If you’re a sourdough baker, you probably hate throwing away your starter discard. Good news—these sourdough cheddar biscuits are one of the most delicious ways to use it up! They’re soft, fluffy, buttery, and loaded with sharp cheddar cheese. The tangy sourdough flavor pairs perfectly with the rich cheese, creating biscuits that taste like they came straight from a cozy bakery.
This recipe is perfect when you want quick sourdough bread without a long fermentation. Unlike traditional sourdough loaves that require hours of proofing, these biscuits come together in about 30 minutes. That means you can whip them up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner anytime.
Imagine pulling a tray of golden biscuits from the oven—crispy edges, soft centers, and melted cheddar bubbling on top. Serve them warm with butter, honey, or alongside soups and stews. They’re especially amazing with chili or creamy soups.
Let’s get baking!
Part 1: Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits
1. Perfect Use for Sourdough Discard
Every sourdough baker ends up with extra discard. Instead of tossing it, these biscuits transform it into something incredible. The discard adds a subtle tang and improves the biscuit texture.
2. Quick and Easy Recipe
Unlike traditional sourdough bread recipes that require long fermentation times, these biscuits are ready fast. From mixing the dough to pulling them from the oven takes less than half an hour.
3. Incredibly Fluffy Texture
The secret to fluffy biscuits is cold butter and gentle mixing. Small pockets of butter melt during baking, creating steam that lifts the dough and forms those irresistible flaky layers.
4. Loaded with Cheddar Flavor
Sharp cheddar cheese gives these biscuits bold flavor. As they bake, the cheese melts into the dough and forms crispy golden bits on top.
5. Perfect for Any Meal
These biscuits are incredibly versatile:
🍳 Breakfast sandwich biscuits
🥣 Side for soups and stews
🍗 Pair with fried chicken
🥗 Serve with salads
🍯 Enjoy with honey butter
They’re even delicious all by themselves!
Tips for Perfect Biscuits Every Time
Use Cold Butter
Cold butter is the key to flaky layers. If the butter melts before baking, the biscuits won’t rise properly.
Don’t Overmix
Overmixing makes biscuits dense instead of fluffy. Stir just until the dough comes together.
Use Sharp Cheddar
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. Mild cheddar works, but the taste won’t be as bold.
Bake in a Hot Oven
High heat helps the biscuits rise quickly and develop golden tops.
Flavor Variations
Want to customize your biscuits? Try these delicious add-ins:
🌿 Garlic Cheddar Biscuits – Add garlic powder and brush with garlic butter
🌶 Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits – Mix in diced jalapeños
🥓 Bacon Cheddar Biscuits – Add crispy bacon bits
🌱 Herb Cheddar Biscuits – Add fresh chives or parsley
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze
Freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months.
Reheat
Warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes.
They taste almost freshly baked again!
Best Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits
Description:
These fluffy sourdough cheddar biscuits are buttery, tender, and packed with sharp cheddar cheese. A perfect way to use sourdough discard, they bake up golden and delicious in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
18 minutes
Total Time
28 minutes
Servings
10–12 biscuits
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- ¼ cup milk or buttermilk
Optional Garlic Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- flour
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
- garlic powder
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the sourdough discard and milk. Mix gently until a soft dough forms.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut biscuits.
Step 7: Bake
Place biscuits on the baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 8: Add Garlic Butter (Optional)
Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush over the warm biscuits.
Nutrition Information (Per Biscuit)
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
