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Recipe: Herbed Cream Cheese Biscuits

Makes to 12-16 biscuits
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: About 30-35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (11g) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons (7g) fresh chives, chopped, or 2 tablespoons (4g) dried
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried
• 1 cup (113g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, cold and cubed
• 1 cup (240ml) milk, divided

Instructions

Prepare for Baking:

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

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a food processor or large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, chives, thyme, and cheddar cheese.

Incorporate Fats:

Add cubed butter and cream cheese. Pulse in a food processor or cut in using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pieces of butter and cream cheese.

Form the Dough:

Gradually add 3/4 cup milk, mixing just until the dough comes together. Add an additional 1-2 tablespoons milk if the dough is too dry.

Shape and Cut:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead a few times and pat into an 8-inch square about 3/4-inch thick. Cut into 2-4 inch squares or rounds with a floured biscuit cutter.

Bake:

Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a mixture of beaten egg and any remaining milk.

Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.

Serve and Store:

Enjoy warm or at room temperature. Store leftover biscuits wrapped at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for up to a month.

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Notes:

Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or manchego for a twist.

No time? Refrigerate cut-out biscuits and bake later.

For an extra cheesy experience, add chunks of cheese to the dough.

Serve with butter for a heavenly treat.

These biscuits are a beautiful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and aromatic herbs, making them the perfect breakfast or dinner side.

Enjoy!

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For the foodies: the origin story of herbed biscuits

Herbed cream cheese biscuits are a variation of traditional biscuits that incorporate the rich flavor and creamy texture of cream cheese and the aromatic freshness of herbs. While the exact origin of herbed cream cheese biscuits isn’t well-documented, they are a modern twist on classic Southern American biscuits, which have a deep-rooted history in American cuisine.

The Southern biscuit itself is a derivative of the British and European plain bread rolls and hardtack. Biscuits became a staple in the Southern United States due to the region’s perfect climate for growing soft wheat, which produces a tender, soft flour ideal for biscuit-making. Over time, as ingredients became more readily available and as cooking trends evolved, variations such as the addition of cream cheese and herbs emerged to enhance the traditional recipes.

Cream cheese adds moisture and fat, which results in a softer texture and richer flavor compared to standard biscuits. Herbs, whether fresh or dried, like chives, thyme, or rosemary, infuse the biscuits with layers of flavor, making them more versatile and suitable for both savory settings and meals.

These biscuits likely became popular as a creative adaptation in home kitchens or by chefs looking to elevate the humble biscuit into something a bit more gourmet while retaining its comforting, homey appeal. They exemplify how traditional recipes can be adapted with new ingredients and flavors to suit contemporary tastes and culinary trends.