Cheesy Sourdough Biscuits

Flaky, tender biscuits layered with sharp cheddar and subtle sourdough tang — these golden beauties are quick to make and deeply satisfying to eat.

At a Glance

  • Loaf Style: Quick bake (no yeast proofing)

  • Skill Level: Beginner-friendly

  • Total Time: ~45 minutes

  • Prep Time: ~15 minutes

  • Yield: 8 biscuits

  • Hydration: N/A

  • Bake Temp: 425°F / 220°C

  • Baking Vessel: Baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 200g all-purpose flour

  • 8g (2 tsp) baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp fine sea salt

  • 115g cold unsalted butter, cubed

  • 100g sourdough discard (unfed)

  • 100g buttermilk (plus 1–2 tbsp more if needed)

  • 100g sharp cheddar cheese, grated

  • Optional: pinch of cayenne or paprika for warmth

Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients
1. Preheat oven to 425°F / 220°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional spices.

Cut in the Butter
3. Add cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until it forms coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.

Add Discard and Cheese
4. Add sourdough discard, buttermilk, and grated cheese. Stir gently until a shaggy dough forms. If too dry, add a touch more buttermilk.
5. Turn out onto a floured surface and gently bring the dough together. Do not overwork.

Layer the Dough
6. For extra flakiness: pat dough into a rectangle, fold it into thirds like a letter, then rotate and repeat once more.
7. Pat or roll out to ~1 inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or glass.

Bake
8. Place biscuits on the prepared sheet, slightly spaced apart for crustier sides, or touching for soft sides.
9. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until deeply golden on top and bottom.

Visual Cues

  • Biscuits should be well-risen with defined layers and golden cheese peeking through.

  • Inside should be soft, fluffy, and richly aromatic with warm cheddar notes.

Why This Works

The sourdough discard adds acidity that boosts the rise and lends complexity. Cold butter ensures flaky layers, while cheddar adds depth and richness. These are no-fuss, comfort-filled biscuits — simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile.

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