Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Cilantro

There’s something irresistibly comforting about warm, flaky biscuits, especially when they’re loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro. Imagine biting into a buttery biscuit that’s bursting with flavor, the sharpness of the cheese perfectly balanced by the zesty notes of cilantro. These Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Cilantro are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful side for dinner. Not only are they simple to make, but they also come together quickly, making them a perfect choice for busy weekdays or leisurely weekends. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and explore how to create these cheesy, herb-infused delights in your own kitchen!

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of these Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Cilantro lies in the combination of ingredients and techniques that create a tender, flaky texture paired with vibrant flavors. The buttermilk adds moisture and tang, which contributes to the biscuit’s light texture, while the cold butter is cut into the flour to create those signature flaky layers. The addition of baking powder and baking soda ensures the biscuits rise beautifully, while the cheddar and cilantro bring a savory punch that elevates them from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ingredient List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick unsalted cold butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Tools of the Trade

• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine and mix your ingredients.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: For cutting in the butter into the flour mixture.
• Baking Sheet: A flat tray for baking your biscuits.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Grater: To grate the cheddar cheese easily.

Build Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Cilantro Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your biscuits will bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s okay to have some larger pieces of butter; they’ll create flakiness in the biscuits.

Step 4: Add the Cheddar, Garlic, and Cilantro

Gently fold in the grated cheddar cheese, finely chopped garlic, and chopped cilantro into the flour mixture. Make sure they are evenly distributed without over-mixing.

Step 5: Incorporate the Buttermilk

Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently until just combined. You want the dough to be slightly sticky but not too wet.

Step 6: Shape the Biscuits

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out rounds of dough. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are touching for soft sides.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. The smell will be divine!

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm, and enjoy the cheesy, herby goodness!

Adaptations for Special Diets

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk alternative in place of buttermilk.
• Vegan: Replace butter with a vegan alternative and use a flaxseed or chia seed mixture for buttermilk.
• Lower Sodium: Reduce the amount of salt or use a salt substitute.

Problems & Prevention

• Biscuits Not Rising: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as expired leavening agents can lead to flat biscuits.
• Too Dry: Avoid overworking the dough; mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Burnt Bottoms: If the bottoms of your biscuits are browning too quickly, consider placing the baking sheet on a higher rack in the oven.
• Too Greasy: Make sure the butter is cold when cutting it into the flour to achieve the right flaky texture.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

Allow the Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Cilantro to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze the biscuits; just make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. To rewarm, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Questions People Ask

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

What can I serve with these biscuits?

These Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Cilantro pair wonderfully with soups, stews, or even as a side for breakfast with eggs. They are also great on their own with a bit of butter.

Can I use other herbs instead of cilantro?

Absolutely! If cilantro isn’t your favorite, you can easily substitute it with parsley, green onions, or even dill for a different flavor profile.

How do I ensure my biscuits are flaky?

Using cold butter and not overworking the dough are key. The steam created by the butter melting during baking is what helps create those flaky layers.

Bring It Home

These Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Cilantro are not just a recipe; they’re an experience. From the moment you mix your ingredients to the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake, every step is rewarding. With their tender, flaky texture and rich flavor profile, these biscuits are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether served alongside a hearty soup or enjoyed alone, they are the perfect addition to any meal. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a batch of these savory delights. You won’t regret it!