Cheddar Chive Biscuits

These Cheddar Chive Biscuits are buttery, flaky, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor in every bite. Sharp cheddar melts into soft, tender layers, while fresh chives add just the right savory freshness. They feel cozy and homemade, yet elevated enough to serve with soups, roasted dinners, holiday meals, or brunch spreads.

Even better, these biscuits come together quickly with simple ingredients and bake up beautifully golden with soft centers and crisp, buttery edges. The secret is keeping the butter cold and handling the dough gently. As a result, every bite stays light, tender, and beautifully layered.

Recipe Yield: 8 biscuits

INGREDIENTS

2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
½ cup unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
¾ cup cold buttermilk
1 Tbsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
1 tsp garlic powder
¾ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped
1 Tbsp melted butter

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prepare:
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, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.

3. Cut in the butter:
Add cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, gently work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.

4. Add cheese and chives:
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives until evenly distributed.

5. Add buttermilk:
Pour in cold buttermilk and gently stir just until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as the dough should look slightly rough.

6. Shape the biscuits:
Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently press into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in half and gently pat it down. Repeat once more to help create flaky layers. Cut into 8 biscuits using a biscuit cutter or sharp-edged glass. If the dough feels too warm, chill for 10 minutes before baking.

7. Bake until golden:
Arrange biscuits on the baking sheet with sides lightly touching for softer edges. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until tall and golden brown on top.

8. Finish and serve:
Brush warm biscuits with melted butter immediately after baking. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Keep everything cold: Cold butter and cold buttermilk are the secret to tall, flaky cheddar chive biscuits. If the dough softens while shaping, chill it briefly before baking.
• Freshly shredded cheese works best: Fresh cheddar melts more smoothly and creates better texture than pre-shredded cheese, which can sometimes bake up slightly dry.
• Do not twist the cutter: Press straight down when cutting biscuits. Twisting seals the edges and can prevent biscuits from rising as tall and fluffy.