Name: Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; ¾ teaspoon salt see notes; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded; 1 cup cold buttermilk see notes for substitution options; ½ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled for 5 minutes; 2 tablespoons melted butter; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon dried parsley

Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a buttery, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned treat that will elevate any meal.
Inspired by the famous biscuits from a beloved restaurant chain, these homemade biscuits are packed with sharp cheddar cheese, a hint of garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a deliciously irresistible flavor.
Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty soup, salad, or enjoying them on their own, these biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cheddar Bay Biscuits are everything you want in a biscuit: fluffy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and loaded with cheesy goodness.
The sharp cheddar cheese melts into the dough, creating pockets of gooey, cheesy flavor, while the garlic powder and cayenne pepper provide just the right amount of seasoning.
The buttermilk adds a slight tang that balances the richness of the butter, while the topping of garlic butter and parsley makes them even more irresistible.
They’re easy to make, bake quickly, and are the perfect addition to any meal!

Ingredient Highlights

All-Purpose Flour: The flour gives the biscuits their structure, ensuring they bake up light and fluffy.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is key to the deliciously cheesy flavor that makes these biscuits stand out.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps create a soft, tender crumb and gives the biscuits a subtle tang. You can also use a buttermilk substitute if needed.
Garlic Powder and Cayenne Pepper: These seasonings provide a savory kick that complements the rich flavor of the cheese.
Butter: The melted butter adds richness and moisture to the dough, while also contributing to the golden, crispy edges.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can make the biscuits dense instead of light and fluffy.
Chill the Dough (Optional): For an even fluffier texture, let the dough rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.
Use Cold Ingredients: Make sure your buttermilk and butter are cold to achieve the best texture. Cold ingredients help create flaky layers in the biscuits.
Grease the Baking Sheet: Be sure to grease your baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent the biscuits from sticking.

How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure the biscuits bake up crispy and golden.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Stir in the cheddar cheese and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and melted butter together until small lumps begin to form. This will help the dough come together and create a tender texture.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
The dough should be slightly sticky, but not overly wet. Do not overmix, or the biscuits will be dense.

Step 5: Shape the Biscuits

Lightly grease a ¼ cup measuring cup and scoop out the dough.
Place the dough onto a light-colored, lightly greased baking sheet, leaving slightly more than an inch between each biscuit. You should have about 10 biscuits.

Step 6: Bake the Biscuits

Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

Step 7: Prepare the Topping

While the biscuits are baking, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl.
Once the biscuits are out of the oven, brush the tops generously with the garlic butter mixture.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the biscuits to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, either on their own or with your favorite dish.

Serving Ideas

Cheddar Bay Biscuits are the perfect side for a wide range of meals.
They pair wonderfully with soups, especially tomato soup or a creamy potato leek soup.
Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or barbecue for a hearty, comforting meal.
For breakfast, they’re delicious with a side of scrambled eggs and bacon, or even served with sausage gravy for a Southern-inspired breakfast.

Storage

Store any leftover Cheddar Bay Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To keep them fresh, wrap them in foil or parchment paper.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk or a buttermilk substitute made by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.

Can I freeze the biscuits?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked biscuits before cooking. Simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
While sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different twist.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake as usual.

Final Thoughts

These Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a deliciously indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
With their flaky, buttery texture and cheesy flavor, they’re a hit at family meals, parties, and holidays.
Serve them fresh out of the oven with your favorite main course, or enjoy them as a snack with some dip. Either way, these biscuits will have everyone coming back for more!