These Bacon Cheddar Chive Biscuits are flaky, buttery, and packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh chives. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish, they come together in just 30 minutes. The cold butter ensures the perfect layers, and the buttermilk adds a delicious tangy flavor.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
- 20 ounces all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 6 ounces unsalted butter, cold, grated or cut into small pieces
- 12 ounces buttermilk, cold
- 8 pieces bacon, cooked and chopped (about ¼ cup)
- 6 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (about ¼ cup)
- 4 ounces cheese, shredded (cheddar or Colby jack)
- 2 ounces melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon flaky salt (optional, for topping)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 whole egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF and place the oven rack in the middle. Ensure your butter and buttermilk are cold.
- Prepare the egg wash by whisking the egg and water together until smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Incorporate butter: Grate the cold butter directly into the flour mixture. Toss to coat the butter evenly in the flour.
- Add mix-ins: Stir in the cooked bacon, chopped chives, and shredded cheese.
- Mix the dough: Make a well in the center and pour in the cold buttermilk. Using a fork or your hand, gently mix until no dry flour remains. The dough should be rough and shaggy.
- Laminate the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a rough rectangle. Fold it in half, press down, and repeat 4-5 times to create layers.
- Roll and cut: Roll the dough to 1-inch thickness. Use a sharp metal biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits, pressing straight down without twisting.
- Arrange on a baking sheet: Place biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving ¼-inch space between them.
- Apply egg wash: Brush only the tops of the biscuits with the egg wash.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through, until golden brown.
- Finish and serve: Immediately brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky salt. Serve warm!
Nutrients (Per Biscuit)
- Calories: 316 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 43mg
- Sodium: 587mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Calcium: 71mg
- Iron: 2mg
Enjoy these warm, buttery biscuits with your favorite breakfast spread or as a tasty snack! 🥓🧀🌿
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
One of the main reasons these biscuits stand out is their perfect blend of flavors. The smokiness of the bacon complements the sharpness of the cheddar cheese, while the chives add a slight onion-like freshness that balances the richness. The buttermilk not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the tenderness of the biscuits by adding a slight tang, which contrasts beautifully with the savory elements.
The Science Behind Flaky Biscuits
The key to achieving perfectly flaky biscuits is in the preparation of the dough. Using cold butter and buttermilk ensures that the fat does not melt too quickly, allowing for the creation of tender, well-defined layers. When the dough is folded multiple times (a technique known as lamination), it creates air pockets that result in a light and airy texture. Additionally, using a sharp biscuit cutter and pressing straight down (without twisting) helps maintain the structural integrity of the biscuits, preventing them from becoming dense.
Why Use Buttermilk?
Buttermilk is a crucial ingredient in these biscuits, contributing both to flavor and texture. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, helping the biscuits rise and become fluffy. It also adds a slight tanginess that enhances the richness of the butter and cheese. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes.
The Role of Bacon in These Biscuits
Bacon is not just an add-on in this recipe; it plays a significant role in enhancing the overall flavor profile. The crispy, salty bite of bacon adds depth and a contrast in texture to the soft, flaky layers of the biscuit. Using high-quality bacon ensures that the biscuits have a robust and smoky flavor. Some prefer to use thick-cut bacon for a more substantial texture, while others opt for a thinner cut for an even distribution of bacon bits throughout the dough.
Choosing the Right Cheese
Cheddar is the cheese of choice for these biscuits because of its bold flavor and excellent melting properties. However, variations like Colby Jack or sharp white cheddar can also be used for a different taste experience. The cheese not only provides a rich, creamy texture but also adds a slight crispness when it melts and bakes into the biscuit.
The Importance of Chives
Chives bring a fresh, subtle onion-like flavor to the biscuits without being overpowering. They add a bright, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the bacon and cheese. Fresh chives are ideal for this recipe, but if they are unavailable, dried chives can be used as an alternative. However, fresh chives provide the best flavor and visual appeal.
How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Chive Biscuits
These biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways. They are perfect on their own, slathered with butter or honey, or paired with eggs and sausage for a hearty breakfast. They also make a fantastic side dish for soups, stews, and chili, as their rich, savory flavor enhances the meal. Another creative way to enjoy them is by using them as a base for breakfast sandwiches, layering them with scrambled eggs, avocado, or even more bacon.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep the biscuits fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store them for a longer period, refrigerate them for up to a week. For even longer storage, these biscuits can be frozen. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This ensures that they retain their crispness and don’t become soggy.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about these biscuits is how easily they can be customized to fit different tastes. Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a more aromatic biscuit.
- Garlic and Parmesan: Substitute some of the cheddar cheese with Parmesan and add garlic powder for a robust flavor.
- Sweet and Savory: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over warm biscuits for a delightful contrast between sweet and salty.
The Perfect Occasion for These Biscuits
Bacon Cheddar Chive Biscuits are a great addition to any meal, making them perfect for a variety of occasions. They are an excellent choice for brunch gatherings, holiday dinners, or even casual weekend breakfasts. These biscuits are also a hit at potlucks and picnics because they are easy to transport and pair well with many dishes.
Conclusion
Bacon Cheddar Chive Biscuits are a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of crispy bacon, melty cheese, and fresh herbs packed into a flaky, buttery biscuit. Their easy preparation and incredible flavor make them a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or dinner sides. Whether served warm with butter, alongside a hearty meal, or customized with your favorite add-ins, these biscuits are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With their perfect balance of savory ingredients and tender texture, they are guaranteed to impress both family and friends.