If you’ve been searching for a biscuit that’s anything but ordinary, you’ll be absolutely thrilled with this Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits Recipe. Imagine flaky, buttery layers packed with sharp cheddar cheese and a zesty pop from fresh jalapenos that awaken your taste buds perfectly. These biscuits are ideal for breakfast, as an irresistible side, or just because you deserve something warm, cheesy, and a little spicy in your life. Once you try these, you’ll understand why they’ve become a personal favorite and a crowd-pleaser every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to make this Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits Recipe shine—just simple pantry staples and fresh jalapenos. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the cold butter creating those flaky layers to the sharp cheddar delivering rich flavor and the jalapenos adding a welcomed spicy kick and vibrant color.
- ½ Cup Cubed Butter (very cold, unsalted): Cold butter is key to flaky biscuits; keeping it cold ensures tender, layered results.
- 1 ¾ Cups All-purpose Flour (plus a little extra): The foundation of your biscuit dough, all-purpose flour provides structure.
- 1 ½ teaspoon Baking Powder: Helps your biscuits rise beautifully and become wonderfully fluffy.
- 2 teaspoon Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- ½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the other flavors while seasoning the dough perfectly.
- 1 ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that pairs exceptionally well with cheddar and jalapenos.
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Jalapeno Peppers (finely chopped): Fresh heat that’s bright and lively—feel free to adjust to your spice preference.
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Sharp cheddar lends creamy texture and that essential cheesy punch.
- ½ Cup Buttermilk (cold, plus extra for brushing): The acidity tenderizes the dough and brings a slight tang to offset the cheese and heat.
- 6 Jalapeno Slices (for topping, optional): Adds an eye-catching finish along with a bit of extra kick on top of each biscuit.
How to Make Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by heating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly butter a cast iron skillet if you want that rustic charm. This simple prep step sets you up for perfectly baked biscuits with those golden, crispy edges we all crave.
Step 2: Cut the Butter into the Flour
Place your flour in a large mixing bowl then add the very cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the flour until you have coarse crumbs. This process is crucial because these bits of cold butter transform into flaky layers as the biscuits bake, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings, Jalapenos, and Buttermilk
Stir in the baking powder, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and finely chopped jalapenos right into your flour and butter mixture. Then pour in ½ cup of cold buttermilk and gently fold everything together with a spatula. It’ll be crumbly—don’t worry, that’s exactly how it should look!
Step 4: Incorporate the Cheddar Cheese
Next, add your shredded sharp cheddar cheese and fold it into the dough gently. The cheese evenly distributed in the dough ensures every bite bursts with smoky, creamy cheesiness paired with the vibrant jalapeno flavor.
Step 5: Shape and Fold the Dough
Turn the crumbly dough out onto a floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Fold it over a few times and flatten it again. These folds create flaky layers and add height to your biscuits, so take your time here without overworking the dough.
Step 6: Cut and Chill the Biscuits
Use a biscuit cutter or a glass around 2 to 3 inches in diameter to cut out your biscuits. Don’t twist the cutter, as that can seal edges and prevent the rise you want. Place each biscuit on your prepared baking sheet or skillet, top with a jalapeno slice if you like, and chill in the freezer for 10–15 minutes. Chilling firms up the butter so your biscuits stay tender and flaky.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the tops with a bit of buttermilk and bake for 20 to 23 minutes until golden brown. Once out of the oven, don’t skip brushing them generously with melted butter—this finishing touch adds irresistible shine and richness.
How to Serve Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped chives or extra shredded cheddar over the warm biscuits just before serving. You can also add a dollop of creamy herb butter or a drizzle of honey for an exciting sweet and spicy contrast.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair beautifully with classic breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs or a smoky sausage skillet. They’re also fantastic alongside chili, soups, or hearty stews where their spicy-cheesy goodness complements rich, savory flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits horizontally and layering them with crispy bacon, avocado slices, and a fried egg for an indulgent breakfast sandwich. Or crumble them over a salad as a flavorful, cheesy crouton alternative—your guests won’t believe what they’re tasting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits tightly and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for about 5 days. Proper storage keeps them soft and flavorful so you can enjoy all their cheesy and spicy magic later.
Freezing
You can also freeze these biscuits for up to 3 months. Place them on a tray in the freezer first to harden individually, then transfer to a sealed container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or bring them to room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds. For that fresh-baked taste, a quick oven warm-up with a dab of butter restores their flaky texture and melts the cheese anew.
FAQs
Can I use canned jalapenos instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh jalapenos add a crisp, vibrant heat, canned jalapenos work well in a pinch. Just drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture to the dough, which can change the texture.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly curdled—this homemade substitute provides the same tenderizing acidity.
How do I get my biscuits extra flaky?
The key to flakiness is using cold butter and buttermilk and avoiding overworking the dough. Folding the dough a few times before cutting creates layers that puff up beautifully during baking.
Can I make these biscuits vegan or dairy-free?
You can swap the butter for a vegan alternative and use a plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute. For the cheddar, try a vegan cheese that melts well. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Why shouldn’t I twist the cutter when cutting?
Twisting seals the edges of the biscuits, which can prevent them from rising properly. Instead, press straight down and lift the cutter up gently for light, tall, fluffy biscuits.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits Recipe—it’s a delicious way to turn a classic biscuit into something exciting and full of personality. Whether you’re serving them as part of a cozy breakfast or alongside your favorite comfort foods, these biscuits will elevate any meal and put smiles all around. I can’t wait for you to try these at home and experience firsthand the joy of biting into warm, cheesy, spicy perfection!
Print
Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
- Yield: 6 biscuits
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits are flaky, buttery, and packed with sharp cheddar cheese and a spicy kick from fresh jalapenos, elevating the classic buttermilk biscuit into a flavorful Southern-style breakfast or side dish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ Cups All purpose Flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
- 2 teaspoon Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
Wet and Dairy Ingredients
- ½ Cup Cubed Butter (very cold, unsalted)
- ½ Cup Buttermilk (cold, plus 1 tablespoon more for brushing)
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)
Produce
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Jalapeno Peppers (finely chopped, adjust to taste)
- 6 Jalapeno slices (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking surface. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or butter a cast iron skillet. Set aside.
- Cut butter into dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Add cold cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until coarse crumbs form.
- Add jalapenos, buttermilk, and cheese. Gently fold in the finely chopped jalapenos and half a cup of cold buttermilk using a spatula. Then mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, taking care not to overwork the dough so it remains crumbly.
- Shape the dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a rectangle. Fold and flatten the dough several times, then roll or press it out to about ½ to ¾ inch thickness.
- Cut biscuits and chill. Using a 2-3 inch diameter biscuit or glass cutter, cut the dough into 5-6 biscuits. Gather scraps and re-roll as needed. Place biscuits on the prepared tray or skillet, top each with a jalapeno slice if desired, then freeze for 10-15 minutes to help them hold their shape while baking.
- Brush and bake. Brush the biscuits with the remaining tablespoon of buttermilk. Bake for 20-23 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Finish with melted butter and serve. Remove the biscuits from the oven and brush generously with melted butter. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Substitutes: Use canned jalapenos and homemade buttermilk substitutes if fresh ingredients are unavailable.
- Storage: Store leftover biscuits tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Biscuits freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature and warm before serving.
- Recipe Tips: Always use cold butter and buttermilk to achieve tall, flaky biscuits. Avoid overworking the dough to prevent toughness. When cutting biscuits, do not twist the cutter to keep the edges from sealing and inhibiting rising.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-23 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American