Description
These Australian Busters are flaky, buttery cheese biscuits with a delightful kick of cayenne pepper. Perfectly golden and crisp, they make a savory snack or an elegant accompaniment to soups and salads. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re a simple yet flavorful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/4-inch dice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, loosely packed
- 6 to 7 tablespoons water
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for later use.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the diced butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture has a coarse crumbly texture.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- Add Water and Spice: Gradually incorporate 6 tablespoons of water and the cayenne pepper, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together. If the dough feels dry, add the remaining water a little at a time until the dough forms.
- Roll Out Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness for optimal texture.
- Cut Biscuits: Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out biscuits from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Re-roll any leftover scraps to cut additional biscuits.
- Prick Biscuits: Prick each biscuit 10 times with a fork’s tines to help with even baking and prevent puffing.
- Bake: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the biscuits sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is cold and cut into small dice for the best flaky texture.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, tangy flavor that complements the buttery dough.
- The cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick – adjust the amount to your preferred heat level.
- Pricking the biscuits with a fork prevents excessive puffing during baking.
- Store baked biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These biscuits are delicious served warm or at room temperature alongside soups, stews, or salads.
