There’s something truly enchanting about walking into a kitchen and being greeted by the warm, inviting smell of freshly baked biscuits. These Southern-style Pimento Cheese Biscuits capture that essence beautifully, blending flaky, buttery goodness with a cheesy twist that dances on the palate. I discovered this delightful recipe during a cozy gathering with friends, where we were searching for the perfect bites to accompany our conversation and laughter.
What sets these biscuits apart is their simplicity; with just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that feels special and indulgent. The sharp cheddar mingles with the tanginess of pimentos, creating pockets of flavor that will elevate any meal—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side paired with soups and salads. Trust me, once you bring these to your table, your guests will be craving seconds. So, let’s dive into this recipe that brings a touch of Southern charm to every bite!
Why will you love Pimento Cheese Biscuits?
Irresistible Comfort: The light, flaky texture paired with cheesy goodness makes each bite heavenly.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep, these biscuits are ready to serve in just over 20 minutes.
Versatile Flavor: Perfect for breakfast or as a side, they pair beautifully with everything from soups to salads.
Homemade Goodness: Using simple ingredients ensures a wholesome, satisfying treat that beats fast food any day.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good biscuit, and this cheesy twist is sure to impress family and friends alike!
Pimento Cheese Biscuits Ingredients
For the Biscuits
- White Lily® Self-Rising Flour – The key to fluffy biscuits, providing the perfect structure without any need for additional baking powder.
- Salt – A vital ingredient that enhances the overall flavor; adjust according to your preferences for a balanced taste.
- Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory; feel free to reduce or omit for a less sweet biscuit.
- Butter – Brings richness and flakiness; chilled shortening can be a great dairy-free substitute if needed.
- Buttermilk – It adds moisture and tenderness; if you’re out, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar for a homemade alternative.
- Diced Pimentos – Infuses the biscuits with a tangy flavor; swap in diced jalapeños if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Offers a creamy texture and depth of flavor; feel free to experiment with cheese varieties like Pepper Jack for delightful twists.
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped Fresh Herbs – Consider chives or dill to elevate the flavor profile with a fresh herby twist that complements the biscuits beautifully.
- Extra Cheese – Try mixing in a different cheese for a varied taste experience; Gouda or Monterey Jack pair wonderfully with pimentos.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Biscuits
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Preheat your oven to 475°F to ensure it’s hot enough for perfect biscuit rising. This high temperature will help achieve that delightful golden crust everyone loves.
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Combine the white Lily® self-rising flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. This mix creates the foundation for your biscuits, ensuring they rise beautifully without needing additional leavening agents.
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Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving that light, flaky texture.
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Stir in the buttermilk, diced pimentos, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until just combined. Be gentle! Overmixing can lead to dense biscuits, and we want them to be tender and fluffy.
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Turn out the dough onto a floured surface, gently patting it to about an inch thick. This method preserves the airiness of the dough, which is vital for achieving a perfect biscuit.
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Cut out biscuits using a biscuit cutter, ensuring they’re spaced out on your baking sheet to allow for those crunchy edges. A clean cut promotes even rising.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown on the top. The aroma filling your kitchen will have everyone eagerly awaiting the first bite!
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Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of pepper jelly for that extra kick of flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy goodness of the biscuits.
Optional: Drizzle with honey for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Pimento Cheese Biscuits?
These delightful biscuits bring a warm, cheesy essence to any meal, making pairing them an enjoyable task!
- Creamy Tomato Soup: A classic pairing, the tangy soup complements the cheesy richness perfectly and warms your soul on chilly days.
- Mixed Green Salad: Fresh greens add a crisp bite that contrasts beautifully with the buttery biscuits, enhancing the overall experience.
- Pepper Jelly: A sweet-spicy addition that highlights the cheddar and pimento flavors while offering a delicious spread for the biscuits.
- Savory Grits: Pairing these biscuits with creamy grits creates a soul-soothing Southern meal that dances on your taste buds.
- Honey Butter: Drizzling warm honey butter over the biscuits adds a sweet contrast, making each bite an indulgent treat.
- Fried Chicken: A Southern classic; the crunch of fried chicken alongside flaky biscuits creates a feast your family will adore.
- Fruit Preserves: Smearing a layer of your favorite preserves brings fruity brightness that balances the savory flavors of the biscuits.
- Iced Tea: A classic Southern beverage, the sweetness of iced tea refreshes and provides a delightful sip alongside your hearty biscuits.
- Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy crunch of coleslaw adds a contrasting texture that makes every meal more enjoyable.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, a sweet cookie offers a comforting end to a Sarah meal, leaving everyone satisfied!
Make Ahead Options
These Pimento Cheese Biscuits are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time! You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and sugar) and store them in an airtight container up to 3 days in advance. Additionally, you can prepare the biscuit dough without cutting it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply cut out the biscuits, place them on a baking sheet, and bake as instructed. To maintain the biscuits’ flaky texture, avoid overmixing the dough, and store them in a tightly sealed container after baking for the best results. Enjoy having these delightful treats at your fingertips with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Pimento Cheese Biscuits
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Cold Ingredients: Using chilled butter and buttermilk is key: This helps achieve a flaky texture and light rise in your pimento cheese biscuits.
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Minimal Mixing: Don’t overmix the dough: Just combine until everything is moist to prevent dense biscuits; you want that tender, fluffy bite!
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Space Wisely: Allow enough space between biscuits on the baking sheet: This helps them expand and develop those coveted crunchy edges while baking.
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Uniform Cuts: Use a sharp biscuit cutter: A clean cut promotes even rising, giving your pimento cheese biscuits that perfect height.
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Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the oven: Ovens can vary, so check for a golden-brown top at around 10 minutes for optimal results.
How to Store and Freeze Pimento Cheese Biscuits
Room Temperature: Store biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming dry.
Fridge: For longer storage, keep the biscuits in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 4 days; simply reheat in the oven to restore their original texture.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked pimento cheese biscuit dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months; bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: To revive leftover biscuits, heat them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warm; this will help them regain their flakiness and delicious flavor.
Pimento Cheese Biscuits Variations
Explore the delightful possibilities for customizing your pimento cheese biscuits, bringing new flavors and textures to your table!
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Cheese Swaps: Substitute sharp cheddar with Gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique taste experience. Each cheese brings a distinct richness that adds personality to the biscuits.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like chives or dill to elevate the flavor profile. The addition of vibrant greenery not only enhances the taste but also adds an aromatic touch to your biscuits.
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Spicy Kick: Replace diced pimentos with jalapeños for a fiery twist. This swap transforms the biscuits into a zesty snack, perfect for those who love a little heat in their bites.
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Whole Wheat Option: Use whole wheat flour in combination with all-purpose for a healthier take. This variation not only increases the nutritional value but also gives the biscuits a hearty texture.
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Creamy Add-in: Stir in a splash of cream cheese into the dough for extra creaminess. This addition melts beautifully during baking, creating rich, gooey spots in every biscuit.
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Savory Mix-ins: Consider adding cooked, crumbled bacon for a savory twist. The bacon adds a delightful crunch and smokiness, making these biscuits an indulgent treat.
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Sweet Contrast: Drizzle honey over the warm biscuits before serving for a sweet and savory experience. This unexpected pairing brings a delightful contrast that enhances the overall flavor.
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Garlic Boost: Incorporate roasted garlic into the biscuit dough for a burst of flavor. This twist adds a delicious depth that pairs spectacularly with the cheese and pimentos.
Pimento Cheese Biscuits Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cheese for my Pimento Cheese Biscuits?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese, as it provides a rich taste that pairs brilliantly with the pimentos. If you’re looking for something a bit different, feel free to experiment with Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or Gouda for a smoother finish. The key is to choose a cheese you love since it will shine through in your biscuits!
What’s the best way to store leftover Pimento Cheese Biscuits?
To enjoy your biscuits at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, sealing them in the fridge will extend their life up to 4 days. Just reheating them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes will bring back that lovely flaky texture.
Can I freeze Pimento Cheese Biscuits for later?
Yes, you can! Freeze the unbaked biscuit dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; simply place them directly in a preheated oven and add around 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time. This means you’ll have fresh, cheesy biscuits whenever the craving strikes!
What should I do if my biscuits turn out dense?
Oh no, don’t worry! If your biscuits end up dense, it may be because they were overmixed. Remember to mix just until everything is combined! Also, ensure your butter is cold when cutting it into the flour, as this helps create that delightful flaky texture. Lastly, avoid pressing down too hard when cutting your biscuits; a light touch helps keep them light and airy.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of when making Pimento Cheese Biscuits?
Very much so! If you’re making these for someone with dairy allergies, you can substitute chilled shortening for butter and use a non-dairy milk with vinegar as a buttermilk replacement. Be sure to check for any allergies with the specific cheeses and pimentos you choose. It’s always best to clear any dietary concerns with your guests to ensure a happy gathering!
Pimento Cheese Biscuits: Your New Favorite Southern Snack
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 475°F for perfect biscuit rising.
- Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the buttermilk, diced pimentos, and shredded cheddar until just combined.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured surface, patting to about an inch thick.
- Cut out biscuits using a cutter and space on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm, optionally with pepper jelly or honey.