Biscuits are a staple of the American kitchen. There's nothing like this warm, flakey quick bread to accompany your favorite comfort foods, and every cook has his or her own tried-and-true recipe.
A good biscuit doesn't have to be exciting, but it should be anything but boring. What makes a biscuit boring? Tough or dry texture, lack of flavor and lack of color are all things that can leave dinner guests less than impressed and the breadbasket untouched. If you're concerned that your biscuits are a snooze, check out these four recipe ideas to liven them up. Be sure to make extra because they will disappear quickly!
Jalapeño Jack Biscuits
No one would call these spicy biscuits boring. They're the perfect complement to a hearty bowl of chili or a plate of huevos rancheros.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, thyme and paprika
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices, drained and diced
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and spices together in a large bowl. Use a fork to cut in the butter until the dough reaches a soft, crumbly texture. Stir in the milk, then fold in the jalapenos and cheese. Knead the dough a few times and roll it out to a half-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or drinking glass to cut out biscuits and place them two inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the biscuits turn golden brown.
Old Bay Cheddar Biscuits
Savory cheddar biscuits seasoned with Old Bay are a favorite at seafood restaurants. Enjoy them at home with this crowd-pleasing recipe that goes great with fish, shrimp and scallops.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups butter
- 1 3/4 cup milk
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups white cheddar, shredded
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Cut in 3/4 cup of butter until a dough with pea-sized lumps forms. Stir in the milk, cheese and 2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Drop dough by the spoonful onto a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 15-20 minutes until biscuits are light golden brown. While the biscuits are baking, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of butter. Stir the parsley and the rest of the garlic powder into the butter and brush on top of the biscuits as soon as they come out of the oven.
Magic Mayo Biscuits
Hate cutting shortening into the dough when you make biscuits? These simple, three-ingredient biscuits turn out extra light and fluffy without shortening. No one will ever guess that the secret is their favorite sandwich spread! Remember to use real mayonnaise, not salad dressing or reduced-fat products.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup real mayonnaise
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees while you mix the flour, milk and mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough by the spoonful onto a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
Chocolate Gravy
Biscuits are never boring when they're covered with smooth, sweet chocolate gravy. Jazz up a plain Biscuit recipe with this southern treat that's great for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa flour
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups milk
Instructions:
Whisk the sugar, flour, cocoa and salt together in a saucepan. Slowly add the milk while whisking over medium heat. Continue whisking until the gravy begins to bubble and thicken. Remove from heat and serve over biscuits.