Cheese Herb Buttermilk Biscuits with Fresh Basil

Prep: 15 minCook: 20 min12 biscuitsmediumSouthern
Cheese Herb Buttermilk Biscuits with Fresh Basil

Fluffy buttermilk biscuits with sharp parmesan cheese and aromatic fresh basil. The cold butter creates flaky layers while the herbs add a savory twist to the classic Southern staple. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or alongside soups and stews. The combination of tangy buttermilk and cheese creates a rich, tender crumb that pairs beautifully with butter or jam.

Ingredients

Yield: 12 biscuits
  • 2 cups all purpose white flour
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 cup light buttermilk
    regular milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice1:1vegetarian

    less tang

    Full guide →
  • 6 tbsp butter, very cold, cut into chunks
    regular milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice1:1vegetarian

    less tang

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
    sharp cheddar1:1vegetariancheese

    milder flavor

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
    fresh chives1:1vegetarianherb

    different flavor profile

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425 degrees

  2. 2

    Combine flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder in a medium bowl and stir

  3. 3

    Add cold butter and break up into small lumps using fingers or pastry cutter throughout flour mixture

  4. 4

    Stir in buttermilk, parmesan and basil and gently mix with hands to form sticky ball

  5. 5

    Transfer to lightly floured surface and pat down into 1.5 inch circle

  6. 6

    Cut out circles using round cookie cutter or wine glass and place on parchment lined baking tray

  7. 7

    Use scraps to create another circle for additional biscuits

  8. 8

    Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden and puffed up

Tips

Tip 1

Keep butter very cold to create flaky layers - work quickly to prevent melting

Tip 2

Don't overwork the dough as this makes tough biscuits

Tip 3

Fresh basil is essential for flavor - dried basil won't work in this recipe

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months

Make Ahead

Can be shaped and frozen unbaked, bake directly from frozen adding 5 minutes

Serve With

Serve warm with butter, jam, or honey

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Keep butter cold to avoid dense biscuits

Watch

Don't overmix dough to prevent tough texture

Watch

Use fresh basil only as dried won't provide proper flavor

Substitutions

fresh basil
fresh chives1:1vegetarianherb

different flavor profile

Full guide →
parmesan
sharp cheddar1:1vegetariancheese

milder flavor

Full guide →
buttermilk
regular milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice1:1vegetarian

less tang

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these without buttermilk?

Yes, substitute regular milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes before using for similar tang and acidity.

How long do these keep?

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze baked biscuits up to 3 months and reheat in oven.

Can I freeze the unbaked dough?

Yes, shape biscuits and freeze on tray, then store in freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to baking time.