Easy Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Easy Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 163 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 16 min | Total: 41 min
Cost: $8.64 total, $0.72 per serving
Ingredients
- 120 grams Sharp Aged Cheddar Cheese (shredded loosely, do not pack down)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (ice‑cold, cubed into pea‑sized pieces)
- 270 grams All-Purpose Flour (2.25 cups, sifted)
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1.125 teaspoons Salt (adjust if using milder cheddar)
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 0.25 teaspoons Paprika (regular or smoked)
- 120 milliliters Buttermilk (cold; can substitute with whole milk + 2 tsp white vinegar)
- 1 Large Egg (lightly whisked)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for topping) (melted)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (minced; can substitute with chives or omit)
- 0.25 teaspoons Garlic Powder (for topping)
- to taste Flaked Sea Salt (for finishing garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 425°F and let it preheat while you prepare the dough.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 425°F
Shred Cheddar
Taste the cheddar, then shred 120 g (about 1 cup) using a box grater or food processor.
Time: PT2M
Cube Butter for Dough
Cut cold butter into quarters, then into pea‑sized pieces. Keep it ice‑cold.
Time: PT3M
Measure Dry Ingredients
In the large bowl combine 270 g (2.25 cups) flour, 1 Tbsp baking powder, 1.125 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, and 0.25 tsp paprika.
Time: PT3M
Cut Butter into Dry Mix
Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the butter pieces into the flour mixture until the butter resembles pea‑sized chunks.
Time: PT4M
Whisk Buttermilk and Egg
In a small bowl whisk together 120 ml cold buttermilk and the large egg until just combined.
Time: PT2M
Add Cheddar to Dry Mix
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the flour‑butter mixture and toss with your fingers to distribute evenly.
Time: PT2M
Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the buttermilk‑egg mixture into the bowl and stir gently until the dough just comes together; it will look shaggy.
Time: PT3M
Portion Biscuits
Line a baking sheet with parchment or a Silpat. Scoop the dough using a 1/4‑cup measure, placing mounds about 2 inches apart. Do not pack down.
Time: PT3M
Bake
Bake the biscuits for 15‑17 minutes, until they are puffed, golden‑brown, and aromatic.
Time: PT16M
Temperature: 425°F
Make Herb Butter Topping
While biscuits bake, melt 4 Tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in 2 Tbsp minced parsley, 0.25 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt if desired.
Time: PT3M
Finish Biscuits
Remove biscuits from the oven, brush each generously with the herb butter, and sprinkle with flaked sea salt.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 163
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sharp Aged Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: European style butter, High‑fat margarine
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Pastry flour, Whole‑wheat flour
- Instead of Baking Powder: Baking soda + cream of tartar
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt, Sea salt
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (use less), Onion powder
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika, Chili powder
- Instead of Buttermilk: Whole milk + white vinegar, Plain yogurt diluted with water
- Instead of Large Egg: Egg substitute (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), Egg white
- Instead of Unsalted Butter (for topping): European style butter, Melted ghee
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Chives, Fresh thyme
- Instead of Garlic Powder (for topping): Fresh minced garlic (use less), Onion powder
- Instead of Flaked Sea Salt: Maldon salt, Kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Kitchen Scale
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Pastry Blender or Fingers
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or Silpat
- Ice Cream Scoop or 1/4‑cup Measuring Cup
- Basting Brush
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Keep the butter ice‑cold and cut it into pea‑sized pieces before mixing.
- Do not over‑mix the dough; stop when it just comes together.
- Bake at a high temperature (425°F) until the biscuits are puffed and golden.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a sharp cheddar for maximum flavor; milder cheddar may need a pinch more salt.
- For an extra buttery crust, brush the tops with melted butter immediately after baking.
- If you like a smoky note, use smoked paprika in the dry mix.
Troubleshooting
Biscuits are dense and did not rise.
Make sure the butter was very cold and cut into pea‑sized pieces; also verify the baking powder is fresh.
Biscuits spread too much and lose height.
Handle the dough gently, avoid over‑mixing, and keep the dough chilled before baking.
Cheddar clumps together in the dough.
Break up clumps with your fingers before adding the wet ingredients, or grate the cheese finer.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze baked biscuits on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; last 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 8‑10 minutes.
Room temperature: Best eaten fresh; can sit out for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Measure and whisk the dry ingredients together and store in a sealed container.
- Cube the butter and keep it wrapped in the fridge; add just before mixing.
- The buttermilk‑egg mixture can be whisked up to 30 minutes ahead and kept chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Cheddar Biscuits in American cuisine?
Cheddar biscuits are a modern American take on classic Southern buttermilk biscuits, adding sharp cheddar for extra flavor. They became popular as a restaurant side, especially at seafood chains like Red Lobster, and have been adopted by home cooks for their quick, comforting appeal.
What are the traditional regional variations of cheddar biscuits in the United States?
In the South, biscuits often use a lighter flour and may include bacon or jalapeño. In the Pacific Northwest, craft bakers add local artisanal cheeses and herbs. The basic technique—cold butter, buttermilk, and high heat—remains consistent across regions.
How is the authentic traditional way to serve cheddar biscuits in American Southern cuisine?
Traditionally, cheddar biscuits are served warm, split open, and slathered with butter or honey. They often accompany breakfast dishes, fried chicken, or seafood boils, and may be paired with gravy or jam.
What occasions or celebrations are cheddar biscuits traditionally associated with in American culture?
Cheddar biscuits are popular at casual gatherings such as brunches, family dinners, and game‑day parties. They also appear on holiday spreads, especially Thanksgiving, as a comforting side to turkey and gravy.
What other American dishes pair well with these Easy Cheddar Biscuits from Preppy Kitchen?
They pair beautifully with fried chicken, shrimp and grits, creamy soups like clam chowder, or a hearty beef stew. A drizzle of honey or a dollop of jam also makes a sweet‑savory combo.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Cheddar Biscuits from Preppy Kitchen?
Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, using warm butter, and packing the biscuit scoops too tightly. Each mistake prevents the biscuits from puffing up and creates a dense texture.
Why does this Easy Cheddar Biscuits recipe use cold butter and pea‑sized pieces instead of fully creaming the butter?
Cold, pea‑sized butter creates steam pockets during baking, giving the biscuits a light, flaky crumb. Fully creamed butter would distribute fat evenly, resulting in a cake‑like texture rather than a biscuit.
Can I make the Easy Cheddar Biscuits ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare the dry ingredients and cube the butter up to a day ahead, keeping them refrigerated. Shape the biscuits just before baking, or bake them and store cooled biscuits in the fridge for up to three days, reheating before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Easy Cheddar Biscuits are done?
The biscuits should be puffed, golden‑brown on top, and have a slightly crisp crust with a tender, fluffy interior. A quick tap should sound hollow, and the cheese should be melted and lightly browned.
How do I know when the Easy Cheddar Biscuits are fully cooked?
After 15‑17 minutes at 425°F, the tops will be golden and the edges will have risen. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean, and the biscuits will feel firm to the touch.
What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen, hosted by John Kanell, specializes in approachable, home‑cooked recipes that focus on classic comfort foods with clear, step‑by‑step instructions and helpful kitchen tips.
How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Preppy Kitchen emphasizes quick, ingredient‑friendly dishes that can be prepared with pantry staples, often adding personal twists like herb‑butter finishes. The channel’s style is relaxed yet precise, focusing on technique basics that empower home cooks.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
