Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe

If you are searching for a savory treat that perfectly balances rich flavors and delightful textures, this Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe is an absolute must-try. These biscuits offer a wonderful combination of tender crumb, cheesy goodness, and subtle sweetness from the sautéed leeks, all wrapped up in a golden, buttery crust. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a snack, or alongside a hearty meal, these biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire and pack a flavorful punch every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these biscuits lies in their simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a key role—cold butter creates that perfect flaky texture, leeks add a soft, savory sweetness, and sharp cheese gives those bold, melted pockets of flavor that make every bite irresistible.

• Cold unsalted butter (¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons): Essential for creating a flaky biscuit texture, keeping it cold ensures tender layers.
• Medium leek, thinly sliced: Adds a gentle, aromatic sweetness and lovely softness.
• All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): The sturdy base of the dough that holds everything together.
• Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Just a touch to balance the savory flavors and enhance browning.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): A gentle leavening agent to help the biscuits rise light and fluffy.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Adds lift and tenderness along with a hint of browning.
• Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Brings out and balances all the flavors for depth.
• Grated sharp cheese (1 cup): Choose white, yellow, or Dubliner cheese for a robust, melty flavor boost.
• Full-fat plain unsweetened yogurt (¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and tang, making the dough tender and flavorful.
• Whole milk (3 to 4 tablespoons): Used for brushing on top to achieve a golden, appealing crust.

How to Make Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Leeks

Begin by melting 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat in a saucepan. Add your thinly sliced leeks and let them cook slowly until they become tender, wilting down and turning lightly golden—about nine to ten minutes. This step infuses your biscuits with a gentle sweetness and deep flavor that’s simply unbeatable. Once done, set the leeks aside on a plate to cool completely for 10 to 15 minutes before incorporating into the dough.

Step 2: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets

While the leeks are cooling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your biscuits bake evenly and don’t stick. This prep step makes cleanup a breeze and helps your biscuits maintain their perfect shape.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This combination forms the base of your biscuit dough, with each ingredient contributing to the right rise, texture, and flavor balance.

Step 4: Cut in the Butter

Take the remaining ¼ cup of cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your clean hands to break the butter down until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This ensures the butter is well distributed throughout, creating those signature flaky biscuit layers.

Step 5: Add Leeks and Cheese to the Mixture

Once your leeks have cooled, add them along with the grated sharp cheese directly into the flour mixture. This step infuses your dough with bursts of savory flavor, cheese richness, and delightful texture contrasts.

Step 6: Form the Dough

Make a well in the center of your flour mixture and pour in the plain yogurt. Begin mixing everything together with a spoon or your hands until you form a shaggy dough. If you find the dough too crumbly or dry, don’t hesitate to add an extra tablespoon or two of yogurt to keep it moist but manageable.

Step 7: Lightly Knead and Shape

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Give it a gentle knead just a few seconds to bring it all into a uniform ball without overworking it—over kneading can toughen the biscuits. Pat the dough out into a flat disk about one inch thick, then use a floured round cookie cutter to cut shapes.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Place your biscuit rounds on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they have a bit of space between to rise. Brush the tops generously with whole milk. This touch encourages a gorgeous golden crust when baked.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Pop the biscuits into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they turn a beautiful golden brown—this is when they’re perfectly cooked inside and out. Once baked, serve them warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

How to Serve Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe

Garnishes

You can keep things simple by serving these biscuits warm with a pat of butter melting on top, or get creative by sprinkling fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a fresh burst of color and aroma. A drizzle of honey or a little smear of your favorite savory jam can also add a unique twist.

Side Dishes

Leek and Cheese Biscuits pair wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy potato leek, making for a cozy, satisfying meal. They’re also fantastic alongside roasted chicken or a fresh mixed green salad to round out a brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking these savory biscuits into sliders with bacon or roasted veggies and a dollop of aioli for a fun appetizer. Another idea is to hollow out the center gently and fill with a creamy dip or herby cream cheese spread, turning them into bite-sized delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh and soft enough for reheating later without losing the delicious crumb texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, these biscuits freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Freeze before baking for best results or after baking and cooling for convenience.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, reheat your biscuits in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes if thawed or 15 minutes if frozen. Wrapping them lightly in foil helps retain moisture. A quick zap in the microwave works too, just be careful not to overheat and dry them out.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cheese with a different kind?

Absolutely! While sharp white, yellow, or Dubliner cheese is recommended for its strong flavor and meltability, you can try cheddar, gouda, or even a feta crumble to suit your taste preferences. Just choose something flavorful that melts well.

What if I don’t have leek on hand? Can I use onions instead?

Onions can be used as a substitute, but keep in mind that leeks offer a milder, sweeter flavor. If you opt for onions, sauté them slowly to avoid sharpness and consider using a smaller amount to prevent overpowering the biscuits.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

You can try gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, but be aware that the texture might shift slightly since gluten gives biscuits their structure. Adding a bit of xanthan gum or another binder can help mimic traditional results.

Can these biscuits be made dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and swap the cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative. Use a dairy-free yogurt and milk substitute to maintain moisture and tenderness in the dough.

How do I know when the biscuits are perfectly baked?

The perfect biscuit is golden brown on top, slightly crisp around the edges, and sounds hollow when you gently tap the bottom. It should feel firm but still soft and tender when you break it open.

Final Thoughts

These Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe are such a joy to bake and share, filled with comforting flavors and a texture that will have everyone asking for more. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results that brighten any meal. So, grab your ingredients, let the buttery aroma fill your kitchen, and treat yourself to these irresistibly tasty biscuits—you won’t regret it!

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