Name: Cheddar Biscuits
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces; 1 cup cold buttermilk; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives; 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I recently made these cheddar biscuits and couldn’t believe how easy and delicious they were. They’re fluffy, buttery, and loaded with sharp cheddar and fresh chives. Since they’re drop biscuits, there’s no rolling or cutting—just mix, scoop, and bake. In less than 30 minutes, I had a warm, savory treat that paired perfectly with soups, stews, or even breakfast eggs.

Cheddar Biscuits

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and foolproof this recipe is. The biscuits are ready in under half an hour and made with simple pantry staples. I get that rich, cheesy flavor and tender texture without any complicated steps. Plus, I can switch up the ingredients depending on what I have on hand. These biscuits are perfect for last-minute guests or when I want something homemade without a lot of effort.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
garlic powder
cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
cold buttermilk
shredded cheddar cheese
finely chopped chives
melted butter for brushing

Directions

I preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder.
I add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or my hands to blend it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
I pour in the cold buttermilk and stir gently until just combined—being careful not to overmix.
I fold in the cheddar cheese and chopped chives.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, I drop the dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 1–2 inches apart.
I bake for 15–18 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
As soon as they come out of the oven, I brush the tops with melted butter and add a sprinkle of chives if I have extra.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 biscuits.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Bake time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: approximately 23 minutes

Variations

I like to make these biscuits my own by changing a few ingredients now and then.

Sometimes I swap the cheddar for pepper jack or gouda.
I’ve added chopped jalapeños or crumbled bacon for a savory kick.
If I don’t have chives, I’ll use scallions or parsley.
A bit of smoked paprika or cayenne can add a nice little punch too.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven or toaster oven at 400°F for 5 minutes to bring back their crispy tops.
To freeze, I let the biscuits cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. When I’m ready to enjoy them, I reheat directly from frozen at 400°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these without chives?

Yes, I’ve made them without chives plenty of times. I just leave them out or replace them with parsley, scallions, or dried herbs.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

I make a quick substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk. I let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

I don’t recommend letting the dough sit too long because the cold butter is what makes the biscuits fluffy. But I can prep the dry ingredients ahead and store them until I’m ready to mix everything.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely. I like to try sharp white cheddar, gouda, Monterey jack, or even a bit of Parmesan depending on the flavor I want.

Why are my biscuits flat?

That usually means the butter was too soft or the dough was overmixed. I always use very cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible.

Conclusion

These cheddar biscuits are one of my go-to recipes when I want something warm, cheesy, and comforting in a hurry. I love how easy they are to make, and how versatile the ingredients can be. Whether I serve them with dinner or enjoy one as a snack, they always hit the spot.