This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

These small batch Cheddar Biscuits are soft, buttery, and packed with cheese. Topped with a savory garlic butter, they’re the perfect addition to any meal and come together in just 20 minutes.

four cheddar biscuits in a bread basket.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples.
  • Small Batch: Makes just 4 biscuits.
  • Cheesy & Flavorful: Packed with sharp Cheddar.
  • Savory Topping: Brushed with a rich garlic butter finish.

I absolutely love how these Cheddar Biscuits come together so quickly and deliver big flavor in every bite. They’re soft, rich, and buttery with just the right amount of cheese, and that garlic butter topping takes them over the top.

If you love biscuits as much as I do, be sure to check out our other favorites – classic fluffy small batch drop biscuits, savory garlic and rosemary small batch buttermilk biscuits, our rich butter swim biscuits recipe, and a hearty biscuit and gravy for one. Each one brings something special to the table.

joanie's signature.
Save This Recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get weekly recipes from us – all for free.

Ingredients

cheddar biscuits ingredients on a kitchen counter.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch cheese biscuit recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a tender texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the biscuits rise. Be sure it’s fresh for the best lift.
  • Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavor of the butter and cheese.
  • Cold Butter: Cold butter creates steam during baking for light, fluffy layers.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft biscuit. Whole, reduced-fat, or skim milk all work.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp Cheddar adds bold flavor. Swap with Gouda or Pepper Jack if preferred. Try extra cheese in small batch Twice Baked Potato Casserole or Stuffed Peppers for one.
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings color and freshness. Use leftover parsley in small batch Tabbouleh, small batch Crab Cakes, or Chicken Margherita for one.
  • Garlic Butter Topping: A flavorful mix of melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning for a savory finish.

Recipe Variations

Customize your cheddar biscuits with these simple, flavorful additions:

  • Bacon Cheddar: Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, savory boost.
  • Jalapeño Cheddar: Mix in finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
  • Herb Cheddar: Stir in fresh rosemary, thyme, or dill for extra flavor and aroma.
  • Onion Cheddar: Add chopped green onions or chives for a mild onion taste and color.
  • Cheddar Pesto: Swirl in a spoonful of pesto for an herby flavor and vibrant green streaks.

How To Make Cheddar Biscuits

These photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of cheddar biscuits. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

Before You Begin: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt.
  2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry blender to mix until the texture is like coarse sand.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk, then gently fold in the cheese and parsley. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix.
  4. Shape Biscuits: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
four photos showing how to make cheddar biscuit dough in a mixing bowl.
  1. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown.
  2. Make Garlic Butter: While the biscuits bake, stir together melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
brushing garlic butter over the tops of cheese biscuits on a baking sheet.

Expert Tips

  • Use Cold Butter: Cold, diced butter creates steam as it melts, making the biscuits light and tender.
  • Mix Gently: Stir just until combined to avoid tough biscuits.
  • Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that affect melting.
  • Bake in the Center: Use the middle oven rack for even baking.

Serving Suggestions

Cheddar Biscuits pair well with many dishes. Here are some favorite ways to enjoy them:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the biscuit dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just double all ingredients and follow the same instructions.

How do I store leftover biscuits?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

How do I reheat the biscuits?

Warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this cheddar bay biscuit recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you’ve tried this copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuit recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!


Cooking For One Made Easy
Because you’re worth it

Small Batch Cheddar Biscuits

5 from 7 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 biscuits
These small batch cheddar biscuits are soft, buttery, and filled with sharp Cheddar and fresh parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy recipe makes 4 flavorful biscuits—perfect for a quick side dish or snack.

Equipment

Ingredients  

For the Cheddar Biscuits

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons cold salted butter -cut into ¼ inch pieces
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 tablespoons chopped parsley

For the Topping

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter -melted
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoon Italian seasoning
Save this Recipe!
Get this recipe sent to your inbox, plus get FREE weekly recipes.

Instructions 

Make the Cheddar Biscuits

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and garlic powder.
  • Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry blender to mix until the texture is like coarse sand.
  • Stir in the milk, then gently fold in the cheese and parsley. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix.
  • Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown.

Make the Topping

  • While the biscuits bake, stir together melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  • Let biscuits cool for a few minutes, then brush with garlic butter and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use Cold Butter: Cold, diced butter creates steam as it melts, making the biscuits light and tender.
  • Mix Gently: Stir just until combined to avoid tough biscuits.
  • Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that affect melting.
  • Bake in the Center: Use the middle oven rack for even baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1biscuit, Calories: 285kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 23mg, Sodium: 568mg, Potassium: 99mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 379IU, Calcium: 206mg, Iron: 2mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Promotional cover of 2 Week Meal Plan for One eBook.

Unlock Your FREE eBook Now: 2 Week Meal Plan Designed Just For One!

Welcome!

I’m Joanie, chef, author of The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook, and creator of One Dish Kitchen. With 10+ years of experience developing single serving and small batch recipes, I’m passionate about making cooking for one simple and enjoyable. So glad you’re here!

Red 5-inch square baking dish with One Dish Kitchen branded paper sleeve around it.

Make 100+ Recipes With This Dish!

Ideal for home chefs, this individual square ceramic baking dish is safe for oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Simple to use & easy to clean!

Clean Living

Check out our Clean Living page, where I share my journey to a cleaner, toxin-free lifestyle and products I use everyday.

5 from 7 votes

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




23 Comments

  1. K says:

    Great recipe. Tender and flavorful. Thank you Joanie!! 🥰 I love your recipes and website.

  2. Twila says:

    I thought I would try this again since everything else I’ve tried on your website is wonderful. I bought all new flour because I think that was why my biscuits were tasting like flour. The flour was too old. So upon trying in the once again they’re perfect. I mixed until just combined. Your directions are perfect thank you so much and I’m glad I tried them a second time.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Wonderful! I’m so happy to know you are enjoying our recipes. Thank you so much for your feedback.