There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked biscuits wafting through the kitchen, and these Pimento Cheese Biscuits are no exception. As the last of summer’s warmth gives way to cozy gatherings, I find myself reaching for this beloved Southern recipe that marries the creamy richness of pimento cheese with the soft, flaky goodness of biscuits.
Whether you’re aiming to impress at a potluck or simply want to elevate your breakfast routine, these delightful bites effortlessly blend rich flavors and an inviting texture that melts in your mouth. You might even discover that they become your go-to dish for those moments when you want to bring a bit of Southern charm to your table.
Ready to take a delicious journey into homemade comfort? Let’s dive into making these irresistible Pimento Cheese Biscuits!
Why Are Pimento Cheese Biscuits Irresistible?
Comforting Flavors: The warm, cheesy delight of pimento cheese paired with fluffy biscuits creates a flavor sensation that’s hard to beat.
Baking Simplicity: With just a few straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master these biscuits effortlessly.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for picnics, brunches, or family dinners, they are sure to please any crowd.
Versatile Pairing: Enjoy them warm with butter, or serve alongside chili for a delicious twist.
Easy Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance to enjoy fresh, warm biscuits whenever the craving hits.
Pimento Cheese Biscuits Ingredients
• Here’s everything you’ll need to create those melt-in-your-mouth Pimento Cheese Biscuits!
For the Biscuit Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the perfect structure for the biscuits; gluten-free flour can be a great substitute.
- Baking Powder – A crucial leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise to fluffy perfection; avoid substituting with baking soda without adjusting the recipe.
- Baking Soda – Works in tandem with baking powder for a light, airy texture; it’s essential for achieving that ideal biscuit height.
- Salt – Elevates the overall flavor; it’s a must for a well-balanced biscuit.
- White Granulated Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness; feel free to omit if you prefer a less sweet biscuit.
- Garlic Powder – Introduces a savory flavor boost; consider omitting for a milder profile.
- Cayenne Pepper – Brings a bit of heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- Butter (6 tablespoons) – Chilled butter creates that flaky texture we all love; grating it into the flour mixture yields the best results.
For the Cheesy Goodness
- Pimentos (1 jar, drained) – Infuse your biscuits with a distinct tangy flavor; swapping for roasted red peppers works in a pinch.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Delivers buttery richness; a milder cheese can be an alternative if you desire a softer taste.
For the Binding
- Buttermilk (1 1/4 cups) – The key to binding everything together while adding moisture; mix regular milk with vinegar for an easy buttermilk substitute.
For the Finishing Touch
- Smoky Paprika – An optional garnish that contributes additional flavor and beautiful color.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting these delightful Pimento Cheese Biscuits, making them the perfect addition to your breakfast table or gatherings!
How to Make Pimento Cheese Biscuits
-
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). This ensures a warm baking environment for those fluffy biscuits.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne until evenly combined. This forms the dry base of your biscuit dough.
-
Cut in Butter: Cut the very cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for that flaky texture!
-
Add Cheddar and Pimentos: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and drained pimentos until they’re well distributed throughout the mixture, adding that delicious cheesy, tangy flavor.
-
Combine Wet Ingredients: Gently mix in the buttermilk, stirring just until a cohesive dough forms. Don’t overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
-
Shape Biscuits: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuit shapes, placing them closely together on a baking sheet.
-
Prepare for Baking: Brush the tops of the biscuits with buttermilk or melted butter and sprinkle with smoky paprika for extra flavor before baking.
-
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
Optional: Drizzle warm biscuits with honey for a sweet touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Pimento Cheese Biscuits
- Use Cold Butter: The colder the butter, the flakier your biscuits will be. Grate it into the flour for the best texture!
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits. Mix just until combined for soft, fluffy Pimento Cheese Biscuits.
- Biscuit Cutter: Invest in a good biscuit cutter for uniform shapes and to minimize friction, which helps maintain that tender texture.
- Proper Baking Temp: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to achieve that golden brown crust; baking at the right temperature is crucial.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh pimentos and cheese for the best flavor; if using alternatives, ensure they complement the overall taste.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within a few days for the best taste.
Pimento Cheese Biscuit Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these delightful biscuits your own with these fun twists!
- Spicy Cheddar: Substitute sharp cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a flavorful kick that enhances the biscuits’ warmth.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs like chives or thyme to the dough for a fragrant boost. A hint of rosemary can work wonders, too!
- Whole-Wheat Twist: Use whole-wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and added health benefits. The biscuits will still be light and fluffy!
- Cheese Combo: Mix in some cream cheese along with the cheddar for a rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Cream cheese adds an incredible depth to the flavor.
- Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic powder for a more pronounced garlic flavor, or even roast garlic and mash it into the dough for a sweeter garlic taste.
- Sweet Touch: Incorporate a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the dough for a subtly sweet biscuit that pairs perfectly with savory dishes.
- Veggie Delight: Add diced jalapeños or bell peppers for a colorful and tasty burst while keeping things fun and vibrant in each bite.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or seeds, like toasted pecans or sunflower seeds, for an unexpected texture twist that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the biscuit.
Each variation opens up a world of flavor that makes these biscuits even more enjoyable!
What to Serve with Pimento Cheese Biscuits?
Create a delightful meal around these cheesy biscuits, offering comfort and flavors that make your heart sing.
- Savory Breakfast Sausage: Juicy, spicy sausage perfectly balances the creamy richness of the biscuits, making for a hearty breakfast experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing contrast to the biscuits’ warmth, vibrant fruits add color and sweetness to your meal.
- Creamy Grits: Smooth, buttery grits complement the texture of the biscuits and offer a classic Southern pairing that’s simply irresistible.
- Spicy Green Tomato Relish: The zingy flavors of this relish cut through the richness, providing a tangy kick that elevates your dish.
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken: For a filling brunch, serve these biscuits alongside crispy fried chicken for the ultimate Southern comfort feast.
- Honey Butter: A dollop of sweet honey butter drizzled over warm biscuits adds a delightful sweetness, making every bite feel indulgent.
- Cold Brew Coffee: Its smoothness and slight bitterness create a refreshing counterpart to the rich, cheesy biscuits, ensuring a balanced sip.
- Sweet Tea: An iconic Southern beverage, sweet tea’s cooling sweetness pairs beautifully with the warm, cheesy flavors of the biscuits.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: If you’re considering dessert, a warm cookie brings a familiar taste of home, rounding out a comforting Southern meal.
How to Store and Freeze Pimento Cheese Biscuits
Room Temperature: Store biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: For slightly longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container, but expect a firmer texture.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked biscuit dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: Reheat leftover biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, bringing back their delightful fluffy qualities.
Make Ahead Options
These Pimento Cheese Biscuits are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the biscuit dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all dry ingredients and cutting in the cold butter, then wrapping the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it. The shredded cheese and pimentos can also be prepared ahead, just keep them in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, just combine the wet and dry ingredients, shape the biscuits, and pop them in the oven for 12-15 minutes. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, fluffy biscuits with minimal effort, just as delicious as if they were made fresh!
Pimento Cheese Biscuits Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pimentos for my biscuits?
When choosing pimentos, look for vibrant, bright red peppers with minimal blemishes. Avoid jars with dark spots or excessive liquid, as this may affect the flavor and texture of your biscuits. If fresh pimentos aren’t available, roasted red peppers can serve as a great alternative!
What’s the best way to store Pimento Cheese Biscuits?
Store your biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. This ensures they maintain their soft texture. If you want them to last longer, seal them in a container and refrigerate for about 5 days, but keep in mind they will have a more firm texture when cold.
Can I freeze Pimento Cheese Biscuits?
Absolutely! For freezing, wrap unbaked biscuit dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just take them out and bake directly from the freezer, adding about 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
What should I do if my biscuit dough is too sticky?
If your dough is overly sticky, you can sprinkle a little extra flour onto the surface and gently fold the dough in it to help shape it without overmixing. Make sure to handle it gently to keep your biscuits light and fluffy; as they say, patience is key!
Are Pimento Cheese Biscuits suitable for those with gluten allergies?
You can make these biscuits gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but with the right blends, your biscuits will still come out delightful!
How do I prevent my biscuits from being tough?
To keep your Pimento Cheese Biscuits tender, avoid overmixing the dough after adding the wet ingredients. Additionally, make sure your butter is very cold when mixing and use a gentle hand. A biscuit cutter instead of a knife also helps reduce friction and maintain that fluffy texture!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pimento Cheese Biscuits Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne until evenly combined.
- Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and drained pimentos until well distributed.
- Gently mix in the buttermilk until a cohesive dough forms.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¾ to 1 inch thick, then cut out biscuit shapes.
- Brush the tops with buttermilk or melted butter and sprinkle with smoky paprika.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.