Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits combine the comforting, fluffy texture of traditional biscuits with the bold flavors of cheddar cheese and a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños. These biscuits are perfect for any meal, whether served alongside breakfast, as a snack, or as a side dish to accompany dinner. The rich, buttery biscuit dough is infused with garlic powder and shredded cheddar cheese, while finely chopped jalapeños add just the right amount of heat and flavor. Topped with jalapeño slices, these biscuits are not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
Making these biscuits from scratch is easier than you might think. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have warm, homemade jalapeño cheddar biscuits fresh out of the oven. The combination of savory cheese, spicy jalapeños, and the light, flaky texture makes these biscuits a standout. Whether you’re preparing them for a family meal or for a special gathering, these biscuits are sure to be a hit. They are incredibly versatile and can even be paired with soups, stews, or grilled meats for a complete, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Flavorful and Spicy
The fresh jalapeños and cheddar cheese give these biscuits a flavorful, slightly spicy kick, making them far from ordinary.
2. Quick and Easy
With a short prep time and simple ingredients, these biscuits can be made in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a quick snack or side dish.
3. Perfectly Flaky
The cold butter and buttermilk create a tender, flaky texture in each biscuit, making every bite melt in your mouth.
4. Versatile
Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits are perfect for breakfast, as a side with dinner, or even as a savory snack. They can also be paired with soups, salads, or sandwiches.
5. Customizable
If you prefer less spice, you can easily adjust the amount of jalapeños, or swap them out for a milder pepper variety. You can also experiment with different cheeses to find your preferred flavor.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Fresh jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Cold buttermilk
- Jalapeño slices (optional, for topping)
Variations
- Milder Flavor: If you prefer a milder biscuit, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or replace them with a milder pepper, such as a bell pepper or poblano.
- Different Cheeses: For a variation in flavor, substitute the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses like pepper jack for added spice.
- Add Herbs: Experiment by adding fresh herbs like chives or cilantro to the dough for a fresh twist on the classic recipe.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, instead of buttermilk.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Jalapeños
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapeños, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Add Buttermilk
Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the dough just begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits tough.
Step 5: Form the Biscuits
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out biscuits. Gather any scraps and press them together to make additional biscuits.
Step 6: Add the Topping
Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet. For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, top each biscuit with a jalapeño slice.
Step 7: Bake the Biscuits
Brush the tops of the biscuits with the remaining 1 tablespoon of buttermilk. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.
Step 8: Serve
Remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with butter or your favorite dip.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is key to achieving flaky biscuits. Make sure your butter is chilled and cut it into small cubes before adding it to the flour mixture.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overmixing or kneading the dough too much can result in dense biscuits. Mix the dough just enough for it to come together.
- Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds richness and tenderness to the biscuits, so don’t substitute it with regular milk. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add Extra Cheese: If you love cheesy biscuits, feel free to add more cheddar cheese to the dough, or sprinkle some on top of the biscuits before baking.
How to Serve
Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. They’re perfect as a side dish to soups, stews, or chili. Pair them with scrambled eggs and bacon for a savory breakfast or brunch. You can also enjoy them as a snack on their own or with a dollop of butter or sour cream for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the biscuits have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
Freezing
These biscuits freeze well for up to 3 months. After baking and cooling, place the biscuits in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
Reheating
To reheat, place the biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a rush.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use any cheese you like. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack would work well in place of cheddar.
2. How do I make the biscuits spicier?
If you like extra heat, you can add more finely chopped jalapeños or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.
3. Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping the biscuits.
4. What can I serve these biscuits with?
These biscuits pair wonderfully with chili, soup, scrambled eggs, or even grilled meats like chicken or steak.
5. Can I use self-rising flour?
If using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe, as self-rising flour already contains these ingredients.
6. Can I freeze the biscuit dough?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked biscuit dough. Shape the biscuits, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer the biscuits to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
7. How can I make the biscuits fluffier?
For fluffier biscuits, ensure that the butter is cold and that the dough is mixed just enough to bring it together. Avoid overworking the dough.
8. Can I add other spices to the dough?
Feel free to experiment with adding other spices like paprika, onion powder, or even cumin for added flavor.
9. Can I make these biscuits without jalapeños?
Yes, you can make plain cheddar biscuits by omitting the jalapeños. You could also substitute them with other ingredients like herbs or cooked bacon.
10. Can I brush the biscuits with something other than buttermilk?
You can brush the biscuits with milk, cream, or even melted butter for a different finish. Each option will add a slightly different texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits are a flavorful and easy-to-make treat that can elevate any meal. The combination of spicy jalapeños, sharp cheddar cheese, and fluffy, buttery biscuits makes for an irresistible snack or side dish. Whether served at a family dinner, brunch, or as a snack on their own, these biscuits are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold flavors. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy these deliciously spicy and cheesy biscuits in no time!
PrintJalapeño Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits are irresistibly flaky and packed with a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños and the rich flavor of cheddar cheese. Perfect as a side dish or snack, they bring a delightful twist to traditional biscuits.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cold buttermilk, plus 1 tablespoon for brushing
- 6 jalapeño slices (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and garlic powder.
- Cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the chopped jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture, and stir to combine.
- Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
- Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out biscuits from the dough. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops of the biscuits with the remaining 1 tablespoon of buttermilk.
- Optional: Top each biscuit with a jalapeño slice for extra flavor.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra cheese flavor, you can mix in a bit more cheddar cheese into the dough or sprinkle some on top before baking.
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American