Cheese biscuit is a popular American snack. It is a small bread made by using baking powder and soda as leavening agents instead of the normally used yeast. It has a harder crust and a soft inside texture. It is also referred to as a quick bread as it does not need proofing time.

History

Cheese biscuits were first made by the Europeans staying in the U.S.

Ingredients and Preparation

Cheese, refined flour, milk, eggs, baking powder and butter are the main ingredients for making cheese biscuit. Seasonings like thyme, parsley, chilli flakes and onion are used to enhance the flavor of the biscuit.

Flour and baking powder are sieved together. Butter is rubbed into the flour and all the seasonings are added. Grated cheese is added to the dough. Egg and milk is used to knead the dough. The dough should not be very hard or very soft. Round balls are made and baked in the oven at 180 degrees C for about 25 to 30 minutes. When removed from the oven, it is brushed with olive oil.

Serving

·         It can be served for breakfast or as a tea snack.

·         Cheese biscuit is sliced and served with sausage, egg, bacon or grilled chicken.

Similar Dishes

·         Scone is an English quick bread similar to cheese biscuit.

Health and Nutrition Facts

Serving size – 1 burger king cheese biscuit with bacon and egg.

Calories – 470 cal, Fat – 28 g, Saturated fat – 9 g, Sodium – 1470 mg, Carbohydrates – 37 g, Dietary fiber – 1 g, Protein – 15 g

·         Commercially available cheese biscuit is very high in calories and fat. Nearly 40 % calories are contributed from fat. It contains extremely high sodium and can be classified as a junk food. It should be avoided by people suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Even people who are obese should avoid eating this snack.

·         It does not contain any nutrient but can be made nutritious by eating it with egg or meat.

·         It can be made healthier by using less butter. Partial butter can be substituted with sour cream or butter milk.

·         Combination of flours like oat flour, soy flour or barley should be used to make this snack more nutritious. Low fat cheese should be used to reduce the calorific value of cheese biscuit.

Healthy cheese biscuit

Calories – 250 cal, Fat – 7 g, Saturated fat – 2.5 g, Sodium – 350 mg

·         A healthier low fat version made has half the calories compared to the burger king one. It is a healthier option for weight watchers and people with heart ailments.