Savory Cheddar and Chive Biscuits: A Bite of Heaven
If you’re looking to add a pop of flavor to your breakfast, brunch, or even your dinner table, look no further! Today, I’ll guide you through the wonderful world of making savory Cheddar and Chive Biscuits. These biscuits are not only delicious but also quite simple to make. They’re flaky, buttery, and packed full of cheesy, herby goodness. What’s not to love?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes these biscuits so special. Cheddar cheese offers a sharp, tangy taste that perfectly complements the subtle onion-like flavor of chives. When combined with a classic biscuit dough, these ingredients transform into a mouthwatering treat. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little extra for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but it adds a nice kick)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 3/4 cup whole milk (cold)
Tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Biscuit cutter or a round glass
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prep: First things first, get your oven heated up to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent your biscuits from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). This is your dry mix, and it’s the foundation of your biscuits.
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Add Butter: Now, add the cold butter pieces to your dry mix. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until you have a crumbly mixture. This may take a few minutes, but it’s an essential step to getting flaky biscuits.
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Cheese and Chives: Time for the fun part – add the shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped chives to the bowl. Toss them around a bit to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
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Bring It Together with Milk: Pour in the cold milk and stir everything together gently with a fork. You’ll end up with a sticky dough. If it seems too dry, you can add a splash more milk, but be careful not to overdo it.
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Shaping the Biscuits: Lightly flour your hands and your work surface. Turn the dough out and pat it into a rough rectangle, about 1 inch thick. Using your biscuit cutter or a glass, press straight down to cut out the biscuits. Try not to twist the cutter as this can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
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Ready to Bake: Place your biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. If you like your biscuits with a soft side, place them closer together. For crisper edges, spread them farther apart.
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Bake to Perfection: Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and gorgeous. The smell alone will make your mouth water!
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Enjoy! Let the biscuits cool for a few minutes (if you can wait that long), then dive in and enjoy. These savory morsels are fantastic on their own, with a pat of butter, or as a side to your favorite dishes.
Pro Tips:
- Keep your ingredients cold. This is the secret to flaky, buttery biscuits. Cold butter will steam as it melts in the oven, creating those delicious layers.
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix until just combined to keep your biscuits tender.
- Be creative! Feel free to add other herbs or swap the Cheddar for another cheese you love.
There you have it – a simple recipe for savory Cheddar and Chive Biscuits that are sure to become a new favorite in your home. These biscuits are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a pleasure to make. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a weekend brunch or a cozy dinner at home, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Bon Appétit!