These Oven Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Biscuits are the perfect combination of buttery, flaky pastry and a bold, spicy kick. Using cold, diced butter and tangy buttermilk gives the classic lofty rise, while sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños create pockets of melted cheese and lively heat. They’re a fantastic upgrade to a standard bread basket and pair beautifully with everything from hearty chili to a simple breakfast spread.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2–3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
3/4 cup buttermilk

Directions

Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. Properly mixed dry ingredients ensure an even rise.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add cold, diced butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces.

Golden Rule: Keep the butter cold! These bits release steam in the oven, creating flaky layers.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Jalapeños
Stir in shredded cheddar and finely chopped jalapeños until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Mix the Dough
Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently until the dough just comes together—don’t overwork it, or the biscuits will be tough.

Step 6: Shape and Cut
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently 2–3 times until it holds together. Pat into a 1-inch thick round and use a biscuit cutter to stamp out rounds. Press straight down—don’t twist—to ensure edges rise properly.

Step 7: Bake
Place biscuits about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake 12–15 minutes until tops are light golden brown and cheese bubbles along the sides.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow biscuits to cool for a few minutes on the tray before serving warm.