Sourdough cheddar biscuits are made using sourdough discard soft, are fluffy and filled the flavors of cheesy, buttery goodness.

For years, I’ve been making homemade cheddar biscuits that apparently are similar to those found at a particular seafood restaurant, although I’ve never been. They’re always a family favorite and are super delicious, especially during soup season! And since I almost always have an abundance of sourdough discard, I thought it was about time to create a sourdough cheddar biscuit recipe. These biscuits are garlicky, butter and super soft and fluffy. I love using them as a side to soups, for breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and gravy and just by themselves. They’re really a comfort food and I know you’ll love them too! What’s even better is they are a type of drop biscuit, which means no rolling dough and cutting out individual biscuits. Simply mix the batter, scoop them out and bake!
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FAQs
What kind of milk works best in this recipe?
Whole milk works the best for making these sourdough drop biscuits because of the higher fat content, which produces a fluffier texture, but you can use any dairy milk of your choice. I’ve even used half and half and that works great too! This recipe has not been tested with non-dairy milk, so the results may vary.
Can I add any other mix-ins to these sourdough cheddar biscuits?
In the last step of the recipe, feel free to fold in chopped bacon, chives, minced garlic, or even jalapeños! If you’re adding anything that’s juicy, try to squeeze as much of that moisture out prior to adding it to the biscuit mixture.
What kind of cheddar cheese should I use?
I prefer to use a sharp cheddar cheese in these sourdough discard biscuits, but you can use colby jack or mild cheddar cheese. I always recommend shredding your own cheese from the block as it melts better, but you can absolutely use pre-shredded cheese too.
How do I make sure the biscuits are fluffy?
To ensure these biscuits are nice and fluffy, don’t over mix the batter, use a milk with a high fat content, scoop the batter with an ice cream scoop, then leave it alone. It’s best not to manipulate the dough much. The high heat also helps the biscuits rise really well and helps to create that delicious fluffy texture!
Do I have to use sourdough discard in this recipe?
You can use sourdough discard or active sourdough starter in this drop biscuit recipe. The leavening power comes from the baking powder as opposed to starter itself, so either stage of starter works.

Ingredients
Flour: These cheddar biscuits only require all-purpose flour. I prefer to use unbleached, but you can use what you like.
Baking powder: Baking powder is the leavening agent in this recipe that helps the biscuits rise.
Sugar: I like to add a little bit of granulated cane sugar to these biscuits to even out the savory, but you can omit this ingredient if you wish.
Garlic powder: You can use garlic powder, garlic granules or even onion powder, although it will have a bit of a different taste, but not much difference.
Salt: I prefer to use pink Himalayan salt, but again, use whatever salt you love.
Butter: Salted butter is king around this house, but you can absolutely use unsalted butter if you prefer.
Milk: Any milk will do in this recipe, although non-dairy milks may change the density of the biscuits. I usually use 1 or 2% because that’s what’s always on hand, but for the richest biscuits, whole milk is the best.
Sourdough starter: You can use active sourdough discard or sourdough discard in these cheddar biscuits. The rise or leavening comes from the baking powder as opposed to the sourdough.
Cheddar cheese: I LOVE sharp cheddar cheese, but use whatever your favorite is. Colby Jack would even work too!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure here for further information.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Cheddar Biscuits
TOOLS YOU MAY NEED
- Mixing bowl
- Microwave safe bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
INGREDIENTS
- 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour (270 g)
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard (140 g)
- 1 tbs baking powder (12 g)
- 1 tbs sugar (optional) (15 g)
- 1 tbs garlic powder (9 g)
- 1/4 tsp salt (3 g)
- 1 stick of butter (unsalted or salted) (105 g)
- 3/4 cup milk (190 g)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (125 g)
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 450°F, then melt the butter on the stovetop or in the microwave in 30 second increments until it’s fully melted, then set it aside to cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, stir together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder and salt.

Carefully pour the sourdough starter, melted butter and milk into the dry mixture and mix until just combined, then fold in the shredded cheese with a spoon.

Scoop the dough into 10-12 even portions, using an ice cream scoop, and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Bake the biscuits for 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden brown.

Optional: Brush the sourdough cheddar biscuits with melted butter once they’re out of the oven.

NOTES
- If you notice them getting overly done on the bottom, flip them over to cook evenly.
- Use any milk of your choice. Whole milk is preferred, but any dairy milk works great, even half and half.
- Mix in bacon pieces, minced garlic, chives or even chopped jalapeños to add extra flavor.
- Use an ice cream scoop for even sized biscuits.

Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits
Sourdough cheddar biscuits are made using sourdough discard soft, are fluffy and filled the flavors of cheesy, buttery goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour (270 g)
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard (140 g)
- 1 tbs baking powder (12 g)
- 1 tbs sugar (optional) (15 g)
- 1 tbs garlic powder (9 g)
- 1/4 tsp salt (3 g)
- 1 stick of butter (unsalted or salted) (105 g)
- 3/4 cup milk (190 g)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (125 g)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F, then melt the butter on the stovetop or in the microwave in 30 second increments until it's fully melted, then set it aside to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder and salt.
- Carefully pour the sourdough starter, melted butter and milk into the dry mixture and mix until just combined, then fold in the shredded cheese with a spoon.
- Scoop the dough into 10-12 even portions, using an ice cream scoop, and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake the biscuits for 10-12 minutes or until they're golden brown.
- Optional: Brush the sourdough cheddar biscuits with melted butter once they're out of the oven.
Notes
- If you notice them getting overly done on the bottom, flip them over to cook evenly.
- Use any milk of your choice. Whole milk is preferred, but any dairy milk works great, even half and half.
- Mix in bacon pieces, minced garlic, chives or even chopped jalapeños to add extra flavor.
- Use an ice cream scoop for even sized biscuits.
Nutrition Information
Yield 10 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 230Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 37mgSodium 373mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 6g
Nutrition facts can vary based on different brands of ingredients and does not account for substitutions. This nutrition information is only an estimate.
How to Enjoy Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits
- Standalone: Enjoy these sourdough cheddar biscuits on their own! They’re fluffy, flavorful and oh so good all by themselves.
- With Soup: These sourdough drop biscuits are perfect for dipping into a delicious soup or enjoying on the side.
- Breakfast: Cut these biscuits in half, add an egg and some bacon and you’ve got yourself a yummy breakfast sandwich.
- To Dip: Make your favorite dip, like this dill dip, and use the cheddar biscuits instead to dip.
YOU LOOKING FOR MORE SOURDOUGH DISCARD RECIPES?
Looking for more sourdough discard recipes like these sourdough cheddar biscuits? Check these out!
- Sourdough Discard Pancakes
- Cheesy Sourdough Discard Crackers
- Sourdough Discard Tortillas
- Sourdough Discard Chicken Strips
Did you make these sourdough discard cheddar biscuits? If you enjoyed them, I’d really appreciate if you came back and gave the recipe a five star rating! Tag me on Instagram (@thesimplehomeplace) to show me your own recreation of this recipe!
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