Cheesy Buttermilk Biscuits combine the sharpness of cheddar with the tang of buttermilk, resulting in a flaky, golden exterior and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of rich butter, gooey cheese, and subtle tanginess, making them a delightful culinary treat.
Pastry cutter or two forks (for cutting in the butter)
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula (for mixing)
Flat clean surface for kneading and shaping the dough
Rolling Pin I used a wine bottle
Round biscuit cutter or a sharp knife (if cutting into squares) I used a cup that i dipped in flour ( all i had when camping)
Baking Sheet I used a cast iron skillet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (for lining the baking sheet, optional but helps with cleanup)
Cooling rack (optional, for cooling biscuits after baking)
Ingredients
2cupsall-purpose flour
2teaspoonsbaking powder
1/2teaspoonbaking soda
1teaspoonsalt
1/2cupunsalted buttercold and cubed
1cupbuttermilk
1cupshredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Pour in the buttermilk and stir just until the mixture comes together. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat it out into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits, re-rolling the dough as necessary.
Place the biscuits on a baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.
Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
Notes for Cheesy Buttermilk Biscuits:
Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is cold. It helps in achieving those flaky layers. If the butter melts before baking, the biscuits might turn out dense.
Overworking the Dough: Try not to overmix or over-knead the dough. Doing so can activate the gluten in the flour and lead to less tender biscuits.
Substitutions: If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before using.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar is recommended, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or even a combination of cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
Herbs and Spices: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme to the dough.
Storing: These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing: If you wish to prepare the dough in advance, you can freeze shaped but unbaked biscuits on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Adapting for Outdoors: If you're baking these while camping or in an outdoor setting, consider using a cast-iron skillet with a lid. You can place biscuits in the skillet and cover, cooking over a campfire. Ensure you monitor the heat and occasionally rotate the skillet for even baking.
Remember, the beauty of homemade biscuits is in their versatility. Feel free to adjust and adapt based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Enjoy!