Description: These flaky Cheddar & Chive Sourdough Discard Biscuits bring comforting farmhouse flavor and make great use of sourdough discard. Perfect for anyone exploring Healthy Sourdough Starter Recipes or looking for Things To Do With Sourdough Discard—fluffy, savory, and simple to bake. Discover the details.
There’s something magical about a chilly morning on the farm, when the air smells faintly of wood smoke and the promise of something delicious baking in the oven. One autumn weekend, as golden leaves skittered across the porch, I decided to make biscuits using the sourdough discard I’d saved from my weekly starter feed. The kitchen warmed with the scent of melting cheddar and freshly chopped chives—an aroma that could win over even the sleepiest family member.
That first batch rose beautifully, crisp on the edges yet impossibly soft inside. Butter melted into the flaky layers, carrying the sharpness of cheddar and the gentle onion warmth of chives in every bite. What began as a resourceful experiment turned into a lasting tradition: Cheddar & Chive Sourdough Discard Biscuits now appear on our table any time the weekend calls for something homemade and heartwarming.
These biscuits are more than a recipe—they’re a piece of farmhouse comfort, bridging rustic simplicity with modern practicality. Using sourdough discard feels like honoring older kitchen wisdom: nothing wasted, everything transformed into something satisfying. It’s no wonder these Cheddar & Chive Sourdough Discard Biscuits have become a family favorite, perfect for pairing with soup, serving at brunch, or simply enjoying warm with butter on a quiet morning.
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Cheddar & Chive Sourdough Discard Biscuits – Easy Farmhouse Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 biscuits 1x
Description
Flaky cheddar and chive biscuits made with sourdough discard for a rustic, easy farmhouse treat perfect with soup or breakfast sandwiches.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until combined.
3. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese and chives until evenly distributed.
5. Add sourdough discard and 1/2 cup cold buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
6. Turn dough onto a floured surface and fold it over itself 2-3 times.
7. Pat dough to 1 inch thickness and cut into rounds.
8. Place biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush tops with buttermilk.
9. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
10. Serve warm or store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
Keywords: cheddar chive biscuits, sourdough discard biscuits, easy farmhouse recipe, healthy sourdough starter, things to do with sourdough, farmhouse biscuits, savory biscuits, cheddar chive, sourdough baking, flaky biscuits
Why Sourdough Discard Deserves a Second Chance
Every sourdough baker knows that feeding a starter means creating “discard”—the portion you remove before refreshing your starter with new flour and water. While many people toss it away, that tangy mixture of flour and developed yeast is far too valuable to waste. Rich in flavor and texture, sourdough discard can bring depth to countless recipes, from pancakes to crackers, and especially biscuits.
Turning that discard into buttery, golden biscuits is one of the simplest Things To Do With Sourdough Discard. Instead of throwing it out, you can whip up an Easy Farmhouse Recipe that not only reduces waste but also creates something undeniably comforting. The subtle tang of the sourdough perfectly complements the richness of cheddar and the brightness of chives, adding a rustic character that store‑bought biscuits simply can’t match.
Sourdough discard baking is at the heart of Healthy Sourdough Starter Recipes—because it rewards patience, sustainability, and traditional techniques. These biscuits are proof that resourcefulness can be delicious. The result is a warm, flaky tribute to farmhouse kitchens everywhere—a simple pleasure pulled from the oven, ready to share, and impossible not to love.
Gathering Fresh Farmhouse Ingredients
When it comes to baking Sourdough Discard Biscuits, simplicity meets quality. Every ingredient plays a role in creating that signature flaky, cheesy texture. Even though these Cheddar & Chive Sourdough Discard Biscuits are an Easy Farmhouse Recipe, using the freshest ingredients transforms them from good to unforgettable.
Start with cold, cubed unsalted butter—this is the key to those delicate, buttery layers. Sharp cheddar brings depth, while fresh garden chives add a light, fragrant lift. The sourdough discard contributes tanginess and moisture, tying everything together into one perfect bite.
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard – unfed, room temperature
- 2 cups (250g) all‑purpose flour – plus a little for dusting
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- ½ cup (120ml) cold buttermilk (plus extra for brushing tops)
| Ingredient | Role in the Recipe |
|---|---|
| Butter | Creates flakiness and rich flavor |
| Sourdough Discard | Adds mild tang and natural lift |
| Cheddar Cheese | Provides savory sharpness and color |
| Chives | Fresh herbal aroma and balanced flavor |
| Buttermilk | Moist crumb and tender dough |
| Baking Powder & Soda | Help the biscuits rise beautifully |
Choose aged cheddar for a deeper flavor, and don’t shy away from mixing in other cheeses like white cheddar or farmhouse gouda for variation. If you grow your own herbs, snipping fresh chives straight from the garden adds both taste and charm to this Easy Farmhouse Recipe. Whether you’re making them for breakfast or alongside a hearty stew, these Sourdough Discard Biscuits embody everything cozy and satisfying about traditional country baking.
Must‑Have Tools for Perfect Biscuit Texture
You don’t need fancy gadgets for these Cheddar & Chive Sourdough Discard Biscuits—just reliable, everyday tools that make the process smooth and enjoyable.
- Mixing bowl – for combining ingredients evenly.
- Pastry cutter or forks – to blend butter into flour without melting.
- Bench scraper – for folding and shaping the dough.
- Rolling pin – to flatten the dough gently.
- Biscuit cutter or glass – to cut uniform rounds cleanly.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – to ensure even browning.
For fluffy biscuits, temperature control is key. Keeping butter and buttermilk cold ensures steam pockets form during baking to create layers. Try freezing butter for ten minutes before grating it into the flour or chilling your mixing bowl. Small details like this align with Healthy Sourdough Starter Recipes, ensuring a light, naturally flavorful texture without additives. Work quickly yet gently—the beauty of these biscuits is in their simplicity and care.
Mixing & Folding for Flaky Perfection
Now it’s time to bring the dough together. The process is pleasingly tactile: cool butter between your fingers, tangy sourdough discard blending with flour, and the promise of fresh biscuits in every motion.
- Combine the dry components: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until uniform.
- Cut in butter: Blend the cold cubes until pea‑sized bits remain. These make the flaky structure of Cheddar & Chive Sourdough Discard Biscuits.
- Add cheese and chives: Toss them in for even distribution and color.
- Incorporate discard and buttermilk: Mix gently until a soft dough forms—don’t overwork.
- Shape & fold: Pat into a rectangle, fold over, rotate, and repeat two or three times to create layered structure.
- Cut biscuits: Press a floured cutter straight down into one‑inch‑thick dough and place rounds on a parchment‑lined sheet.
The cool, pliable dough will look speckled with cheddar and chives—a preview of the delicious layers to come.
Baking, Serving & Pairing Ideas
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush dough tops with buttermilk and bake 15–18 minutes, until the tops turn golden and the bottoms lightly brown. Each biscuit should split easily, showing tender, cheesy layers inside. The sourdough tang balances rich butter and sharp cheddar beautifully.
Serve these Cheddar & Chive Sourdough Discard Biscuits fresh. Pair them with soup, stew, or transform them into breakfast sandwiches filled with eggs or ham. A drizzle of honey or herb butter turns them into a cozy snack.
Leftovers keep in an airtight container for two days at room temperature or five in the fridge. To reheat, warm in a 325°F oven for several minutes or microwave briefly under a damp paper towel to maintain softness. Freeze cut, unbaked rounds for easy future breakfasts—bake from frozen, adding about two minutes of bake time. This Easy Farmhouse Recipe proves that comfort can be spontaneous and sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze sourdough discard biscuits?
Yes. Freeze shaped dough pieces on a tray, then seal in a freezer bag for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the oven time, and you’ll enjoy fresh Sourdough Discard Biscuits anytime.
What if I don’t have chives?
Use green onions, parsley, or dried herbs instead. Flexibility is part of any Easy Farmhouse Recipe; just maintain that hint of freshness to complement the cheese.
Can I make these biscuits gluten‑free?
Swap the flour with a 1‑to‑1 gluten‑free blend and ensure your starter uses gluten‑free grains. You’ll have a version that suits Healthy Sourdough Starter Recipes without losing the comforting flavor.
How long does sourdough discard stay fresh?
Keep discard in a sealed jar in the fridge for about a week. Regular use of it in biscuits, pancakes, or crackers is among the best Things To Do With Sourdough Discard to keep your baking cycle sustainable.
A Farmhouse Classic Worth Keeping
There’s a quiet satisfaction in turning what might be waste into golden, fragrant nourishment. These Cheddar & Chive Sourdough Discard Biscuits embody the spirit of homestyle baking—resourceful, warm, and full of character. Every flaky bite connects the past and present, making this Easy Farmhouse Recipe a keeper.
Whether you’re maintaining a lively starter or beginning anew, let these biscuits inspire your Healthy Sourdough Starter Recipes. Within thirty minutes, your kitchen will smell of bubbling cheese and fresh herbs—a delicious reminder that simple traditions often taste the best.
Next time you feed your starter, save the discard and bake up these farmhouse favorites. Cheddar & Chive Sourdough Discard Biscuits prove that wholesome, hearty comfort can emerge from resourcefulness—flaky, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
