Perfectly Crispy Spiced Cheese Biscuits: A Deliciously Simple Recipe

Spiced cheese biscuits are a delightful addition to any meal, whether you're preparing your breakfast, snack time, or any casual gathering. Their crisp exterior and flavorful spiced cheese center are simply irresistible. Here, we present a tried-and-true recipe that guarantees perfectly crisp spiced cheese biscuits every time. Let's explore the ingredients, method, and tips to ensure your biscuits turn out just right.

Ingredients

100g unsalted butter (chilled) 100g plain or white spelt flour A good pinch of cayenne pepper A good grating of nutmeg 1 tsp caraway seeds 50g cheddar or Cornish Kern comté or Lincolnshire Poacher (grated) 50g parmesan (grated, plus extra to serve) 1 tsp sesame seeds Flavorless oil (for the baking tray)

Methods and Techniques

Step 1: Preparatory Steps
Start by chilling the butter to a firm consistency. This ensures that the biscuits will hold their shape well during baking. In a food processor, combine the flour, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, caraway seeds, and grated cheese. Pulse in short bursts to form a smooth dough, similar to mashed potato. Place some baking paper on a flat surface and center the dough to form a long log about 2 cm thick and 35 cm long. Gently roll it into a sausage shape, ensuring the thickness is even.

Step 2: Add the Finishing Touches
Once you have your sausage shape, remove the paper and scatter the sesame seeds evenly over the dough. Wrap the dough and chill it for at least an hour. This chilling process helps make the dough more manageable and ensures the biscuits bake evenly. For extended storage, you can chill the dough for up to a week or even freeze it for three months after wrapping.

Step 3: Preparation and Baking
Ensure your oven is preheated to 180°C (fan 160°C, gas mark 4). Using a sharp knife or a cookie cutter, slice the dough about 8mm thick, placing them 2 cm apart on a baking tray lined with floured parchment paper and lightly oiled. Bake the biscuits for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown. Just before they are fully baked, sprinkle the grated parmesan over the tops for added flavor and a crunchy topping.

Step 4: Serving Suggestions
Serve the biscuits warm or at room temperature. Enjoy them as a hearty snack, a breakfast treat, or even as a garnish for soups or salads. The subtle spices and creamy cheddar blend together to create a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Tips for Success

Keep it Cold
Both the butter and dough must remain cold throughout the process to ensure they stay crisp during baking. Working quickly can help prevent the butter from softening, which can cause the biscuits to spread out too much.

Be Gentle
When rolling and slicing the dough, handle it gently to avoid overworking it, which can lead to tough biscuits. The dough should be smooth and not overly mixed.

Chill, Chill, Chill
Chilling the dough significantly reduces the spread during baking, resulting in thicker, fluffier biscuits. This step is essential, so be patient and allow the dough to chill adequately.

Customize Your Biscuits
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and spices. This recipe can be adapted to suit your personal taste preferences. Try using a milder cheddar or adding a pinch of paprika for a smoky flavor, or swap out the sesame seeds for other nuts or seeds of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can I freeze these biscuits?
Answer: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and place it in the freezer. When ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw at room temperature for several hours before continuing with the recipe, or you can blast it with warm air from a hairdryer to speed up the process. Question: Do I need to chill the biscuits before baking?
Answer: While chilling is not strictly necessary, it is highly recommended. Chilling the dough ensures that it holds its shape during baking, resulting in thicker, more consistently baked biscuits. Question: Can I use a different type of cheese?
Answer: Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can use other types of cheese, such as Gouda, cheddar, or even feta. Just make sure the cheese is fully grated and well incorporated into the dough. Question: How do I know when the biscuits are done?
Answer: The biscuits are ready when they turn a golden brown color and sound hollow when tapped. Alternatively, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Question: Should I serve these biscuits warm or at room temperature?
Answer: You can serve these biscuits either warm or at room temperature. For best results, warm them in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes just before serving to crisp up the exterior and melt any cheese inside that has started to cool.

Conclusion

By following this easy recipe and the handy tips provided, you can enjoy perfectly crispy spiced cheese biscuits at home. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to snacking, and make a great addition to your baking repertoire. Give this recipe a try and discover the wonderful flavors and textures for yourself!