Easy cheesy biscuits

Rolling pin - This revolving wooden rolling pin will do all the hard work for you as it requires such little pressure! You can find it at Amazon for £14.99.

Biscuit cutters - We love this fun set of five featuring a unicorn shape, a unicorn head shape, a rainbow one and two stars. We guarantee they will be a definite hit with kids and you can get them at Amazon for £6.99.

These cheesy biscuits are so easy to make; a perfect weekend baking activity for the whole family. Kids will love getting their hands messy by combining the ingredients, rolling out the dough and cutting out the biscuits.

If you don't have a biscuit cutter, you can always just place a drinking glass on top of the rolled-out dough and cut around it to make uniform biscuits. Or get the kids to draw basic shapes like hearts and stars on cardboard (cereal boxes work well), cut them out and use them as templates when cutting the biscuits.

These are delicious on their own as an afternoon snack. Or try serving with chilli jam, chutney, fresh tomato or slices of ham. Alternatively, double-down on the cheesy goodness by serving as part of a classic cheese board.

Storage tips

The finished biscuits will keep in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for up to two months - defrost overnight in the fridge before eating. Always make sure the biscuits are fully cooled before storing (otherwise, they'll still be giving off a little steam that could make the biscuits go soggy - Mary Berry would be horrified!)

Can I made these cheesy biscuits with plain flour?

Absolutely! While these work best with self-raising flour, if you don't have any to hand, you can use plain flour and baking powder instead. Just use the same amount of plain flour, and add about 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder.

What are cheese biscuits called?

Depending on which region you’re in, cheese biscuits can have various names, and they can even be named differently based on the type of biscuit. Some common names for cheese biscuits include:

• Cheese biscuits: This is a straightforward and widely used term for biscuits that are flavored with cheese.
• Cheese crackers: In some regions, cheese biscuits may be referred to as cheese crackers, especially if they have a crispy and crunchy texture.
• Cheese straws: These are thin, straw-like cheese biscuits that are often twisted and have a flaky texture.
• Cheddar biscuits: If the biscuits specifically use cheddar cheese as the main cheese flavor, they might be called cheddar biscuits.
• Cheese scones: In certain countries, cheese biscuits are referred to as cheese scones, especially if they are similar in texture and appearance to traditional scones but with cheese added.
• Cheesy bites: Some commercial products may be named "cheesy bites" or a similar name to indicate that they are cheese-flavoured biscuits.

Wherever you live and whatever you may call cheese biscuits, they are a delightful and popular snack enjoyed by many people within Britain, and even around the world.

Which cheese is good for biscuits?

When it comes to making cheese biscuits, there are several types of cheese that work well and can add delicious flavor and texture depending on your cheese biscuits recipe. Some popular cheeses that are commonly used in cheese biscuits are Cheddar, your classic option. For a crunchy cheese biscuit, you can use Parmesan as it also adds a nutty and salty taste, Gouda for a slightly sweet and creamy flavor, Swiss cheese for a subtle nutty taste, Blue cheese for a bolder flavor, Feta for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor, and Monterey Jack for a mild but smooth texture on your biscuits.

Remember that the moisture content and texture of different cheeses can vary, which may affect the consistency of the biscuit dough. If you want to experiment with different cheeses, it's essential to consider how the cheese might affect the overall texture and adjust the other ingredients accordingly.

What is the origin of cheese biscuits?

Time for a history lesson! Cheese biscuits aren’t attributed to a specific time or place, but they have a long history that likely evolved over centuries as different cultures experimented with cheese and baked goods.

As a staple food in various cultures for thousands of years, early versions of cheese biscuits might have been simple combinations of cheese and grains that were baked to create a portable snack that can be filling in some way. Easy cheese biscuits are even just considered regular cheese biscuits with how simple it is to make. As baking techniques and culinary traditions spread across different regions, the concept of cheese biscuits likely diversified and evolved.

In the United Kingdom, cheese biscuits are a popular snack and are commonly associated with English tea time. Cheddar cheese, a type of cheese with a long history in the UK, is often used in British cheese biscuits.

In the southern United States, "Cheddar Biscuits" became famous through the chain restaurant Red Lobster, where they serve cheddar cheese biscuits as a complimentary appetizer.

Cheese biscuits have also been a part of various traditional cuisines around the world. For example, "cheese straws" in the Southern United States are a variation of cheese biscuits, where the dough is rolled thin and twisted before baking.

As with many traditional recipes, cheese biscuits likely originated out of practicality and the use of available ingredients. Over time, they have become a beloved treat appreciated for their savory flavor and versatility. Today, cheese biscuits come in various forms and recipes, reflecting the diverse culinary influences and preferences of different cultures and regions.

Where did the name "cheese biscuits" come from?

The term "biscuit" has different meanings depending on the region and culinary tradition. In some parts of the world, the word "biscuit" refers to a sweet and crumbly baked good, similar to what is known as a "cookie" in the United States.

Here in the UK, the word "biscuit" is a more general term that encompasses various types of baked treats, including both sweet biscuits (what Americans call cookies) and savory biscuits (what Americans refer to as crackers).

In this context, cheese crackers are indeed considered biscuits in the UK and other places where the term "biscuit" includes savory items like crackers.

Experiment with different types of cheese - hard goat's cheese works well, or use hard blue cheese for a sophisticated flavour. Red Leicester will give the biscuits a fun colour, while a milder cheese like Emmental is perfect for people who like a slightly less cheesy biscuit. Even varying the type of Cheddar can change the flavour dramatically; try vintage Cheddar for true cheese lovers, or a milder Cheddar for young kids.

Try adding some cayenne pepper, mustard powder or smoked paprika for bite.

For a delicious herby flavour, add a little thyme to the mix - the added herbs make the biscuits look really pretty, too!

Use fun cookie cutters to make these biscuits even more kid-friendly; ideal for kids' parties! Just keep an eye on them as they're cooking; smaller shapes may need a bit less time, while larger shapes may need slightly longer in the oven.