Ina Garten Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits

Ina Garten’s Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits are the kind of warm, savory treat that instantly makes any meal feel special. These golden, flaky biscuits are loaded with sharp cheddar and baked to tender perfection. The buttermilk adds tang and moisture, while cold butter creates that irresistible layered texture.

What Are Ina Garten’s Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits?

These biscuits combine flour, cold butter, buttermilk, and cheddar cheese to create soft, savory baked goods that are crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. Ina’s version keeps the ingredients simple and the technique easy, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Ina Garten Smashed Potatoes
• Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Dip
• Ina Garten Hollandaise Sauce

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits

• Flaky and buttery – Cold butter creates beautiful layers
• Loaded with sharp cheddar – Rich, cheesy flavor in every bite
• Easy to make at home – Requires basic ingredients and no mixer
• Perfect for any meal – From breakfast to dinner
• Freezer-friendly – Great to make ahead
• Customizable – Add herbs, spices, or other cheeses
• Comforting and crowd-pleasing – Always a hit at the table

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
• ½ cup cold buttermilk, shaken
• 1 extra-large egg
• 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
• Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped
• Extra buttermilk (for brushing tops)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits

Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cut in the butter

Add the diced cold butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Combine buttermilk and egg

In a separate small bowl, beat the egg with the ½ cup buttermilk.

Step 5: Mix wet and dry ingredients

Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour-butter mixture. Stir just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Fold in the cheese

Add the grated cheddar and optional herbs. Stir gently to incorporate.

Step 7: Roll and cut

Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat into a ¾-inch thick rectangle. Use a biscuit cutter or knife to cut into rounds or squares.

Step 8: Brush and bake

Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with extra buttermilk. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 9: Serve warm

Let cool slightly and serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite spread.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits

• Scrambled eggs or omelets – Ideal for a hearty breakfast
• Tomato soup or chicken noodle soup – Comfort food at its finest
• Grilled or roasted meats – Excellent with chicken, pork, or steak
• Fried chicken – A Southern-style favorite
• Butter and jam – Classic and simple
• Honey butter or garlic herb butter – Adds extra flavor
• Salads or vegetable sides – Balances out the richness

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits

• Keep the butter cold – Essential for flaky layers
• Do not overmix – Prevents tough biscuits
• Use sharp cheddar – For the best cheesy flavor
• Grate your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has added starches
• Pat, don’t roll, the dough – Helps keep the texture light
• Cut straight down – Twisting the cutter can seal edges and reduce rise
• Bake immediately after cutting – Cold dough rises best

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits

• Add jalapeños – For a spicy kick
• Use smoked cheddar or Gruyère – For deeper flavor
• Mix in cooked bacon or pancetta – For a meaty twist
• Sprinkle the tops with sea salt – Adds a bit of crunch
• Add garlic powder or onion powder – Boosts savory notes
• Stir in fresh herbs – Rosemary, thyme, or sage work well
• Top with more cheddar before baking – For a cheesy crust

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits

• Store in an airtight container – Up to 2 days at room temperature
• Refrigerate for longer shelf life – Up to 4 days
• Freeze unbaked biscuits – Place on a tray, freeze, then transfer to a bag
• Freeze baked biscuits – Reheat straight from frozen as needed
• Let cool before storing – Prevents soggy bottoms

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits

• Oven: 325°F for 10 minutes – Restores warmth and crisp edges
• Toaster oven works well – Especially for 1–2 biscuits
• Microwave: 15–20 seconds per biscuit – Quick but may soften texture
• Wrap in foil for softer texture – Or leave uncovered for crispness
• Add butter before reheating – For extra flavor and moisture

Nutritional Value (per biscuit, approx.)

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 390mg

A delicious balance of rich cheese and tender biscuit, perfect as a side or snack.

FAQs

Can Ina Garten buttermilk cheddar biscuits be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the biscuit dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked biscuits and bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added.

Why is cold butter important in biscuit recipes?

Cold butter creates steam as it melts in the oven, which helps form flaky layers. If the butter is too warm or melted, the biscuits will turn out dense and flat.

What cheese works best for buttermilk cheddar biscuits?

Sharp white cheddar is Ina Garten’s go-to, as it adds bold flavor without becoming greasy. Freshly grated cheese is recommended for better texture and melt.

Can I freeze Ina Garten’s cheddar biscuits?

Yes, both baked and unbaked biscuits freeze well. Freeze unbaked biscuits on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen at 425°F with 2–3 extra minutes.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits are the definition of cozy baking. They’re golden, cheesy, and impossibly tender—with just the right amount of tang from the buttermilk.

Try them once, and they might just become your new favorite biscuit recipe.

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