Introduction
There’s something magical about a warm biscuit, fresh from the oven. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and oh-so-satisfying. And while I love a classic biscuit with jam, butter, or honey, there’s one variation I find utterly irresistible—Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe for Flaky, Cheesy Layers.
This isn’t just any biscuit—it’s the kind that makes you want to peek into the oven just to watch the layers rise. Picture golden edges, buttery steam, and melty cheese tucked between every flaky fold. The first time I made these, I honestly thought, Why don’t I make cheesy biscuits every weekend? They pair with absolutely everything—soups, stews, brunch spreads, fried chicken, or just on their own as a quick snack.
Cheesy biscuits also have a way of impressing guests. They look fancy, taste indulgent, but are surprisingly easy to make. With just a few key techniques (hello, folding dough like puff pastry!), you’ll be pulling a tray of bakery-worthy biscuits from your oven in less than an hour.
So, grab that apron, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into the ultimate Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe for Flaky, Cheesy Layers that will change your biscuit game forever.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these dreamy, flaky layers:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, but helps balance flavor)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1 cup cold buttermilk (plus 1–2 tablespoons for brushing tops)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Fresh herbs (chives, rosemary, or parsley for extra flavor)
- A pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for a savory twist
- Parmesan or Gruyère for an elevated cheese flavor
Substitution Ideas:
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy buttermilk (1 cup plant milk + 1 tbsp vinegar). Swap cheese for vegan shreds.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if not already included.
- Healthier option: Try half whole-wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for a nutty flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the butter until you get pea-sized crumbs. The little chunks of butter are what create those gorgeous, flaky layers.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s evenly coated in flour. This step ensures the cheese melts into the biscuits without clumping.
Step 5: Pour in the Buttermilk
Slowly add cold buttermilk and stir just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix—your dough should look a little shaggy.
Step 6: Fold for Flaky Layers
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat into a rectangle. Fold the dough in half, turn it 90 degrees, and pat it out again. Repeat 3–4 times. This is the secret to those bakery-style layers!
Step 7: Cut the Biscuits
Pat dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a round cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut biscuits. Press straight down—don’t twist—or the layers won’t rise evenly. Gather scraps and repeat.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, close together for softer sides or spaced out for crispier edges. Brush tops with buttermilk for a golden finish. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
Step 9: Cool (Just a Little!) and Enjoy
Let the biscuits cool for 5 minutes before digging in. That melted cheese needs just a moment to settle!
Extra Tips for the Best Cheesy Biscuits
- Serving suggestions:
- With chili, soups, or stews.
- Split open and stuffed with scrambled eggs and bacon for a breakfast sandwich.
- Served alongside fried chicken or BBQ.
- Storage: Keep biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it makes biscuits rubbery.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked biscuits on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes. You can also freeze baked biscuits and reheat in the oven.
Nutritional Information (per biscuit)
Based on standard ingredients:
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
(Values may vary depending on cheese and substitutions.)
FAQ About Buttermilk Biscuits
1. How long does this recipe take?
About 15 minutes of prep and 15–18 minutes of baking. You’ll have biscuits in under 40 minutes.
2. Can I substitute buttermilk?
Yes! Make your own by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
3. Can I freeze cheesy biscuits?
Definitely. Freeze before or after baking—both work great. Just reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked texture.
4. What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in mozzarella, pepper jack, or even Gruyère for extra flair.
Conclusion
And there you have it—your go-to Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe for Flaky, Cheesy Layers. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a holiday dinner, or just because you deserve a cheesy, buttery treat, these biscuits deliver every single time.
The flaky layers, melty cheese, and golden crust make them absolutely irresistible. Plus, once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll find yourself experimenting with herbs, spices, and different cheeses to make them uniquely yours.
So, what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven, grab your grater, and bake a batch of these cheesy delights. Don’t forget to share your creations with me—I’d love to see how your biscuits turned out!
🥐✨ Happy baking, friends!