A Super Easy Way to Make Cheddar Biscuits- Kitchen Conundrums with Thomas Joseph
A Super Easy Way to Make Cheddar Biscuits- Kitchen Conundrums with Thomas Joseph is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 162 calories per serving. Recipe by Everyday Food on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 32 min
Cost: $6.00 total, $0.50 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder (double‑acting)
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt (coarse)
- 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for a mild kick)
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (well chilled, cut into small cubes)
- 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- 3 tablespoons Chives (chopped)
- 1.33 cups Buttermilk (shake bottle before measuring)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened) (for brushing hot biscuits)
Instructions
Combine dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper until evenly distributed.
Time: PT2M
Cut in the butter
Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the pieces are about the size of coarse cornmeal.
Time: PT3M
Add cheese and chives
Stir in the grated sharp cheddar and chopped chives until just combined.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate buttermilk
Make a well in the center of the dough and pour in the shaken buttermilk. Gently fold the liquid into the mixture until just combined; do not over‑mix.
Time: PT2M
Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 425°F
Portion the dough
Using a ¼‑cup ice‑cream scoop, drop the dough onto a parchment‑lined baking sheet, spacing each mound about 2 inches apart. Do not press the dough down.
Time: PT3M
Bake the biscuits
Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 12 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through, until the tops are golden brown.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 425°F
Finish and serve
Remove biscuits from the oven, brush the tops with softened butter, and serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 162
- Protein
- 6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made gluten‑free with a gluten‑free flour blend
Allergens: Wheat, Milk, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole Wheat Flour
- Instead of Baking Powder: 1 tsp baking soda + 2 tsp cream of tartar
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (reduce liquid)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea Salt
- Instead of Cayenne Pepper: Chili Powder
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Cold vegetable shortening
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Gruyère, Sharp Monterey Jack
- Instead of Chives: Dill, Green onions
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry Cutter (optional)
- Ice Cream Scoop (¼‑cup)
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Keep the butter cold while cutting it into the flour.
- Do not over‑mix after adding the buttermilk.
- Do not compress the dough when scooping; keep it light.
- Bake at a high temperature (425°F) for a short time to achieve a flaky rise.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika with the spices.
- Use a combination of sharp cheddar and a bit of Parmesan for a deeper umami taste.
- If you prefer a sweeter biscuit, increase the sugar to 2 Tbsp and omit the cayenne.
Troubleshooting
Biscuits are dense and tough.
Make sure the butter stays cold and avoid over‑mixing after adding the buttermilk.
Biscuits spread too much and lose height.
Do not over‑compact the dough when scooping; keep the dough light and use a hot oven.
Biscuits are pale and under‑cooked.
Verify the oven is preheated to 425°F and bake the full 12 minutes, rotating halfway.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or toaster.
Freezer: Freeze baked biscuits in a single layer, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Room temperature: Best enjoyed the same day; can sit uncovered for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze the unbaked dough mounds on a tray; transfer to a bag once solid and 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 drop biscuits in American cuisine?
Drop biscuits are a staple of Southern American cooking, originating from the 19th‑century need for quick, leavened bread that could be made without a rolling pin. They became popular as a breakfast side and a convenient accompaniment to gravies and fried foods.
What are the traditional regional variations of biscuits in the United States?
In the South, biscuits are often made with buttermilk and served plain or with butter. In the Midwest, they may include cornmeal (making them “cornbread‑style”). Coastal regions sometimes add herbs like chives or dill, similar to this recipe.
How are savory drop biscuits traditionally served in Southern cuisine?
They are typically served hot, brushed with butter, alongside fried chicken, sausage gravy, or used to make breakfast sandwiches with eggs and bacon. They can also be split and used as a base for pimento cheese.
What occasions or celebrations are biscuits associated with in American culture?
Biscuits appear at family brunches, holiday breakfasts (especially Thanksgiving), and as a comforting side at Sunday dinner gatherings. Their quick preparation makes them a go‑to for casual weekend meals.
How does this Savory Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuit fit into the broader Southern cuisine tradition?
The recipe uses classic Southern ingredients—buttermilk, a leavening blend, and cold butter—to create a flaky texture, while the sharp cheddar and chives add a modern, savory twist that still honors the biscuit’s role as a hearty side.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for American biscuits versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional biscuits rely on all‑purpose flour, buttermilk, unsalted butter, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Substitutes include whole‑wheat flour (for a nuttier crumb), milk with lemon juice for buttermilk, or vegetable shortening for butter, though texture will change.
What other Southern dishes pair well with these cheddar chive drop biscuits?
They pair beautifully with chicken fried steak, country ham, shrimp and grits, or a classic sausage gravy. They also make a great base for a breakfast sandwich with fried eggs and bacon.
What makes these Savory Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits special or unique in American biscuit recipes?
The addition of sharp cheddar and fresh chives gives a bold, savory flavor, while the drop‑biscuit method saves time by eliminating rolling and cutting. The high‑heat bake creates a crisp top and fluffy interior.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Savory Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits?
Common errors include letting the butter warm too much, over‑mixing the dough, and compressing the scoops. Each of these leads to dense, non‑flaky biscuits.
Why does this recipe use a drop‑biscuit method instead of the traditional roll‑and‑cut technique?
The drop method requires fewer steps and less handling, which keeps the butter cold and reduces gluten development, resulting in a lighter, flakier biscuit with half the preparation time.
Can I make these Savory Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Unbaked biscuit mounds can be frozen on a tray and later baked from frozen, adding 2‑3 minutes to the bake time. Baked biscuits keep in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat well in a low oven.
What does the YouTube channel Everyday Food specialize in?
Everyday Food focuses on approachable, everyday recipes that home cooks can make quickly with common pantry ingredients. The channel emphasizes clear step‑by‑step instructions and practical cooking tips for busy lifestyles.
How does the YouTube channel Everyday Food's approach to Southern comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Everyday Food blends classic Southern techniques with modern shortcuts—like the drop‑biscuit method—while keeping flavor authentic. The channel often highlights ingredient swaps and time‑saving tools, making traditional dishes more accessible than many specialty‑focused channels.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
