Maple Bacon Cheddar Biscuits
Maple bacon cheddar biscuits are a brilliant and delicious twist on a classic comfort food. They take a traditional flaky, buttery biscuit and infuse it with a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The sharp, tangy cheddar cheese melts throughout the dough, creating savory pockets of flavor in every bite. Meanwhile, the salty, smoky bacon adds a satisfying crunch and a rich, meaty depth that makes these biscuits feel substantial and wonderfully indulgent.
What truly elevates these biscuits is the addition of maple. A drizzle of maple syrup is folded into the biscuit dough itself and then brushed on top with a sweet maple butter mixture after baking. This adds a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the savory cheese and bacon. This combination of flavors—salty, smoky, and sweet—creates a complex and satisfying bite that works just as well for breakfast as it does as a side for dinner. Maple bacon cheddar biscuits are the kind of dish that makes a meal feel special, a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be combined to create something truly extraordinary.
These biscuits are also incredibly versatile. You can serve them warm from the oven with a pat of butter, use them as a base for a hearty breakfast sandwich, or pair them with a bowl of chili or a soup. The balance of flavors ensures they can stand on their own or complement a wide range of dishes, making them a go-to recipe for any time of the year. They are a testament to the idea that some of the best culinary creations come from taking familiar favorites and adding a delicious, unexpected twist.
There’s a secret to a truly perfect biscuit, and it all comes down to the butter. When you're rolling out the dough for these maple bacon cheddar biscuits, you’ll notice visible pockets of cold butter marbled throughout. This isn't a mistake; it's the key to a flaky, layered texture. As the biscuits bake, those cold butter pieces melt, creating little pockets of steam that push the dough upward, resulting in a light, airy crumb with dozens of delicate layers. It’s that perfect, flaky texture that makes each bite so satisfying.
Maple cheddar bacon biscuits
Makes 12
INGREDIENTS
8 slices bacon
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tsp garlic powder
¾ cup unsalted butter, cold
1 ½ cups buttermilk
5 tablespoons maple syrup
Maple Butter Topping
2 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
1 tsp minced fresh parsley
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
flaky sea salt
Method
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat; transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, chop your bacon into small bite size pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped bacon, flour, cheese, baking powder, salt and baking soda.
Grate butter using the large holes of a box grater. Stir into the flour mixture.
In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk and the maple syrup. Add to the flour mixture and stir using a rubber spatula until a soft dough forms.
Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 1 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Cut out into 12 square pieces. Place the cut biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet; place in the freezer for 15 minutes before baking to really lock in the butter in the biscuits.
Remove biscuits from freezer. Place into oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup and butter.
Serve biscuits warm, brushed with the maple-butter mixture and some flaky sea salt.