Name: Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes; 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded; ¾ cup milk, cold, or buttermilk for extra tenderness; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt, or more to taste; ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 71 reviews

If you have ever craved a biscuit that’s cheesy, buttery, and packed full of garlicky goodness, you’re about to fall in love with the Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. This recipe delivers biscuits that are soft, flaky, and bursting with sharp cheddar flavor, perfectly complemented by a lusciously seasoned garlic butter on top. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting side or a star snack, these biscuits bring warmth and smiles to the table every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with white flour sits near the center of a white marbled surface, surrounded by smaller white bowls containing salt, chopped green herbs, and red chili powder. To the top right, a clear glass measuring cup holds shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, and next to it, a black bowl with white baking powder. At the bottom, a stick of butter wrapped in yellow paper rests beside a small beige bowl with a brownish seasoning, and a clear glass pitcher holds white cream. All the items are neatly arranged and spaced out, showing a clean and organized baking setup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect Cheddar Bay Biscuits. From the sharp cheddar that infuses bold flavor to the cold butter that ensures flaky layers, every element works together beautifully.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives biscuits their soft but structured crumb.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise and gives them that light, fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds that irresistible, aromatic garlicky kick throughout.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances richness perfectly.
½ cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes: Essential for flaky, tender layers.
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded: The star ingredient, providing bold, melty cheesiness in every bite.
¾ cup cold milk or buttermilk: Buttermilk adds extra tenderness and a slight tang, but cold milk works just fine.
For the Garlic Butter: 3 tablespoons melted butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried parsley, ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning—this mixture brings a savory, seasoned glaze that’s pure magic.

How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat encourages the biscuits to rise quickly and form a golden, slightly crispy crust. Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and kosher salt. This blend provides the flavorful foundation of your biscuits, making sure every bite is packed with taste.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mix. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits. This step is crucial for flaky layers and a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Liquid

Stir in the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Then pour in the cold milk or buttermilk and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overworking the dough—it should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping them with your hands or the back of the spoon into rustic rounds about 2 to 3 inches wide. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown on top.

Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter

While the biscuits bake, combine melted butter with garlic powder, dried parsley, flaky sea salt, and Old Bay seasoning. As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush this flavorful mixture over each one while they’re still warm to soak in all that buttery, garlicky goodness.

How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe

The image shows eleven small dough balls placed evenly on a sheet of brown parchment paper on a baking tray. The dough balls have a rough texture with visible small pieces of orange ingredients mixed in, giving them a slightly spotted look. The balls are all similar in size and are spaced out in a grid-like pattern, with three at the top, three in the middle, and five at the bottom. The edges of the baking tray are visible, and the background surface around the tray is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these biscuits even further, try garnishing with additional freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan. These touches brighten the presentation and add a subtle freshness that complements the cheese and garlic beautifully.

Side Dishes

Cheddar Bay Biscuits pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup, a hearty pot of chili, or your favorite comfort food favorites like fried chicken or roasted vegetables. Their rich flavor and tender texture make them a fantastic foil for both creamy and spicy dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the biscuits in half and use them as sliders with pulled pork or crispy bacon and a swipe of your favorite sauce. Alternatively, turn these into a savory breakfast treat by serving warm biscuits with scrambled eggs and a slice of avocado.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover biscuits, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To retain their tender crumb, avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out quickly.

Freezing

Cheddar Bay Biscuits freeze beautifully! Wrap cooled biscuits tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. This is perfect if you want to have a quick, homemade biscuit fix anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the biscuits in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm and soft again. You can also microwave them briefly, though the oven retains the best texture. Don’t forget to brush them with a bit more garlic butter after reheating to revive that fresh-baked flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives the classic flavor, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked cheddar to add unique twists to your biscuits.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can substitute the buttermilk with regular milk. For a tangy touch, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How do I make the biscuits more flaky?

Using cold butter and handling the dough gently helps keep the biscuits flaky. Also, avoid overmixing the dough to keep it tender and light.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the biscuits, and refrigerate them uncovered for a few hours before baking. This can actually enhance the texture as well.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Keep in mind, texture may vary slightly, so adding a bit of xanthan gum if it’s not included in the blend can help.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about biting into freshly baked Cheddar Bay Biscuits, with their melty cheese, garlicky butter, and tender crumb. This Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is a sure way to bring joy to any meal and impress friends and family alike. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch, savor each bite, and discover why these biscuits have such a beloved place in so many hearts.