Fluffy & Flavorful: The Ultimate Homemade Cheese and Sausage Biscuits Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm, freshly baked biscuit to start your day or complement a hearty meal. And when that biscuit is loaded with rich, sharp cheddar cheese, savory breakfast sausage, and a hint of fresh chives, it transcends ordinary to become something truly special. These homemade Cheese and Sausage Biscuits are the epitome of comfort food, offering a delightful balance of fluffy texture and robust flavor that will make any breakfast, brunch, or dinner side feel exceptionally gourmet yet incredibly simple to achieve.
Imagine a golden-crusted exterior giving way to a tender, soft interior, where pockets of melted cheese and flavorful sausage crumbles await. These aren’t just any biscuits; they’re designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Perfect for busy mornings when you need a grab-and-go option, or for a leisurely weekend brunch with family and friends. Their hearty nature also makes them a fantastic accompaniment to soups, stews, or chili, proving their versatility beyond the breakfast table.
What truly sets these Cheese and Sausage Biscuits apart from other cheesy biscuit recipes, like classic Cheddar Bay Biscuits or Ham & Cheese Biscuits, is their unique blend of hearty breakfast sausage and a touch of cornmeal. The cornmeal adds a subtle, pleasant grit and depth of flavor that elevates the texture, making each bite even more satisfying. Plus, one of the best features of this recipe is its sheer simplicity. Forget the rolling pin and biscuit cutters; this is a scoop-and-bake affair, meaning less mess and more time to enjoy your delicious creations.
You’ll love how easily these biscuits come together. Just drop spoonfuls of the rich dough onto a baking sheet, and in under 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of warm, golden, and incredibly aromatic biscuits ready to devour. They hold their shape beautifully during baking, allowing you to fit a generous amount on a single tray, ideal for feeding a crowd or ensuring you have plenty of leftovers. Whether served alongside scrambled eggs, with a dollop of butter, or as a side with dinner, these biscuits are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and disappear quickly!
Why These Savory Sausage Cheddar Biscuits Are a Must-Try
Once you experience the ease and incredible flavor of these Cheese and Sausage Biscuits, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Here’s why:
- No Rolling or Cutting Required: Say goodbye to the mess and effort of traditional biscuit making. This recipe is designed for ultimate convenience. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, and they bake up beautifully. This “drop biscuit” method saves time and makes the process incredibly beginner-friendly, ensuring light and fluffy results every time without fussing over perfect shapes.
- Perfect for Any Meal: While they shine as a hearty breakfast item, these savory biscuits are incredibly versatile. Serve them for brunch with fresh fruit and coffee, enjoy them as a comforting side with a bowl of soup or chili, or even pack them for a delicious and substantial snack. Their rich flavor profile makes them suitable for nearly any occasion.
- Excellent for Meal Prep & Freezing: These biscuits are a lifesaver for busy individuals and families. You can bake a large batch ahead of time and store them for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week. Even better, they freeze beautifully, allowing you to always have a homemade, warm biscuit on hand. Just reheat and enjoy for instant comfort food without the cooking time.
- Unbeatable Flavor & Texture: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and savory breakfast sausage creates a deeply satisfying flavor that’s perfectly complemented by the subtle oniony notes of fresh chives. The addition of cornmeal isn’t just for show; it contributes a delicate texture and a rustic, comforting feel that elevates these biscuits above your average plain variety.
Key Ingredients for the Best Homemade Biscuits
Crafting these irresistible Cheese and Sausage Biscuits requires a few simple, wholesome ingredients. Each plays a vital role in achieving their delicious flavor and perfect texture. You’ll find the full printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need:
- Breakfast Sausage: Use your favorite brand. The savory, slightly spiced flavor of breakfast sausage is key to these biscuits. Make sure it’s fully cooked and well-drained to prevent greasy biscuits.
- Sour Cream: This secret ingredient adds incredible moisture and tenderness to the biscuits, contributing to their soft interior and a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheese and sausage.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the dough together and adding richness. They also contribute to the fluffy texture.
- Unsalted Butter: When baking, unsalted butter is always recommended as it gives you control over the overall saltiness of the dish. Melted butter ensures even distribution throughout the dough, contributing to a tender crumb.
- All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for our biscuits. Make sure to measure it correctly, ideally by weight, or by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Cornmeal: This ingredient is crucial for the unique texture of these biscuits. It adds a slight, pleasant grittiness and a hint of rustic flavor that complements the other savory components.
- Sugar: Just a touch of sugar helps to balance the savory flavors and contributes to the golden-brown crust, without making the biscuits sweet.
- Baking Powder: The leavening agent that makes these biscuits rise beautifully, ensuring they are light and fluffy. Don’t confuse it with baking soda!
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the biscuit.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded sharp cheddar for the best flavor and melt. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting and slightly alter texture.
- Chives: Freshly minced chives add a delicate oniony flavor and a touch of vibrant green, elevating the overall taste and presentation. Green onions (scallions) can be a good substitute if chives aren’t available.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fluffy Cheese & Sausage Biscuits
Making these savory biscuits is incredibly straightforward, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:
- Cook the Sausage: Begin by browning your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink, drain off any excess grease thoroughly. It’s important to let the sausage cool completely before adding it to the biscuit dough; hot sausage can prematurely melt the butter or cheese in the mixture, affecting the final texture of your biscuits.
- Preheat the Oven & Prep Baking Sheet: While the sausage cools, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, a light greasing of the pan will suffice.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream and eggs until they are well combined and smooth. Then, pour in the melted butter and whisk again until all the wet ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: To the bowl with the wet mixture, add the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the ingredients are just combined. The key here is not to overmix the dough. Overworking the dough can lead to tough, dense biscuits instead of the light, fluffy texture we’re aiming for. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Fold in the Mix-ins: Now, gently fold in the cooled, cooked sausage, the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the minced chives. Continue to mix just until these delicious additions are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Again, be careful not to overmix.
- Scoop Onto the Baking Sheet: Using a large spoon or a cookie scoop (a 3-tablespoon scoop works well), drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. You can place them relatively close together, as these biscuits don’t spread much during baking, allowing you to fit a good number on one tray.
- Bake Until Golden: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 24–28 minutes, or until the biscuits are beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set up slightly and makes them easier to handle. Serve them warm with a pat of butter, alongside your favorite breakfast items, or as a delightful side with dinner.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Biscuit Perfection
Achieving perfectly fluffy and flavorful cheese and sausage biscuits is easy with a few insider tips:
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese for Better Texture: This is a game-changer! Pre-shredded cheese from the store often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly and can result in a drier, less cohesive biscuit. Taking a few extra minutes to shred your own block of sharp cheddar will yield a much creamier, more delicious melt and a superior biscuit texture.
- Let the Sausage Cool Before Mixing: Patience is key here. Adding hot sausage directly to your biscuit dough can cause the butter to melt prematurely and the cheese to soften, leading to a greasy or dense biscuit. Ensure your cooked sausage is completely cooled (you can even pop it in the fridge for a few minutes) before folding it into the dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for tender biscuits. Flour develops gluten when mixed. Overmixing strengthens this gluten, making your biscuits tough and chewy rather than soft and flaky. Mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated into the wet, and the mix-ins are evenly distributed. A slightly lumpy dough is a happy dough!
- Make Them Spicy: For those who love a bit of heat, these biscuits are incredibly adaptable. Add a finely diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat, or left in for more) to the dough along with the sausage and cheese. A pinch of red pepper flakes will also do the trick, adding a delightful kick that pairs wonderfully with the sharp cheddar.
- Use Buttermilk Instead of Sour Cream: If you don’t have sour cream on hand, or prefer a slightly different tang, buttermilk makes an excellent substitute. It reacts with the baking powder to create extra lift and contributes a lovely, subtle sour note. If using buttermilk, you might need a tiny bit less flour or adjust the consistency slightly.
- Brush with Butter After Baking: For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful sheen, lightly brush the tops of the warm, freshly baked biscuits with melted butter. This simple step adds richness, keeps them soft, and makes them even more irresistible.
- Don’t Open the Oven Door Too Early: Resist the urge to peek during the first two-thirds of the baking time. Opening the oven door lets out heat, causing the biscuits to deflate and hindering their rise. Trust your oven and the timer!
Serving Suggestions for Your Savory Biscuits
These versatile Cheese and Sausage Biscuits are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes:
- For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them warm with scrambled or fried eggs, a side of fresh fruit, or a smear of butter. They are also fantastic with a light drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and savory contrast.
- With Soups and Stews: Their hearty and savory profile makes them an ideal accompaniment to a comforting bowl of chili, a rich tomato soup, or a creamy potato chowder.
- As a Snack: Grab one on the go for a satisfying and flavorful snack that will keep you full until your next meal.
- Alongside Dinner: Replace your usual dinner rolls with these flavorful biscuits to elevate any weeknight meal, especially with roasted chicken or pork chops.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
One of the best qualities of these homemade biscuits is how well they store, making them perfect for meal planning and enjoying throughout the week or even longer!
- Storing Leftovers (Refrigerator): Once completely cooled, place the biscuits in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- Reheating Leftovers: For the best texture, reheat biscuits in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. If using a microwave, wrap the biscuit in a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out and heat for 20-30 seconds.
- Freezing Baked Biscuits: These biscuits freeze exceptionally well. Once they are fully cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer the frozen biscuits to a freezer-safe airtight bag or container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating Frozen Biscuits: To reheat from frozen, place the biscuits on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 300-325°F (150-160°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and lightly re-crisped on the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheese & Sausage Biscuits
Yes, absolutely! These savory biscuits are fantastic for meal prepping. You can bake them completely, let them cool, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, see our freezing instructions above.
To bring them back to their fresh-baked glory, the oven is your best friend. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm the biscuits for 5-10 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too; wrap a biscuit in a damp paper towel and heat for 20-30 seconds to keep it from drying out and ensure a softer texture.
While breakfast sausage provides a classic savory flavor, you can certainly experiment! Italian sausage (mild or hot), or even ground turkey or chicken sausage, can work beautifully. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and thoroughly drained of any excess fat before adding it to the biscuit dough.
Of course! Sharp cheddar offers a robust flavor that we love, but a milder cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend like a Mexican cheese blend would be delicious. For a bit of spice and extra kick, try using pepper jack cheese.
If your dough seems too stiff, it might be due to over-measuring flour or under-measuring wet ingredients. Ensure you’re spooning flour into your measuring cup and leveling it, rather than scooping directly from the bag. The dough should be soft but manageable, not overly sticky or dry and crumbly.
More Tasty Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
If you loved these cheesy sausage biscuits, here are more fantastic breakfast and brunch ideas to explore:
- Sheet Pan Pancakes
- Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Sandwich
- Chorizo Breakfast Burrito
- Homemade McGriddles
- Breakfast Crunchwrap
Cheese and Sausage Biscuits
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Equipment
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Full Sheet Pan
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Silicon Baking Mat
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Cookie Scoop
Ingredients
- 1/4 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 whole eggs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (unsalted recommended)
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded for best melt
- 1/3 cup chives, or green onions, finely minced
Instructions
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In a skillet, brown the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease and remove from heat. Let it cool completely.
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Preheat oven to 400º F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream and eggs until smooth. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
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Add the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are just barely incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine and will result in tender biscuits.
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Gently fold in the cooled, cooked sausage, the freshly shredded cheddar cheese, and the minced chives until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Using a large spoon or a cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. The biscuits do not spread much, so you can place them relatively close together.
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Bake for 24-28 minutes, or until the biscuits are lightly golden brown on top and cooked through.
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Remove from oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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