Cheddar Sausage Biscuits

Featured in Fresh Bread Made Simple.

These homemade buttermilk biscuits, packed with sausage and cheddar, are quick and perfect for breakfast or dinner.
Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:27:13 GMT
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These drop biscuits feature a perfectly balanced blend of sharp cheddar and Italian sausage wrapped in a flaky, tender buttermilk crust. Simple mixing and dropping makes them a breeze to prepare - no rolling or cutting required. Each bite delivers rich, savory flavors in a golden-brown package.

The secret to achieving the perfect flaky texture lies in using ice-cold butter and buttermilk, while handling the dough minimally. Those precious butter pockets create delicate layers during baking that make each biscuit irresistibly tender.

Key Ingredients

  • Italian Sausage: Select premium sausage with visible seasonings for best flavor
  • Sharp Cheddar: Freshly grated aged cheddar provides optimal melting
  • Buttermilk: Creates tenderness and tang. Substitute with milk plus lemon juice if needed
  • Butter: Keep very cold until use for flakiest results
  • All-Purpose Flour: Spoon into measuring cups for accurate amounts
  • Baking Powder: Fresh powder ensures proper rise
  • Green Onions: Adds fresh flavor contrast
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Step-by-Step Method

Step 1:
Brown sausage in unheated skillet for optimal fat rendering and flavor development
Step 2:
Prep butter by dicing and chilling in freezer temporarily
Step 3:
Heat oven with rack centered for even baking
Step 4:
Combine dry ingredients thoroughly
Step 5:
Cut butter into flour mixture until pebbly texture forms
Step 6:
Incorporate cheese, coating with flour mixture
Step 7:
Add cooled sausage evenly
Step 8:
Pour in cold buttermilk and add green onions
Step 9:
Fold ingredients together gently
Step 10:
Drop portions using greased measuring cup
Step 11:
Leave surface textured for crispy peaks
Step 12:
Bake until golden, rotating once

Serving Suggestions

These versatile biscuits complement any meal. Serve split for breakfast sandwiches, alongside soups and stews, or as a hearty snack option.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Portioned dough freezes beautifully - arrange scoops on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to storage bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

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Traditional biscuit-making requires patience and attention to detail. Taking time with each step ensures consistently excellent results that honor classic technique.

The winning combination of crispy cheese edges and tender centers makes these biscuits a standout addition to any meal. Their rustic appearance and rich flavor profile deliver satisfaction in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these biscuits ahead of time?
Sure! You can make and cut out the dough a day in advance. Keep it in the fridge, covered, until ready to bake.
→ Why does the butter need to be cold?
Cold butter helps make the biscuits flaky by forming steam pockets while they're baking.
→ Is freezing these biscuits an option?
Absolutely! Freeze the uncooked biscuits for up to three months. Bake them straight out of the freezer—just add 2-3 minutes.
→ Can I swap the cheddar for another cheese?
Definitely! Try Gruyere, Colby, or even Pepper Jack for a tasty twist.
→ What can I use if I don't have buttermilk?
Just combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about five minutes, and you're good to go!

Cheddar Sausage Biscuits

Tender buttermilk biscuits made with sharp cheddar, flavorful sausage, and scallions. Whip them up in less than 30 minutes.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
16 Minutes
Total Time
36 Minutes

Category: Breads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (10 large biscuits)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meat & Dairy

01 1 1/4 cups chilled buttermilk (285ml)
02 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated fresh
03 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter for brushing (28g)
04 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casing removed (454g)
05 3/4 cup very cold unsalted butter, diced (170g)

→ Dry Ingredients

06 1 tbsp packed light brown sugar (14g)
07 1 tsp salt
08 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
09 1 tbsp baking powder (14g)

→ Seasonings & Fresh Herbs

10 1/2 tsp black pepper
11 1 tsp garlic powder
12 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
13 1/2 cup finely sliced scallions, plus a bit extra for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Throw the sausage into a skillet over medium heat. Crumble it as it cooks and let it brown. Once done, set aside to cool down all the way.

Step 02

Crank your oven up to 425°F. Get a big sheet pan and line it with parchment paper.

Step 03

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes till they’re evenly mixed.

Step 04

Take your cold butter cubes and, with a pastry cutter, work them into the flour mix until crumbly. Add the cheese and the sausage (cooled) into the mix after that.

Step 05

Pour the cold buttermilk and scallions into the bowl. Gently mix everything until there’s no dry flour left, but stop as soon as it comes together—don’t overdo it!

Step 06

Scoop dough with a greased 1/3 cup and plop onto the prepared sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. You should end up with around 10 big biscuits. Pop them in the oven for 14–16 minutes until they turn golden.

Step 07

Brush the freshly baked biscuits with the melted butter. If you want, sprinkle some extra scallions on top. Serve while warm and soft!

Notes

  1. Keep all your dairy items cold as possible— it makes the biscuits flakier!
  2. These store wonderfully in the freezer. Reheat in a 350°F oven when needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium cooking skillet
  • Large parchment-lined baking sheet
  • Big mixing bowl
  • Pastry cutter
  • 1/3 cup for measuring
  • Cheese grater

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Made with gluten (flour)
  • Uses dairy (cheese, butter, buttermilk)