Cracked Pepper Cheddar Biscuits

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Cracked Pepper Cheddar Biscuits are a delightful twist on the classic biscuit. With sharp cheddar and a kick of black pepper, they offer a savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy bite that's perfect for any meal. Whether you're hosting a brunch or just need a comforting side, these biscuits won't disappoint.

Ingredients for Cracked Pepper Cheddar Biscuits

All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, providing structure to the biscuits. Baking powder and baking soda are the leavening agents that give the biscuits their rise and fluffiness. A touch of salt enhances the overall flavor, while cracked black pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the cheesy goodness. Unsalted butter, cold and cubed, ensures flakiness and richness in every bite. Sharp cheddar cheese brings a bold, tangy flavor, making these biscuits irresistibly cheesy. Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang, helping to create a tender crumb. Finally, a beaten egg brushed on top gives the biscuits a beautiful golden finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep your butter as cold as possible for the flakiest biscuits.
  • If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Don't twist the biscuit cutter when cutting the dough – it can seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly.

Serving Suggestions

These biscuits are fantastic alongside a hearty soup or stew. They also make a great accompaniment to scrambled eggs and bacon for a savory breakfast. For a unique twist, try splitting them open and filling them with your favorite sandwich toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and cut out the biscuits, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don't have a biscuit cutter?
No worries! You can use the rim of a glass or simply shape the dough into rounds with your hands.

Cracked Pepper Cheddar Biscuits Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). You want it nice and hot to get those biscuits rising quickly and evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cracked black pepper. This ensures everything is well combined and evenly distributed. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or just your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles a coarse meal – small, pea-sized pieces are perfect.

Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure it's evenly coated in the flour mixture so you get cheese in every bite. Create a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the buttermilk. Mix gently until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want everything just combined.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it gently 2-3 times to bring it together. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.

Bake the biscuits in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they're golden brown. Once done, let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make – ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Perfect balance of cheesy flavor and peppery heat.
  • Pairs well with a variety of dishes, from soups to salads.
  • Simple ingredients that you likely have on hand.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 egg, beaten

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cracked black pepper.
3. Add the cubed butter into the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
4. Stir in the cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
5. Create a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Gently mix until a dough forms.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently 2-3 times just to bring it together.
7. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter.
8. Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with beaten egg.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

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