Craving a Biscuit That’s Both Delicious and Easy?
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, fluffy biscuit, naturally infused with the sharp, savory flavor of cheddar cheese. These North Carolina Cheese Biscuits are not just delicious; they’re surprisingly simple to make, and they’re sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to bake up a batch of cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re bursting with cheesy flavor that’s naturally irresistible.
- The texture is perfect – tender and fluffy on the inside, with a slightly crisp exterior.
- These biscuits come together quickly, using simple ingredients you probably already have.
- They’re incredibly versatile – perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a snack.
- They’re a great way to use up leftover cheese scraps in a naturally delicious way.
- Kids and adults alike will absolutely adore them.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
This North Carolina Cheese Biscuit recipe stands out because it prioritizes ease and flavor. There’s no need for any fancy techniques or complicated steps. The key is using quality ingredients and a straightforward method that ensures a light, airy biscuit naturally complemented by sharp cheddar cheese. We’re using self-rising flour, which simplifies the process and delivers consistent results every time. The addition of buttermilk adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheesy flavor.
Ingredient List
- 2 cups self-rising flour (this includes the baking powder and salt already!)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar brings a lot of flavor)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (the acidity helps to create a tender biscuit)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be naturally incorporated but still visible in small pieces.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Add the buttermilk and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough biscuits.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
- Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits. You can also use a knife to cut square biscuits.
- Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter, if desired. This will give them a golden brown color.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the biscuits cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
Optional Toppings/Variations
- **Garlic Butter:** Mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter with 1 clove of minced garlic and brush over the warm biscuits.
- **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top of the biscuits before baking for a savory, flavorful crust.
- **Jalapeño Cheddar:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of finely diced jalapeños to the dough along with the cheddar cheese for a spicy kick. Make sure they’re naturally fresh!
Expert Tips
- Use cold butter! This is key to creating flaky biscuits. You want the butter to melt in the oven, creating pockets of air and a tender crumb.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Handle the dough gently. Avoid kneading or pressing the dough too much.
- For extra-high biscuits, place them close together on the baking sheet. This will help them rise upwards rather than outwards.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup, then filling the cup with milk to the 1-cup mark. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This gives the milk a naturally soured taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! While sharp cheddar is recommended, you can substitute with other cheeses like mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyere. The flavor will naturally adjust to the kind of cheese you decide on.
- Can I make these biscuits ahead of time? You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply cut out the biscuits and bake as directed.
- How should I store leftover biscuits? Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Can I freeze these biscuits? Yes, you can freeze baked biscuits. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.
- What can I serve with these biscuits? These biscuits are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with soups, stews, chili, or even as a side for breakfast with eggs and bacon. Their naturally cheesy taste makes them complement a variety of dishes.
Variations and Customization Options
Want to get even more creative with your North Carolina Cheese Biscuits? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- **Herb and Cheese Biscuits:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme to the dough along with the cheese.
- **Bacon Cheddar Biscuits:** Crumble cooked bacon into the dough for a savory, smoky flavor.
- **Spicy Cheese Biscuits:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dough for a little heat.
- **Sweet and Savory Biscuits:** Drizzle a touch of honey or maple syrup over the warm biscuits for a unique flavor combination. This naturally sweetens the cheesy biscuit.
Serving Suggestions
These North Carolina Cheese Biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them warm with a pat of butter for breakfast, alongside a bowl of hearty soup for lunch, or as a delicious side dish with your favorite dinner. They’re also perfect for potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings. The naturally cheesy flavor pairs perfectly with almost anything!
Ready to Bake Some Cheesy Goodness?
These North Carolina Cheese Biscuits are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the taste of homemade cheesy goodness! Don’t forget to share photos of your creations and let us know how they turned out in the comments below. Also, make sure you subscribe to our newsletter for naturally delicious recipes and baking tips!
