If you’re craving a snack that perfectly balances spicy kick with comforting cheesy goodness, this Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. Fluffy, buttery, and bursting with sharp cheddar flavor while delivering just the right amount of jalapeño heat, these biscuits are an irresistible treat any time of day. They’re crusty on the outside, tender on the inside, and make your house smell like pure homemade magic the moment they come out of the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to creating these tantalizing biscuits. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the flaky layers created by cold butter to the bold taste of sharp cheddar and the fiery brightness of fresh jalapeños.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives the biscuits structure and tenderness.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that makes the biscuits rise beautifully fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sharpness and heat.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth that complements the jalapeños.
- Cold butter: Crucial for flaky layers and rich, buttery taste—keep it chilled for the best texture.
- Fresh jalapeños: Minced for a punch of vibrant, spicy flavor throughout the biscuits.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives that irresistible, melty cheesiness and tangy depth.
- Eggs: Helps bind the dough and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
- Buttermilk: Provides acidity to react with baking powder, plus a smooth, rich tang.
- Buttermilk (for brushing): Keeps the biscuit tops glossy and encourages golden browning.
- Thin jalapeño slices (for topping): Adds a visual and flavorful pop of heat on top.
- Melted butter (for brushing): Brushed on warm biscuits to keep them soft and add extra indulgence.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled at the end for crunch and a burst of savory flavor.
How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to a hot 425°F (220°C). Place a cast iron skillet inside the oven to warm up as well; this helps the biscuits bake evenly and develop a gorgeous, crisp bottom crust. This initial step sets the stage for that perfect biscuit texture.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Cut in the cold butter by pinching it into the flour mixture with your fingers until the texture looks like coarse crumbs. This crucial step ensures the biscuits will be flaky and tender once baked.
Step 3: Mix Together the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk until frothy and well blended. Stir in the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese and minced jalapeños. This mixture brings all the bold, cheesy, and spicy flavors that define this Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits Recipe.
Step 4: Form the Biscuit Dough
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together using a fork or two knives, mixing just until combined—overmixing will make the biscuits tough. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable for shaping.
Step 5: Shape the Dough for Flakiness
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and press it into a flat rectangle. Fold the dough like an envelope—first horizontally, then vertically—and repeat 2-3 times. This folding creates layers that make the biscuits flaky. Roll it out to about 1 ½ inch thickness, ready for cutting.
Step 6: Cut and Arrange the Biscuits
Use a biscuit cutter to stamp out approximately 12 biscuits. Arrange them snugly in the preheated cast iron skillet. Brush the tops lightly with buttermilk, then place a thin slice of jalapeño atop each biscuit to hint at the spicy treasure inside.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the biscuits in the hot oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and irresistibly fragrant. The aroma alone will have you eagerly waiting to pull them out and enjoy.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch
Once baked, brush the warm biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. This final touch adds a luscious, savory finish with a little crunch that perfectly complements the soft interior.
How to Serve Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley sprinkled on top add a burst of color and fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the spicy cheddar base. A dollop of sour cream or a smear of honey butter can elevate the experience further, adding creaminess or a touch of sweetness.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair wonderfully with hearty soups, chili, or even a fresh garden salad. Their rich, spicy character complements dishes with robust flavors, making them an ideal side for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits Recipe into sliders by slicing open the warm biscuits and filling them with crispy bacon, avocado slices, or a fried egg for a gourmet twist. Alternatively, serve them stacked with melted cheese and jalapeño jelly for a fun appetizer or party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh enough to enjoy later without losing their wonderful texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked biscuits by arranging them on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, fresh homemade biscuits are always ready when you want them.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen biscuits in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Brushing with a tiny bit of butter before reheating helps refresh their moisture and brings back that freshly baked flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I control the spice level in this Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits Recipe?
Absolutely! Adjust the number of minced jalapeños to suit your heat preference and remove the seeds for a milder bite. Adding extra cheese can also mellow the heat while keeping bold flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
A quick substitute is to add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 2/3 cup of milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This simulates the tang and acidity buttermilk brings.
Why is cold butter important in biscuit dough?
Cold butter creates steam as it melts during baking, which forms flaky layers in the biscuit. Warm or melted butter results in a denser, less flaky texture.
Can I make these biscuits vegan or dairy-free?
While the classic recipe relies on dairy and eggs, you could experiment by using plant-based margarine, dairy-free cheese, and a flaxseed egg substitute. Just know that texture and flavor will vary from the traditional Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits Recipe.
What’s the best way to store already baked biscuits for freshness?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for short-term storage or freeze to preserve longer. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain their softness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved favorite on your recipe list. The blend of spicy jalapeños and sharp cheddar piled into fluffy, flaky biscuits creates a truly charming and scrumptious treat. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into making these unforgettable biscuits—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits are a flavorful and spicy twist on classic flaky biscuits. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, fresh jalapeños, and a touch of buttermilk, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack. Baked to golden perfection in a hot cast iron skillet, these biscuits offer a tender crumb with a delicious kick.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons cold butter
- 2 fresh jalapeños, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup buttermilk
- A splash of buttermilk (for brushing)
- 12 thin jalapeño slices (for topping)
- 1–2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a cast iron skillet inside to heat up as well. This ensures the skillet is hot for the biscuits to bake evenly with a crispy bottom.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the cold butter, then pinch and rub it into the flour mixture using your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized bits.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until frothy. Stir in the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese and the minced fresh jalapeños until evenly combined.
- Form the dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg and buttermilk mixture. Gently cut the mixture together with a fork or two knives, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently press it flat. Fold the dough like an envelope horizontally, then vertically, and repeat this folding 2-3 times to create flaky layers. Roll the dough out to about 1½ inches thick.
- Cut and arrange biscuits: Use a biscuit cutter to cut out about 12 biscuits from the dough. Carefully place the biscuits into the preheated cast iron skillet. Brush the tops with a splash of buttermilk and top each with a thin slice of jalapeño for an extra kick and attractive presentation.
- Bake the biscuits: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown on top and bottom.
- Finishing touch: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and brush the tops of the hot biscuits with melted butter. Finally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the biscuits to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Cold butter is crucial for flaky biscuits; keep it chilled until just before mixing.
- Folding the dough multiple times helps create flaky layers inside the biscuits.
- The cast iron skillet must be preheated to get a crispy biscuit bottom and even cooking.
- Adjust the number of jalapeños or jalapeño slices to control the spice level.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ⅔ cup milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
