Irresistible Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a beloved favorite at seafood restaurants across the country, known for their buttery, cheesy goodness and irresistible aroma. While they may seem like a treat reserved for dining out, you can easily recreate these delectable biscuits at home with just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen skills. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make perfect Cheddar Bay Biscuits right in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

To make these irresistible biscuits, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• For the garlic butter topping:
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) until well combined.

3. Cut in the Butter:

Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter distributed throughout.

4. Add the Cheese:

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5. Incorporate the Buttermilk:

Pour the buttermilk into the bowl with the dry ingredients and cheese. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Form the Biscuits:

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming 10-12 evenly-sized mounds. Leave some space between each biscuit as they will spread slightly while baking.

7. Bake the Biscuits:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

8. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping:

While the biscuits are baking, prepare the garlic butter topping. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley flakes. Mix well.

9. Brush with Garlic Butter:

Once the biscuits are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the tops with the prepared garlic butter mixture.

10. Serve and Enjoy:

Transfer the biscuits to a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the irresistible goodness of homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits!

Conclusion:

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy the irresistible flavor and aroma of Cheddar Bay Biscuits right in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish with dinner or enjoying them as a savory snack, these homemade biscuits are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So go ahead, whip up a batch today, and indulge in the cheesy, buttery goodness of these beloved treats!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk for the biscuits?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe. However, the acidity of buttermilk contributes to the tender texture and tangy flavor of the biscuits, so the result may be slightly different.

2. How do I store leftover biscuits?

Allow the biscuits to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the biscuits for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply place frozen biscuits on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

3. Can I add other ingredients to the biscuit dough, such as herbs or bacon?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the biscuit dough by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or mix-ins like cooked and crumbled bacon. Just be mindful not to add too many additional ingredients, as it may affect the texture of the biscuits.

4. Can I make the biscuits ahead of time and bake them later?

Yes, you can prepare the biscuit dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. When you’re ready to bake, proceed with shaping and baking the biscuits as directed in the recipe.

5. Can I make these biscuits without cheese?

While the cheddar cheese adds flavor and richness to the biscuits, you can certainly omit it if desired. The biscuits will still turn out delicious, albeit with a slightly different taste profile.