Name: Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-495434H4M14S
Total time: PT-495434H4M14S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour (280 grams); 1 teaspoon sugar (4 grams); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon salt (4 grams); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 8 tablespoons butter, melted (113 grams); 3/4 cup milk (183 grams); 1/2 cup sourdough discard* (125 grams); 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 3 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing); 1 teaspoon dried parsley (for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 23 reviews

If you love biscuits that are rich, flaky, and packed with a punch of cheesy goodness, you are going to adore this Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits Recipe. These biscuits combine the tangy depth of sourdough discard with sharp cheddar cheese, resulting in a tender crumb that’s full of flavor and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or alongside a comforting dinner. Whether you’re new to baking with sourdough discard or a seasoned pro looking to transform your usual biscuit recipe, this one offers a delightful twist you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, filled with several ingredients before mixing. The base layer is white flour, covering most of the bowl's bottom. On top of the flour, there is a pool of golden honey with a shiny, sticky texture on the left side, and creamy white milk on the right side, both lying separately but close. A whisk with a wooden handle is partially inside the bowl, resting on the honey and milk section, ready to mix the ingredients. The overall scene is bright and clean, showing the start of a baking process photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is simple but plays an essential role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and aroma. From the flour that builds structure to the cheddar that adds richness, each item is carefully chosen to create biscuits that rise beautifully and taste divine.

2 cups all purpose flour: The foundation of your biscuits, providing the necessary structure and crumb.
1 teaspoon sugar: Just a touch to balance flavors and aid in browning.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the biscuits rise and achieve a tender texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Works with the baking soda for lightness and lift.
3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the cheese’s richness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note that complements the cheddar beautifully.
8 tablespoons melted butter: Infuses moisture and richness into the dough for tender, flaky layers.
3/4 cup milk: Binds the ingredients together and helps create that soft crumb.
1/2 cup sourdough discard: Adds subtle tang and improves texture with every bite.
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that brings a bold, melty punch of flavor.
3 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing): Makes the tops irresistibly golden and adds savory herb notes.
1 teaspoon dried parsley: Gives a fresh, visual pop and tasteful finish when brushed over the hot biscuits.

How to Make Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 400℉ and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your biscuits bake evenly and release easily from the pan once golden and puffed.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and seasoning, setting a flavorful base for the biscuits.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Cheese

To the dry mix, add the melted butter, sourdough discard, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until just combined — be careful not to overmix, as that can toughen the biscuits.

Step 4: Shape the Biscuits

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart so they have room to rise beautifully.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them as they develop a lovely golden brown top and a fluffy texture inside.

Step 6: Add the Final Touch

While the biscuits are in the oven, melt the remaining butter and mix in the dried parsley. As soon as the biscuits come out, brush the buttery mixture over the tops for a glossy, herb-kissed finish that adds aroma and flavor.

How to Serve Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits Recipe

The image shows a white plate with six golden, rough-textured biscuits stacked in a loose pile. Each biscuit has a slightly uneven, crispy surface with hints of melted cheese and bits of herbs, adding yellow and green spots across the warm tan color. The biscuits have a rustic, homemade look with some edges darker and more browned. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a white cloth is visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These biscuits are naturally flavorful but can be garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chives or a dash of smoked paprika to elevate their look and taste. A small pat of butter on top just before serving is always a crowd-pleaser.

Side Dishes

Pair your Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy chicken and wild rice. They also shine alongside breakfast favorites such as scrambled eggs, bacon, or a savory sausage gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, slice the biscuits horizontally and build mini breakfast sandwiches with eggs, avocado, and a slice of ham or bacon. Or serve warm biscuits with homemade honey butter or your favorite jam for a delightful snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store extra biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy without turning stale.

Freezing

These biscuits freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy your Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits Recipe any time without starting from scratch.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or leftover biscuits by warming them in the oven at 350℉ for 10 minutes or until heated through. To revive the freshly baked texture, you can lightly brush with butter before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, you can use active sourdough starter, but since it is more hydrated and active, you might want to reduce the milk slightly or expect a tangier flavor and different texture. Sourdough discard is preferred because it creates a mild tang without needing feeding.

What type of cheddar works best?

Sharp cheddar is ideal for this recipe as it provides a robust flavor that stands up to the sourdough tang. Mild cheddar can be used but will result in a less intense cheese taste.

Can I make these biscuits vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan cheese substitute. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Why do some biscuits come out dense?

Overmixing the dough or using too much liquid can make biscuits dense. Mixing just until combined and measuring ingredients carefully will help keep them light and fluffy.

Can I add herbs or spices to this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme and spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes can add an exciting twist to the biscuits. Just add them with the dry ingredients to distribute the flavors evenly.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits Recipe, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a beloved staple. The combination of that gentle sourdough tang, melty cheddar, and herb butter topping creates biscuits that are perfect for everyday meals or special gatherings. It’s a recipe that invites creativity, warmth, and comfort to your kitchen, so why not bake a batch today and share the joy with friends or family?