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Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 23 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes (quick version) or 8-24 hours fermentation plus 15-20 minutes baking (long-fermented version)
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Biscuits
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits combine the tangy flavor of sourdough discard with sharp cheddar cheese for a deliciously flaky and flavorful biscuit. Perfect for a quick bake or a longer fermented version, these biscuits are buttery, cheesy, and ideal as a snack or accompaniment to any meal.


Ingredients

Dry 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

Wet Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoons butter, melted (113 grams)
  • 3/4 cup milk (183 grams)
  • 1/2 cup sourdough discard* (125 grams)

Add-ins and Topping

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (for topping)


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400℉ (204℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder until evenly combined. This ensures the leavening agents and seasonings are distributed well.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients and Cheese: Pour in the melted butter, sourdough discard, milk, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until a consistent dough forms, incorporating all ingredients evenly.
  4. Scoop Onto Baking Sheet: Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to drop biscuit dough portions onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for rising during baking.
  5. Bake the Biscuits: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Prepare Topping Butter: While the biscuits bake, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and stir in the dried parsley to create a flavorful topping.
  7. Brush Biscuits: As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush the tops generously with the melted parsley butter using a pastry brush to add moisture, flavor, and a glossy finish.
  8. Long-Fermented Option – Combine and Rest: In a large bowl, mix flour, melted butter, sourdough discard, sugar, and milk until fully incorporated. Cover with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap and allow to sit at room temperature for 8 to 24 hours for fermentation.
  9. Next Day – Add Leavening and Cheese: After fermentation, preheat oven to 400℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment. To the fermented dough, add baking soda, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly.
  10. Scoop and Bake Fermented Dough: Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  11. Finish with Butter and Parsley: Repeat the butter and parsley brushing step to finish the long-fermented biscuits, enhancing flavor and appearance.

Notes

  • Using sourdough discard adds a pleasant tang and helps reduce waste from sourdough maintenance.
  • For best texture, use cold milk and melted butter at room temperature to combine.
  • The longer fermentation option develops deeper flavor and a more tender crumb but requires planning ahead.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor; mild cheddar can be substituted for a subtler taste.
  • You can store the baked biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Reheat biscuits gently in a low oven or toaster oven for best texture instead of using a microwave.