Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits with Chives are the perfect combination of savory flavors, creating a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. These biscuits are a fantastic addition to any meal, whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a side to your chili, or a snack enjoyed straight from the oven. The cornmeal brings a rustic, earthy flavor, while the sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives create an irresistible combination. In this detailed recipe, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these delicious biscuits from scratch, offering tips and variations to suit your taste.
What Are Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits with Chives?
Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits with Chives are a savory twist on the classic biscuit. Cornmeal is the star ingredient, providing a hearty, textured base that pairs beautifully with the sharpness of cheddar cheese and the freshness of chives. The biscuits are light, fluffy, and golden on the outside, while remaining soft and crumbly on the inside. They’re versatile enough to serve at breakfast, alongside a hot bowl of chili, or as an indulgent snack.
These biscuits combine the satisfying bite of cornmeal with the richness of cheddar, making them the ideal complement to any savory dish. The addition of chives not only adds flavor but also a pop of color, making these biscuits as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
The Origin of Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits with Chives
The origins of cornmeal-based biscuits can be traced back to the Southern United States, where corn was a staple ingredient in the diet. Cornmeal was often used to create hearty, rustic breads and biscuits that could withstand long cooking times and provide filling nutrition for families. Cornmeal biscuits, in various forms, became popular as a side dish for stews, meats, and even breakfast.
The addition of cheese and herbs to these biscuits takes the traditional recipe to a whole new level. Cheddar cheese, known for its sharp flavor, pairs beautifully with the earthy taste of cornmeal, while fresh herbs like chives add a touch of freshness. This modern twist on a classic Southern recipe is perfect for contemporary tastes.
Ingredients with Quantity
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits with Chives:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (ensure it’s not a cornmeal mix)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried chives)
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk (add 1-2 tablespoons extra if needed)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve the golden-brown crust that makes these biscuits so irresistible.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast iron skillet for an extra crispy edge.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of yellow cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper (optional)
Whisk the ingredients together to ensure they are well-mixed.
3. Cut in Butter
Add the cold cubed butter into the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until the butter breaks down into pea-sized crumbs. This step is essential for achieving the desired crumbly texture in your biscuits.
The mixture should appear crumbly with visible butter bits throughout. This will create layers in the biscuits when baked, making them light and fluffy.
4. Add Cheese & Chives
Next, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and finely chopped fresh chives. Ensure that both ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The cheese will melt into the dough, creating pockets of delicious cheesy goodness.
5. Add Buttermilk
Pour in the cold buttermilk, stirring gently as you go. The dough should begin to come together, forming a shaggy texture. If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of buttermilk at a time, mixing until the dough holds together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits tough.
6. Shape Biscuits
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a rectangle about ¾-inch thick. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to cut rounds from the dough. Re-roll the scraps once to cut out any remaining biscuits.
7. Bake
Arrange the biscuits on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.
For an added touch of richness, brush the tops with melted butter right after they come out of the oven. This step gives the biscuits an extra glossy finish and an indulgent buttery flavor.
Variations
There are plenty of ways to personalize this recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to try:
- Cheese Swap: If you want a different flavor profile, try swapping sharp cheddar for other cheeses like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or even Parmesan.
- Herb Alternatives: While chives are fantastic in these biscuits, you can experiment with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a new twist.
- Add-ins: If you like a little kick, consider adding jalapeños, diced bacon, or sun-dried tomatoes to the dough for a savory surprise.
- Make it Sweet: For a sweeter variation, swap the cheddar and chives for sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla. You’ll have a delicious cinnamon biscuit perfect for breakfast.
FAQs: Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits with Chives
1. Can I freeze the biscuits before baking?
Yes! These biscuits freeze well. Simply shape them and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just place them directly on a baking sheet and add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While buttermilk gives these biscuits a slight tang and adds to the texture, you can substitute with regular milk. To mimic the acidity of buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and let it sit for a few minutes before using.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store your leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven before serving.
4. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but the biscuits will still be delicious!
5. How do I make these biscuits extra crispy?
For extra-crispy biscuits, bake them in a cast iron skillet. The skillet retains heat and gives the biscuits a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.
Conclusion: Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits with Chives
Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits with Chives are a perfect blend of flavors and textures that make for a delicious and versatile treat. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, serving them with a hearty stew, or snacking on them straight from the oven, these biscuits are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With their flaky, crumbly texture and sharp cheddar paired with the delicate flavor of chives, these biscuits take comfort food to the next level.
This recipe is easy to follow and can be adjusted to suit your preferences. Add in your favorite cheese, herbs, or even a bit of spice to make these biscuits your own. With the perfect balance of flavors, you can enjoy them any time of day.
Baked fresh and served warm, these Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits with Chives will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits with Chives: A Savory Delight for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits with Chives are a savory twist on the classic biscuit. Cornmeal is the star ingredient, providing a hearty, textured base that pairs beautifully with the sharpness of cheddar cheese and the freshness of chives. The biscuits are light, fluffy, and golden on the outside, while remaining soft and crumbly on the inside. They’re versatile enough to serve at breakfast, alongside a hot bowl of chili, or as an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (not cornmeal mix)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper (optional)
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried chives)
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk (plus 1–2 tbsp extra if needed
Instructions
1. Prep the Oven & Pan
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast iron skillet.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Cornmeal
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Black pepper (if using)
3. Cut in Butter
- Add cold butter cubes to dry mix.
- Use a pastry cutter or fingertips to work butter into the flour until pea-sized crumbs form.
- The mixture should look crumbly with visible butter bits.
4. Add Cheese & Chives
- Stir in shredded cheddar and chopped chives until evenly distributed.
5. Add Buttermilk
- Pour in cold buttermilk and stir gently until a shaggy dough forms.
- If dough feels dry, add 1 tbsp more buttermilk at a time.
6. Shape Biscuits
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Pat into a ¾-inch thick rectangle.
- Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to cut rounds. Re-roll scraps once if needed.
7. Bake
- Arrange biscuits on prepared pan, spaced 1–2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Optional: Brush tops with melted butter while warm.
Notes
These savory biscuits are golden, flaky, and packed with cheesy flavor and fresh chives. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side with soups and stews. Serve warm with butter, honey, or a dollop of cream cheese for an extra indulgent touch
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread / Savory
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Cornmeal Biscuits, Cheddar Chive Biscuits, Savory Cornmeal Biscuits, Cheddar Biscuits with Chives, Cornmeal Biscuit Recipe
