If you’re looking for a savory treat that’s flaky, buttery, and perfect for any meal, Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits are a must-try! These biscuits are the perfect combination of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives, creating a rich and flavorful biscuit that’s perfect for brunch spreads, serving alongside soups, or even using as the base for breakfast sandwiches. This simple recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring that your biscuits come out golden, crispy, and perfectly flaky every time.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the details of making Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits, exploring their origin, ingredients, step-by-step preparation, possible variations, and even answering some common questions to ensure your success. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress!
What Are Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits?
Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits are a savory, tender, and flaky biscuit made with buttermilk, cheddar cheese, and fresh chives. They are typically baked until golden brown with a crisp exterior, yet soft, buttery interior. These biscuits combine the richness of cheddar cheese and the mild onion-like flavor of chives, creating a savory flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes.
They’re great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can be served as a side with soups, stews, or even with a drizzle of honey for a sweet-salty combination. The addition of buttermilk contributes to their fluffiness, while the cold butter ensures the perfect flaky texture.
Origin of Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits
Biscuits have a long history in American cuisine, especially in the Southern United States. The traditional biscuit recipe includes flour, baking powder, and fat (usually butter or lard), creating a light, fluffy bread roll that’s perfect for accompanying hearty meals.
The addition of cheddar cheese and chives to the classic biscuit recipe offers a savory twist. This recipe likely evolved as bakers began experimenting with adding flavorings to enhance the basic biscuit dough, with cheddar and chives being a natural pairing due to their complementary flavors.
While cheddar cheese is a well-loved addition to many dishes, the combination of sharp cheddar and fresh herbs like chives elevates the flavor profile of these biscuits, making them stand out from the traditional ones. Whether served as part of a brunch, a side to a comforting soup, or stuffed with breakfast ingredients like eggs and bacon, these Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits quickly became a staple in homes and restaurants alike.
Ingredients (Makes 10–12 Biscuits)
To create these Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 3 tbsp fresh chives (finely chopped)
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk
- Optional: 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing tops
Pro Tip: The colder your butter, the flakier your biscuits will be. Make sure your butter is chilled and cubed to achieve that perfect texture!
Step-by-Step Preparation Method of Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits
Follow these steps to make the perfect Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits:
1. Prep Oven & Tray
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures that your biscuits bake up golden brown and crispy.
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Cut in Butter
Add the cold unsalted butter cubes to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter. This process is key to achieving the flaky texture of the biscuits.
4. Add Cheese & Chives
Once the butter is cut in, stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives. Make sure the cheese and chives are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Add Buttermilk
Pour in the cold buttermilk. Using a fork, stir gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix the dough; it should be shaggy and soft, not smooth.
6. Shape & Cut
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a ¾-inch thick rectangle.
Now, fold the dough in half, then in quarters, and repeat this process once more to create flaky layers. Pat the dough out again and use a biscuit cutter to cut the biscuits (press straight down without twisting).
7. Bake
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. If desired, brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter for a golden, glossy finish.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the biscuits are puffed up and golden brown on top.
8. Serve Warm
Let the biscuits cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with a dollop of butter, a drizzle of honey, or as a side dish with soups, stews, or salads.
Variations of Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits
While this recipe is fantastic on its own, you can try a few variations to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:
1. Garlic and Herb Biscuits
Add garlic powder or fresh minced garlic to the dough along with the chives for a savory twist. You can also include other herbs like parsley or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits
For a heartier biscuit, add crispy bacon bits to the dough along with the cheese and chives. Bacon and cheddar are a match made in heaven!
3. Vegan Biscuits
Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk in place of buttermilk. These substitutions will make the biscuits dairy-free but just as flaky and delicious.
4. Spicy Biscuits
For a little kick, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dough along with the cheese and chives.
FAQs About Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits
1. Can I make Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply cut and bake as directed.
2. Can I freeze these biscuits?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked biscuits on a baking sheet, and once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time.
3. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling it up with milk to the ¾ cup mark. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
4. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, try using mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. For a stronger flavor, try Gouda or Parmesan.
5. How do I store leftover biscuits?
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
Conclusion: Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits
These Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits are the ultimate treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, pairing them with soup, or enjoying them as part of a breakfast sandwich, their flaky texture, savory flavor, and cheddar-chive goodness will make them a favorite in your home. The process is straightforward, and with a few simple ingredients, you’ll have perfectly golden and delicious biscuits every time.
Feel free to get creative with the recipe and make variations that suit your taste. And don’t forget—serve them warm with butter, honey, or alongside a comforting bowl of soup for the best experience. Happy baking!
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Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits: A Delicious and Flaky Treat for Any Meal
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheddar-Chive Buttermilk Biscuits are a savory, tender, and flaky biscuit made with buttermilk, cheddar cheese, and fresh chives. They are typically baked until golden brown with a crisp exterior, yet soft, buttery interior. These biscuits combine the richness of cheddar cheese and the mild onion-like flavor of chives, creating a savory flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 3 tbsp fresh chives (finely chopped)
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk
- Optional: 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing tops
Instructions
1. Prep Oven & Tray
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter
- Add cold butter cubes.
- Use a pastry cutter or fingertips to blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter bits.
4. Add Cheese & Chives
- Stir in grated cheddar and chopped chives until evenly distributed.
5. Add Buttermilk
- Pour in cold buttermilk and stir gently with a fork until dough just comes together.
- Do not overmix—dough should be shaggy and soft.
6. Shape & Cut
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Pat into a ¾-inch thick rectangle.
- Fold in half, then in quarters, and repeat once more for flaky layers.
- Pat out again and cut with a biscuit cutter (press straight down, no twisting).
7. Bake
- Place biscuits on tray, spaced slightly apart.
- Brush tops with melted butter if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed.
8. Serve Warm
- Let cool slightly and serve warm with butter, honey, or alongside soups and stews.
Notes
Serve these biscuits warm with butter, honey, or alongside a hearty soup. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit (approx. 60g)
- Calories: ~180
- Sugar: ~1g
- Sodium: ~300mg
- Fat: ~9g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~5g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Cheddar biscuits, buttermilk biscuits, cheddar chive biscuits, savory biscuits, flaky biscuits
