Why You’ll Love Savory Parmesan Cheese Biscuits Recipe
These biscuits strike the perfect balance between comforting and impressive. The Parmesan adds a deep, salty richness that makes them taste extra special, while the buttermilk keeps the texture tender and light. The folding and stacking method creates beautiful flaky layers, giving each biscuit a bakery-style finish. They are also versatile enough to serve alongside eggs, roasted meats, soups, or simply warm with butter.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 1/2 sticks (6 oz) cold unsalted butter, cubed
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4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the biscuit cutter
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar
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1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1 teaspoon freshly ground black or white pepper
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1/4 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 cup minced fresh chives or scallions
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1 1/2 cups cold whole-milk buttermilk
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2 tablespoons (1 oz) unsalted butter, melted
Directions
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Place the cubed butter in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, Parmesan cheese, baking powder, sugar, salt, pepper, and baking soda.
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Add the cold butter and toss to coat the pieces in flour. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until the butter pieces range from pea-size to almond-size.
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Stir in the minced chives or scallions.
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Pour in the cold buttermilk and fold the mixture together with a silicone spatula until the dough is mostly combined but still a little crumbly.
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Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and pat it into a 1-inch-thick square.
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Using a bench scraper or large knife, fold the dough in half like a book. Cut the dough in half and stack the two halves on top of each other. Pat it back into a 1-inch-thick square. Repeat this folding, stacking, and patting process three more times to create flaky layers.
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Dip a 3 1/2-inch round biscuit cutter in flour and cut out the biscuits. Reroll the scraps and cut more biscuits as needed.
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Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Freeze for 10 minutes or refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Brush the tops of the chilled biscuits with melted butter. Sprinkle lightly with flaky salt if desired.
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Bake for 18 to 23 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the sides are beautifully flaky.
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Serve warm with butter.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Timing breakdown:
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Chill time: 20 minutes
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Bake time: 18 to 23 minutes
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Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
You can easily customize these biscuits to suit different meals and flavors. Add shredded sharp cheddar for an even cheesier biscuit, or swap the chives for finely sliced scallions for a slightly stronger onion flavor. A pinch of garlic powder or cayenne can give the biscuits extra depth and warmth. For a more herb-forward version, mix in fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary. You can also make smaller biscuits for party baskets or brunch spreads.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat, place the biscuits in a 300°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds, though the oven does a better job of keeping the exterior lightly crisp.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan is best because it melts and blends more evenly into the dough. Pre-shredded cheese can work, but the texture may be slightly different.
Why does the butter need to be very cold?
Cold butter is essential for flaky biscuits. As the butter melts in the oven, it creates steam, which helps form those tender layers.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. You can cut the biscuits and refrigerate them before baking for several hours, or freeze them and bake later.
What if I do not have buttermilk?
You can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. The flavor will be slightly different, but it still works.
Can I use a smaller biscuit cutter?
Yes. A smaller cutter will give you more biscuits and reduce the baking time slightly, so watch them closely in the oven.
Why is my dough crumbly?
This dough is supposed to look a little shaggy and crumbly before it comes together. The folding and pressing process helps it form without overmixing.
How do I keep the biscuits from becoming tough?
Avoid overworking the dough. Mix just until combined and handle it gently during the folding and cutting steps.
Can I freeze the unbaked biscuits?
Yes. Freeze the cut biscuits on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with Parmesan biscuits?
They pair well with soups, stews, eggs, roasted chicken, holiday meals, or a simple spread of butter.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Yes. Crispy cooked bacon bits, extra herbs, or a little shredded cheddar can all be added for a different twist.
Conclusion
Savory Parmesan cheese biscuits are a simple but impressive bake that delivers rich flavor and irresistible flaky layers in every bite. Whether you serve them at brunch, alongside dinner, or as a warm snack with butter, they are sure to become a favorite recipe you will return to again and again.
Savory Parmesan Cheese Biscuits
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Flaky, buttery biscuits packed with savory Parmesan and fresh chives, perfect as a side or snack. These tender biscuits have a crisp golden top and rich, cheesy flavor.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 sticks (6 oz) cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for the biscuit cutter)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black or white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup minced fresh chives or scallions
- 1 1/2 cups cold whole-milk buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz) unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Place the cubed butter in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, Parmesan cheese, baking powder, sugar, salt, pepper, and baking soda.
- Add the chilled butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingers until pieces are pea- to almond-sized.
- Stir in the chives.
- Add the buttermilk and gently fold until the dough is mostly combined but still crumbly. Turn onto a surface and pat into a 1-inch-thick square.
- Fold the dough in half, cut and stack the halves, then pat back into a square. Repeat folding and stacking three more times.
- Cut biscuits using a floured 3 1/2-inch round cutter. Reroll scraps as needed.
- Place biscuits on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart and chill for 10 minutes in the freezer or 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Brush biscuits with melted butter and bake for 18 to 23 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
- Serve warm with butter.
Notes
- Use very cold butter to achieve flaky layers.
- A smaller cutter can be used for more, smaller biscuits.
- Freeze unbaked biscuits for later and bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes.
- Best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg