Cheesy Bacon Cream Biscuits: Prepare to be utterly captivated by these unbelievably delicious, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits! Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy biscuit, infused with the smoky goodness of bacon and the rich, savory flavor of cheddar cheese. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.
Biscuits, in their simplest form, have been a staple in Southern cuisine for generations, often served alongside hearty breakfasts or comforting dinners. While the exact origins are debated, they represent resourcefulness and the ability to create something truly special from humble ingredients. My version takes this classic to a whole new level by incorporating two ingredients that elevate everything they touch: bacon and cheese!
What makes these Cheesy Bacon Cream Biscuits so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory and comforting. The bacon adds a delightful saltiness and crispy texture, while the cheddar cheese melts into every nook and cranny, creating pockets of cheesy goodness. The cream adds moisture and richness, ensuring a tender, never-dry biscuit. They are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, as a side dish, or simply enjoying them as a snack, these biscuits are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience biscuit perfection!
Ingredients:
- For the Biscuits:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 1/4 cups cold buttermilk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, plus more for topping
- For the Creamy Bacon Gravy:
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Biscuits:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for a consistent rise and flavor.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly to keep the butter cold!), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see some small pieces of butter – these will create flaky layers in the biscuits. Don’t overmix!
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Distribute them evenly throughout the flour mixture. This is where the magic happens, adding that cheesy, bacony goodness to every bite.
- Incorporate Buttermilk: Gradually pour in the cold buttermilk, stirring gently with a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this will result in tough biscuits. The dough should be slightly shaggy and sticky.
- Turn Out and Knead Lightly: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in half, then pat it back into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Repeat this folding and patting process 3-4 times. This creates layers and helps the biscuits rise tall. Don’t overwork the dough!
- Cut Out Biscuits: Using a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter (or a sharp knife), cut out the biscuits. Press straight down and avoid twisting the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly. Re-roll any scraps to cut out more biscuits, but keep in mind that these biscuits may not be as tender.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. For softer-sided biscuits, place them close together. For crispier sides, space them further apart.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the tops of the biscuits with additional shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. This adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Chill (Optional): For even taller biscuits, chill the baking sheet with the biscuits in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter stay cold and prevents the biscuits from spreading too much in the oven.
Baking the Biscuits:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the biscuits for optimal results.
- Bake: Bake the biscuits for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
- Cool Slightly: Let the biscuits cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
Making the Creamy Bacon Gravy:
- Cook the Bacon: In a medium saucepan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the saucepan with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Make a Roux: Add the flour to the bacon grease in the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, or until the flour is lightly browned. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
- Whisk in Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the gravy to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season and Add Cheese: Stir in the salt and pepper to taste. Then, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add Bacon: Stir in the cooked bacon, reserving a small amount for garnish.
Assembling and Serving:
- Split the Biscuits: Split the warm biscuits in half horizontally.
- Spoon on Gravy: Spoon a generous amount of the creamy bacon gravy over the bottom half of each biscuit.
- Top and Garnish: Top with the other half of the biscuit. Garnish with reserved crumbled bacon and chopped fresh chives, if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the cheesy bacon cream biscuits immediately while they are warm and the gravy is creamy. Enjoy!
Conclusion:
And there you have it! These Cheesy Bacon Cream Biscuits are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. From the satisfying sizzle of the bacon to the warm, comforting aroma filling your kitchen, every step of this recipe is designed to bring joy. But the real magic happens when you take that first bite – the flaky, buttery biscuit, the savory bacon, and the creamy, cheesy goodness all melting together in perfect harmony. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again.
Why are these biscuits a must-try? Because they’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. The ingredient list is short and sweet, and the steps are straightforward. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Need a quick and delicious breakfast? These biscuits are perfect. Looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish for dinner? Look no further. Want a savory snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee? These biscuits have you covered. They are the ultimate comfort food, elevated with the irresistible flavors of bacon and cheese.
But don’t just take my word for it! I encourage you to get into your kitchen and try this recipe for yourself. And while the recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
* Breakfast Bliss: Serve these biscuits warm with a fried egg and a drizzle of hot sauce for a truly decadent breakfast sandwich.
* Dinner Delight: Pair them with a hearty bowl of chili or soup for a comforting and satisfying meal.
* Snack Attack: Enjoy them on their own as a savory snack, or spread them with a little cream cheese or honey butter.
* Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, cheddar, or even a little bit of pepper jack would be delicious.
* Herb Infusion: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as chives, rosemary, or thyme, to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
* Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the dough will add a subtle kick.
* Sweet and Savory: Drizzle a little maple syrup over the warm biscuits for a delightful sweet and savory combination.
* Make it Mini: Use a smaller biscuit cutter to make mini biscuits, perfect for appetizers or party snacks.
The possibilities are endless! The beauty of this Cheesy Bacon Cream Biscuits recipe is that it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
I’m so confident that you’ll love these biscuits, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you come up with your own unique twist? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! I love seeing your creations and hearing your feedback. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Now go forth and bake some amazing biscuits!
Cheesy Bacon Cream Biscuits: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Flaky, cheesy biscuits smothered in a creamy, bacon-packed gravy. This is comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients
Instructions
Recipe Notes
- Keeping the butter cold is crucial for flaky biscuits.
- Don’t overmix the biscuit dough, or they will be tough.
- Chilling the biscuits before baking helps them rise taller.
- Adjust the salt and pepper in the gravy to your taste.
- For softer-sided biscuits, place them close together on the baking sheet. For crispier sides, space them further apart.