Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits: A Flavorful Treat

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about a freshly baked biscuit. The aroma wafting through the kitchen, the soft, flaky texture, and the warm, buttery taste—it’s pure bliss. When I first made these Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits, I knew they would quickly become a family favorite. The combination of spicy jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese elevates the humble biscuit to something extraordinary. My family couldn’t get enough, and they were gone before I knew it! Whether served as a side dish, a snack, or even a breakfast treat, these biscuits are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 6 tablespoons cold butter
• 2 fresh jalapeños, minced
• 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs
• ⅔ cup buttermilk

Optional Extras:

• 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:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a cast iron skillet in the oven to preheat as well.

Prepare the dry ingredients: 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. 3. Add the cold butter and pinch it into the flour mixture using your hands until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Be sure not to overwork the butter.

Mix the wet ingredients: 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until frothy. 5. Add the grated cheddar cheese and minced jalapeños to the egg mixture, and stir to combine.

Form the dough: 6. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg and buttermilk mixture. 7. Use a fork or two knives to gently cut the mixture together until just combined.

Shape the dough: 8. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently press it flat. 9. Fold the dough like an envelope (horizontally, then vertically), repeating this 2-3 times to create layers. 10. Roll the dough out to about 1 ½ inch thickness.

Cut and arrange biscuits: 11. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out about 12 biscuits. 12. Arrange the biscuits in the preheated cast iron skillet. 13. Brush the tops of the biscuits with a little buttermilk, and place a slice of jalapeño on each biscuit if desired.

Bake the biscuits: 14. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.

Finishing touch: 15. After removing from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Serve and Enjoy: 16. Serve these Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits warm as a side dish or a snack. The combination of sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and flaky, buttery biscuit dough makes for a savory, irresistible treat!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 biscuits
• Calories per Serving: 220
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm as a side to your favorite soup or salad.
• Pair with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.
• Enjoy as a snack with butter or cream cheese.
• Serve alongside eggs for a hearty breakfast.
• Great for brunch gatherings or family get-togethers.

Additional Tips

1. Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is cold; this helps create flaky layers in the biscuits.
2. Jalapeño Heat: For less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before mincing.
3. Cheese Variations: Try using pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy flavor.
4. Flouring Surface: Use plenty of flour on your work surface to prevent sticking when rolling out the dough.
5. Biscuit Cutter: Use a sharp biscuit cutter to ensure clean cuts and a fluffy texture.

Recipe Variations

• Cheddar and Chive: Substitute jalapeños with chopped fresh chives for a milder flavor.
• Herbed Biscuits: Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dry ingredients for an aromatic twist.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these biscuits gluten-free.
• Sweet Variation: Add a tablespoon of honey to the buttermilk mixture for a sweet and savory biscuit.
• Stuffed Biscuits: Add crumbled bacon or ham along with cheese for a heartier version.

Serving Suggestions

• With Soup: Serve with a bowl of chili or chicken soup for a complete meal.
• Brunch Buffet: Include in a brunch spread alongside muffins, scones, and fruit.
• Snack Board: Add to a charcuterie board with various cheeses, meats, and pickles.
• Pair with Eggs: Enjoy with scrambled or fried eggs for a filling breakfast.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, salsa, or garlic butter for added flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Allow biscuits to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   • Yes, feel free to use any cheese you prefer, such as gouda or Monterey Jack.
2. How do I know when the biscuits are done?
   • They should be golden brown on top and baked through. You can test with a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
   • You can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.
5. How can I reheat the biscuits?
   • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
6. Are these biscuits spicy?
   • They have a mild to moderate spice level; you can adjust the jalapeño quantity to suit your taste.
7. Can I add more jalapeños?
   • Absolutely! Add more for extra heat, but be cautious not to overpower the flavor.
8. Do these biscuits freeze well?
   • Yes, they freeze well. Just make sure they are properly stored to prevent freezer burn.
9. What’s the best way to serve these biscuits?
   • They are best served warm, straight out of the oven, with butter or your favorite spread.
10. Can I make them ahead for a party?

• Yes, you can prepare the dough and bake them fresh just before serving for the best taste.

Conclusion

Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits are more than just a side dish; they’re a flavorful experience that can elevate any meal. Their crispy exterior, combined with the creamy, cheesy, and spicy filling, makes them an irresistible addition to your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, serving dinner, or just enjoying a snack, these biscuits are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for a delicious baking adventure that will delight your taste buds and warm your home!

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