If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and irresistibly buttery snack, nothing beats this classic Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. These fluffy, golden-brown biscuits burst with sharp cheddar flavor, a hint of garlic, and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them alongside dinner or enjoying them right out of the oven, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that feels like a cozy hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The heart of this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the biscuits’ tender texture, savory flavor, and delightful golden color.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for fluffy, soft biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the biscuits their signature rise and lightness.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle, aromatic flavor throughout the biscuit dough.
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), divided: Offers richness and buttery goodness, both inside and as a finishing glaze.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture for tender, soft biscuits.
- 8 ounces shredded mild cheddar cheese: Delivers that creamy, cheesy punch we all love in Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal hint to the buttery glaze on top.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your biscuits bake evenly and come off the pan without a hitch.
Step 2: Melt Butter
Melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds. Set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dry ingredients — this melted butter later blends seamlessly into your biscuit dough for rich flavor.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until evenly combined. This aromatic and lightly seasoned flour mixture builds the base for your biscuits’ irresistible taste.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the melted butter and whole milk to the flour mixture. Gently whisk just until the flour is moistened — be careful not to overmix, which can make the biscuits tough. The dough will be slightly sticky, and that’s exactly what you want.
Step 5: Fold in Cheese
Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese with a spoon. This step distributes cheesy pockets throughout the dough, guaranteeing every bite is packed with savory goodness.
Step 6: Shape the Biscuits
Using a spoon, drop heaping mounds of dough evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. No need to shape them perfectly; these rustic dollops bake into charming, fluffy biscuits.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and let your biscuits bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. The aroma alone will have you counting down the seconds!
Step 8: Prepare the Butter Glaze
While the biscuits bake, melt the remaining 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of butter in the microwave. Stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and dried parsley, then set aside for the final touch.
Step 9: Brush and Serve
As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, generously brush them with the buttery parsley glaze. This finishing step adds a glossy sheen and a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the cheddar and garlic.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe

Garnishes
Simple but striking garnishes can elevate your Cheddar Bay Biscuits. A light sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds color and a fresh herbal note. For extra indulgence, a thin slice of sharp cheddar melted on top right after baking will satisfy any cheese lover’s dream.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are the perfect partner for hearty comfort foods like creamy chicken pot pie, steamy bowls of soup, or a robust chili. They soak up gravy and sauces beautifully, making every bite rich and flavorful. Even a crisp garden salad creates a lovely contrast to their indulgent texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Arrange your biscuits in a basket lined with a cheery cloth napkin for a rustic touch. Or serve them as a build-your-own mini biscuit sandwich station with options like honey butter, ham, or fried chicken. The Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe makes for a versatile base to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and ready for snacking without becoming stale or dry.
Freezing
You can freeze baked biscuits by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, which means you have a quick comfort food fix whenever that craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat stored or frozen biscuits in a warm oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes to restore their freshly baked texture. To add an extra buttery finish, brush with melted butter right after reheating for that just-baked shine and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild cheddar?
Absolutely! Sharp cheddar will give your biscuits a bolder, tangier flavor. If you love cheese with a bit more kick, swapping mild for sharp cheddar is a delicious choice that still works perfectly with this recipe.
What if I don’t have garlic powder?
If garlic powder is missing from your pantry, you could use a small amount of finely minced fresh garlic or a pinch of garlic salt (reduce the added salt elsewhere). Garlic is what makes these biscuits so special, so try not to skip it completely.
Can I substitute milk with buttermilk?
Definitely! Using buttermilk will add a subtle tang and tender crumb, which compliments the biscuits beautifully. If you do, reduce the baking powder to 2 teaspoons to prevent over-rising.
How do I make these biscuits dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and comforting.
What type of flour works best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour gives these biscuits their ideal tender but sturdy texture. You could experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but you might need to adjust liquid amounts as it absorbs moisture differently.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is truly a gem worth keeping in your culinary repertoire. Its simplicity, cheesy goodness, and comforting warmth make it a guaranteed hit anytime you need a little cozy indulgence. I promise once you try these biscuits, they’ll become your go-to for special dinners or any day you just want a little buttery, cheesy happiness on your plate.
Print
Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a deliciously buttery, cheesy treat with a garlic and herb kick, perfect as a side for dinners or as a savory snack. These golden brown biscuits have a tender crumb filled with melted cheddar cheese and are brushed with a flavorful garlic butter glaze.
Ingredients
Biscuit Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), divided
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Melt Butter for Dough: Place 1 stick (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds until fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt until well combined to ensure even flavor and proper biscuit rise.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted butter and whole milk into the dry ingredients and whisk gently just until the flour is moistened. Avoid overmixing to keep biscuits tender and fluffy.
- Fold in Cheese: Carefully fold the shredded mild cheddar cheese into the dough with a spoon, distributing it evenly without overworking the batter.
- Portion Dough: Using a spoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of the biscuit dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow room for rising and spreading.
- Bake Biscuits: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Topping: While biscuits bake, melt the remaining 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) of butter in a small microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds until melted, then stir in 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and dried parsley using a pastry brush to combine flavors.
- Brush Biscuits: Remove the hot biscuits from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the prepared garlic butter mixture to add flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Serve the Cheddar Bay Biscuits warm for the best texture and flavor and enjoy them as a wonderful accompaniment to your meal.
Notes
- Do not overmix the biscuit dough; mixing until just combined ensures tender biscuits.
- For a sharper flavor, feel free to use sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild.
- These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to restore flakiness.
- Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- You can add extra garlic powder or fresh minced garlic to the butter for a stronger garlic taste.
- If whole milk is unavailable, 2% milk can be used but may slightly change the texture.

