Tea biscuits are one of those comfort foods for me. Some of my best memories of childhood revolve around food.
I always remember my mom whipping up a batch of biscuits a Saturday evening. They were a favorite of my dad, and we got to enjoy them warm from the oven slathered with butter and homemade strawberry jam.
These cheese tea biscuits are loaded with sharp cheddar cheese. They rise up so high and fluffy. I have served these in the cold of winter, warm from the oven with a steaming bowl of hot chili.
I vaguely remember actually watching my mom make them (eating them comes to mind clearly though!), but I do remember thinking they were rather complicated and it seemed to take forever.
Now that I make them myself I cannot believe how easy and quick they are to whip up. Start to finish takes only about 20 minutes and about 15 of that is baking!
Now that I am older and more refined I still love them smothered in butter, but am equally partial to balsamic strawberry jam or apple jelly!
Which reminds me. Have you ever tried apple pie with a really good piece of aged cheddar? Yum!
A few prep tips that I find make for a fool-proof batch:
- Do not over work the dough – just mix till moist and knead 7 to 8 times
- Don’t use a rolling pin, just pat the dough out into a rectangle
- Use a biscuit cutter for perfect rounds every time
- Line your baking sheet with parchment or other non-stick sheeting
- Don’t forget to brush the tops with milk or cream before baking
- Try if you can to enjoy hot from the oven, otherwise 20 seconds in the microwave is all that is needed to reheat
And don’t skimp on the butter!
Other Biscuit Recipes to try
Easy Sour Cream Drop Biscuits
The Best English Scone Recipe
Until next time…
The Very Best Cheddar Cheese Tea Biscuits
Classic Cheddar Cheese Tea Biscuits that rise high and are so light and fluffy on the inside.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons shortening, chilled
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees, and line baking sheet with parchment paper
- Whisk the flour and baking powder together
- Rub shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles course crumbs
- Dissolve the sugar and salt into the beaten eggs and milk, whisking until sugar is dissolved
- Add liquid to flour mixture all at once, and using a wooden spoon or spatula mix only until the mixture comes together. Dough will be sticky and wet.
- Turn the dough out onto a well floured and surface and sprinkle with the shredded cheese. Work dough gently until dry and cheese is combined. Add flour as needed. Do not overwork the dough.
- Knead 8 to 10 times and then sit aside to allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Roll out on a floured surface to about 2 cm thickness. Cut into 12 circles with a 3" biscuit cutter, place on parchment lined baking sheet
- Brush with milk and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
Laura Jane says
Those look delicious! I’m definitely going to try them. I love your baking series.
Maureen says
Thank you!
Scott says
I am going to try the cheese tea biscuit recipe but also add bacon bits too
Maureen says
That sounds yummy! I might have to try that myself 🙂
Scott says
I will let ya know how this turns out
Sarah says
I made these last night for my Boyfriend and he LOVED them!! I would add a little bit more cheese next time, only cause I really like cheese lol
This recipe was great, thank you for sharing!
Maureen says
So glad they were a hit! I am with you on the extra cheese too 🙂
Dorita Darlene Foggo-Rogers says
I’m catering a tea and sandwich luncheon are these good for a tea party?
I live in Bermuda.
Maureen says
Oh indeed they would!! I might make them slightly smaller though, as these ones are quite large!
Ellen says
Biscuits are one of my favorite things and these look amazing!
Michaela says
If i wanted to use butter instead of shortening how much would you say to use?
Maureen says
Hi Michaela! In our baking class we actually often used shortening instead of butter using the same amounts!
Jan says
OH.. this is my next recipe to try!!! No kidding! Can’t wait! THanks for sharing at Celebrate 365 Blog Party’s Brunch Week Link up!