Paula Deen’s Cheddar Biscuits are legendary for a reason - they’re buttery, cheesy, tender, and packed with that irresistible down-home flavor we associate with Southern cooking. Traditionally made with a generous helping of butter, full-fat cheese, and self-rising flour, they come out golden, fluffy, and rich with every bite. But what if you could enjoy that same warm, cheesy goodness with a lighter twist?
That’s exactly what I did here! The result? Biscuits that are still crave-worthy, but a little more weekday-friendly.
Why We Love This Recipe (and Think You Will Too)
There’s something timeless and soul-soothing about cheddar biscuits. Whether they’re served alongside soup, tucked into a brunch spread, or simply enjoyed warm with a dab of butter, they’re always a hit. This version pays homage to the classic Paula Deen recipe with cheddar cheese and that signature fluffy texture, using a few lighter swaps to make them a touch healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Lightened Up Paula Deen Cheddar Biscuits
Makes: 12 biscuits
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
4 cup biscuit mix*
2 cups milk (I used 1%)
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Spray a baking sheet with avocado oil spray, or bake on parchment paper.
3. To a large bowl, add the cheese. Add the biscuit mix and toss to coat the cheese. Slowly stir in the milk.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix the batter until everything is combined. This is a shaggy dough.
5. Using an ice cream scoop, drop onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-18 minutes depending on your oven. I baked mine 18 minutes.
6. Mix the melted butter, garlic and parsley. Brush the hot biscuits with the butter mixture.
*Paula's original recipe called for biscuit mix. Unfortunately, that is hard to find in the Midwest, so I used Bisquick which is a baking mix.
What is the difference between baking mix and biscuit mix?
The main difference between a baking mix and a biscuit mix lies in versatility and intended use. A baking mix is a more general-purpose blend that is typically made with flour, leavening agents (like baking powder or baking soda), salt, and sometimes fat. It’s designed to be used for a variety of baked goods such as pancakes, waffles, muffins, and quick breads.
Biscuit mix, on the other hand, is specifically formulated for making biscuits and often contains a higher ratio of fat (like shortening or butter powder) to produce a tender, flaky texture. While you can use biscuit mix for other recipes in a pinch, its flavor and texture profile are optimized for biscuits, making baking mix the more flexible option overall.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Biscuits
These cheddar biscuits are perfect on their own, but we love serving them with:
- A steaming bowl of chili or soup
- Brunch spreads with eggs, bacon and fruit
- Fried chicken or BBQ pulled pork for a Southern dinner vibe
- Or simply with honey or hot pepper jelly for a sweet-and-savory treat
Want to learn how to make bread?
Take one of our hands-on classes! On Friday, August 15th, we are hosting a Hands-On How to Bake Bread class where you can learn the basics of working with yeast doughs and the art of shaping them to perfection. In this class you’ll make Focaccia with Basil Pesto, Carrot-Rosemary Braided Whole Wheat Loaves, and Vanilla Cream Cheese & Jam Breakfast Buns!
If you want to learn more about other classes and gain hands-on experience in the kitchen, check out our class calendar here! Oh, and did I mention Friday daytime classes are an extra 15% off this summer?! There’s no better time to have fun while learning new skills than right now.
