.
Sprinkle in a little extra flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is just cohesive.
Biscuits rise flat or do not brown.
Make sure the butter is ice‑cold and the oven is fully preheated to 425°F.
Biscuits are tough instead of fluffy.
Do not over‑mix after adding the buttermilk; stop when just combined.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked biscuits in a single layer, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; keep up to 2 months. Reheat in oven.
Room temperature: Best served warm; can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze the uncooked dough mounds on a parchment sheet; bake from frozen, adding 2‑3 extra minutes.
- Baked biscuits reheat well in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cheddar drop biscuits in American Southern cuisine?
Cheddar drop biscuits are a modern twist on classic Southern buttermilk biscuits, adding sharp cheddar for extra richness. They are often served at breakfast tables, brunches, and as a comforting side at family gatherings across the Southern United States.
What traditional regional variations of cheddar biscuits exist in Southern cuisine?
In the Deep South, some cooks add jalapeños or cornmeal for texture, while others use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack. In Texas, a popular version includes a hint of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
How are authentic cheddar biscuits traditionally served in the Southern United States?
They are typically served warm straight from the oven, brushed with butter, and paired with honey, jam, or a drizzle of gravy. They often accompany eggs, sausage, or a hearty bowl of chili.
During which occasions are cheddar drop biscuits commonly enjoyed in Southern culture?
Cheddar biscuits appear at weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, church potlucks, and casual family gatherings. Their quick preparation makes them a favorite for impromptu meals and outdoor picnics.
How does the cheddar drop biscuit fit into the broader American breakfast tradition?
The biscuit reflects the American love for portable, buttery breads that can be customized with savory or sweet add‑ins. Its use of buttermilk ties it to the historic Southern biscuit, while the cheddar adds a contemporary, cheese‑loving twist.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for cheddar drop biscuits versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include all‑purpose flour, cold unsalted butter, sharp cheddar, buttermilk, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Acceptable substitutes are whole‑wheat flour (denser), margarine for butter, and milk with lemon juice instead of buttermilk.
What other Southern dishes pair well with cheddar drop biscuits?
They pair beautifully with country ham, fried chicken, sausage gravy, shrimp and grits, or a simple bowl of collard greens. A drizzle of honey or hot sauce also complements the cheesy flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cheddar drop biscuits?
Common errors include using warm butter (which prevents flaky layers), over‑mixing the dough (which creates tough biscuits), and not preheating the oven fully (which leads to poor rise). Also, adding too much flour can make them dry.
How do I know when the cheddar drop biscuits are done cooking?
The biscuits are done when the tops are a deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with no wet batter. They should feel firm to the touch but still soft inside.
Can I make cheddar drop biscuits ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough mounds on a parchment sheet and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. Baked biscuits store in the refrigerator for 3‑4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months; reheat in a 350°F oven.
What does the YouTube channel Matt's World DIY specialize in?
The YouTube channel Matt's World DIY focuses on practical home projects, ranging from DIY repairs to simple, approachable cooking tutorials like this cheddar drop biscuit recipe. Matt emphasizes clear, step‑by‑step instructions for everyday makers.
How does the YouTube channel Matt's World DIY's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Matt's World DIY blends DIY mindset with cooking, often using minimal, everyday kitchen tools and emphasizing cost‑effective ingredients. Unlike gourmet‑focused channels, Matt keeps recipes quick, approachable, and suitable for home hobbyists who also enjoy hands‑on projects.
Last updated: August 30, 2026








