Herbed Cottage Cheese Biscuits

Introduction & Inspiration

I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting biscuit recipes, especially ones that offer a unique twist on the classic. These Herbed Cottage Cheese Biscuits, with their promise of a tender crumb, savory flavor, and the added protein boost from cottage cheese, immediately caught my attention!

My inspiration came from a desire to create a biscuit that was both flavorful and slightly healthier than traditional buttermilk biscuits. I wanted something that could be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish with dinner.

My goal was to find a recipe that incorporated fresh herbs for a bright, vibrant flavor, and cottage cheese for added moisture and protein. These biscuits seemed to fit the bill perfectly: a simple mixing process, a relatively short baking time, and the potential for endless customization with different herbs and seasonings.

I love biscuits, so I really want to share this recipe.

Nostalgic Appeal

Biscuits, in general, hold a strong nostalgic appeal for many people. They evoke memories of home-cooked meals, family gatherings, and the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. The act of making biscuits from scratch, cutting in the butter, and shaping the dough, is a timeless culinary tradition.

The use of cottage cheese in this recipe adds a slightly retro touch, as cottage cheese was a popular ingredient in many mid-century recipes. It brings a sense of wholesome simplicity and a connection to past culinary trends.

The fresh herbs add a touch of freshness and vibrancy, reminiscent of home gardens and the flavors of spring and summer.

And the simple, round shape of the biscuits, once baked, is a classic and comforting visual, evoking a sense of homemade goodness and traditional baking.

Homemade Focus

These Herbed Cottage Cheese Biscuits are a celebration of homemade goodness. From mixing the dry ingredients to cutting in the butter and shaping the dough, every step is done by hand, emphasizing the fresh flavors and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.

I appreciate recipes that prioritize simple, wholesome ingredients and straightforward techniques, and this one certainly does. You’re in control of every element, ensuring that the biscuits are made with the highest quality ingredients and without any unwanted additives.

The process of making these biscuits is relatively quick and easy, making it a perfect recipe for both beginner and experienced bakers. It’s a rewarding experience that yields a batch of warm, flavorful biscuits in under an hour.

And the aroma that fills your kitchen as these biscuits bake is simply irresistible – a blend of buttery goodness, savory herbs, and a hint of tanginess from the cottage cheese.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal of these Herbed Cottage Cheese Biscuits is a savory, buttery, and slightly tangy flavor with a tender, flaky crumb and a hint of fresh herbs. It’s a biscuit that’s both flavorful on its own and versatile enough to pair with a variety of toppings and dishes.

The all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt provide the basic structure and leavening for the biscuits, creating a light and airy texture.

The cold, cubed butter is crucial for creating those flaky layers that are characteristic of a good biscuit.

The cottage cheese adds moisture, a subtle tanginess, and a boost of protein, contributing to the biscuits’ tender crumb.

The fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill, or a mix) provide a bright, vibrant flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

The optional garlic powder adds a savory depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients. I’ll explain why each one is important, without listing specific measurements (those are in the recipe section).

All-purpose flour: This provides the structure for our biscuits.

Baking powder and baking soda: These are the leavening agents, creating the light and airy texture.

Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the richness of the butter.

Garlic powder (optional): Adds a savory depth of flavor.

Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: This is essential for creating flaky layers. Using cold butter prevents it from melting too quickly, resulting in distinct pockets of steam that create the flakiness.

Cottage cheese: This adds moisture, a subtle tanginess, and protein to the biscuits, contributing to their tender crumb.

Fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, dill, or a mix), finely chopped: These add a bright, vibrant flavor and a pop of color.

Milk (plus extra for brushing): This adds moisture to the dough and helps create a golden-brown crust when brushed on top before baking.

These ingredients are classic and easy to find.

Essential Equipment

You won’t need a lot of specialized equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

A large bowl: For mixing the dry ingredients and cutting in the butter.

A pastry cutter or fork: For cutting the cold butter into the dry ingredients. You could also use your fingers, but a pastry cutter is more efficient.

A mixing spoon or spatula: For stirring in the wet ingredients.

A lightly floured surface: For turning out and shaping the dough.

A rolling pin (optional): For rolling out the dough, although you can also simply pat it with your hands.

A round cutter (or a glass): For cutting out the biscuits.

A baking sheet: For baking the biscuits.

Parchment paper (optional, but recommended): For lining the baking sheet, preventing sticking and making cleanup easier.

Measuring cups and spoons.

This is a very basic equipment list.

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• ¼ cup fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, dill, or a mix), finely chopped
• ½ cup milk (plus extra for brushing)

These ingredients are perfect.

Gather all ingredients before starting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process of making these Herbed Cottage Cheese Biscuits into easy-to-follow steps. I’ll guide you through each stage.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder (if using).

Step 3: Cut in the Butter. Using a pastry cutter or fork (or your fingers), cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter pieces should be about the size of small peas.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients. Stir in the cottage cheese, chopped fresh herbs, and milk. Mix until the dough just comes together—avoid overmixing. The dough will be slightly shaggy.

Step 5: Shape the Dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times (just 2-3 times) to bring it together. Pat or roll the dough to about ¾-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut out biscuits. Re-roll scraps as needed.

Step 6: Bake the Biscuits. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them. Brush the tops with a little milk for a golden finish.

Step 7: Bake. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with butter, honey, jam, or your favorite spread!

These instructions are clear and easy to follow.

Troubleshooting

Let’s address some potential issues that might arise, and how to solve them:

Problem: My biscuits are tough. Solution: You may have overmixed the dough. Remember to mix the wet ingredients only until just combined, and to knead the dough very gently and minimally. Overworking the dough develops the gluten, resulting in tough biscuits.

Problem: My biscuits are flat. Solution: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Also, make sure your butter is cold – this is crucial for creating flaky layers.

Problem: My biscuits are dry. Solution: You may have added too much flour, or your oven temperature may be too high. Be careful not to overmeasure the flour, and check your oven’s accuracy with an oven thermometer.

Problem: My biscuits are not golden. Solution: Apply milk on top before baking.

These solutions will help you to achieve a perfect result.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations:

Tip: For even flakier biscuits, use frozen butter and grate it into the dry ingredients using a box grater.

Variation: Substitute different herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or chives, depending on your preference.

Tip: For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of regular milk.

Variation: Add shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to the dough for cheesy biscuits.

Tip: To ensure evenly sized biscuits, use a biscuit cutter or a sharp knife.

Variation: For a sweeter biscuit, add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the dry ingredients.

This recipe offers various options.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Herbed Cottage Cheese Biscuits are incredibly versatile. Here are some serving and pairing ideas:

Serving: Serve the biscuits warm, straight from the oven or slightly cooled.

Pairing (Breakfast/Brunch): * Spread them with butter, jam, honey, or your favorite fruit preserves. * Serve them alongside eggs, bacon, sausage, or other breakfast favorites. * Use them to make breakfast sandwiches.

Pairing (Lunch/Dinner): * Serve them as a side dish with soups, stews, chili, or salads. * Use them to make mini sandwiches with deli meats, cheese, or vegetables. * Enjoy them on their own as a savory snack.

These biscuits are a versatile side.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is approximate. One biscuit might contain:

• Calories: 200-250
• Fat: 10-15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
• Cholesterol: 30-40mg
• Sodium: 250-350 mg
• Total Carbs: 20-25 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Sugars: 2-3 grams
• Protein: 5-7 grams These are delicious biscuits to have with moderation.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Let’s conclude with a summary of the recipe and answers to some frequently asked questions:

Recipe Summary:

Herbed Cottage Cheese Biscuits are savory, tender, and flaky biscuits made with all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cold butter, cottage cheese, fresh herbs, and milk. They’re easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish.

Q&A:

Q: Can I make these biscuits ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the biscuits and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Q: How do I reheat the biscuits? A: You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? A: You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the biscuits may be slightly denser.

Q: I don’t have fresh herbs. Can I use dried herbs? A: Yes, you can use dried herbs, but use about 1/3 the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe (e.g., if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs, use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs).

Q: Can I add cheese? A: Yes