Leek and Cheese Biscuits
A Savory, Buttery Biscuit Recipe with a Flavorful Twist
If you love biscuits but want to take them up a notch, these Leek and Cheese Biscuits are for you! Buttery, flaky, and packed with the mild sweetness of sautéed leeks and the richness of cheese, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to soups and stews. With simple ingredients and an easy method, these biscuits will quickly become a favorite!
The Inspiration Behind These Biscuits
There’s something so comforting about homemade biscuits. Growing up, they were a weekend tradition in our house—warm from the oven, slathered with butter, and devoured before they even had a chance to cool. But one day, I had a surplus of leeks and some extra sharp cheddar in the fridge, and I decided to mix things up.
The result? The most incredible biscuits—fluffy, savory, and bursting with flavor. The leeks add a delicate, almost caramelized onion-like sweetness, while the cheese gives them a satisfying, salty bite. Whether served alongside a hearty meal or enjoyed on their own, these biscuits are a game-changer!
Ingredient Notes
- Leeks – Their mild onion-like flavor pairs beautifully with the buttery biscuit base.
- Cheese – Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but Gruyère or Parmesan would also be fantastic.
- Flour – All-purpose flour keeps these biscuits tender and fluffy.
- Butter – Cold, cubed butter ensures the biscuits turn out flaky.
- Baking Powder – Gives the biscuits their signature rise.
- Milk or Buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tang for flavor depth.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap cheddar for Gouda or Swiss for a different cheesy twist.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Try scallions instead of leeks for a sharper, more pronounced onion flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Leeks – Slice the leeks thinly and sauté them in a little butter until soft and fragrant. Let them cool.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Cut in the Butter – Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Cheese and Leeks – Stir in the grated cheese and cooled leeks until evenly distributed.
- Form the Dough – Gradually add milk or buttermilk, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Cut the Biscuits – Roll out the dough and cut into rounds or squares.
- Bake – Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Serve – Enjoy warm with butter, honey, or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-savory balance.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Keep Ingredients Cold – Cold butter and milk ensure the biscuits are flaky.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough – Mix until just combined to avoid tough biscuits.
- Use a Hot Oven – A high baking temperature helps the biscuits rise quickly and develop a crisp golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter or a spread of herb cream cheese.
- Pair with a bowl of soup or stew for a cozy meal.
- Use as a base for a savory breakfast sandwich with eggs and bacon.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked biscuits and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can refrigerate the dough overnight and bake the next day.
What’s the best cheese to use? Sharp cheddar is a great choice, but Gruyère or Parmesan work well too.
Can I make these without dairy? Yes! Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version.
Try These Flavorful Biscuits!
These Leek and Cheese Biscuits are buttery, savory, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a side dish or on their own, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen. If you try them, let me know how they turned out in the comments!
PrintLeek and Cheese Biscuits
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 biscuits 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Leek and Cheese Biscuits are a savory, buttery delight! Packed with the mild sweetness of sautéed leeks and the richness of sharp cheddar, they’re flaky, tender, and full of flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for soups and stews, these biscuits are easy to make and impossible to resist!
Ingredients
- Leeks: 1 cup, thinly sliced
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), cold and cubed
- Cheese: 1 cup sharp cheddar (or Gruyère), shredded
- Flour: 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Baking Powder: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Milk or Buttermilk: 3/4 cup
- Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for extra depth)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (for a subtle smoky kick)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Leeks
- Slice leeks thinly and sauté in 1 tbsp butter over medium heat until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the Butter
- Add cold cubed butter to the flour mixture.
- Use a pastry cutter (or your hands) to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Cheese and Leeks
- Stir in the grated cheese and cooled leeks, distributing them evenly.
5. Form the Dough
- Gradually add milk or buttermilk, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Shape and Cut
- Roll out dough to ¾-inch thickness and cut into rounds or squares.
7. Bake
- Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or hot honey for a sweet-savory twist.
Notes
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and milk make flakier biscuits.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
- Customize the Cheese: Try Gouda, Swiss, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked biscuits and bake from frozen when needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg