When it comes to biscuits, I'm a bit of a traditionalist and I didn't want to veer too far off the well-worn path. These Parmesan Thyme Buttermilk Biscuits are tall, fluffy, and delicious.The addition of grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese, fresh thyme, and a touch of black pepper makes them extra special and a bit unique.
Ingredients
2cupsWhite Lily self-rising flourplus more for dusting
¾cup + 1 tablespoon (195 mL)cold buttermilkshake container before pouring
Instructions
Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) with a rack in the center position. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper or a Silpat.
Place the butter in the freezer for at least 10 to 15 minutes, until almost frozen. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, grated cheese, thyme, baking powder, salt, and pepper and baking powder.
Using a box grater, grate the very cold butter directly into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Toss the mixture lightly with your fingers, breaking up the butter pieces, until they are all evenly coated in some dry flour. Place the bowl in freezer for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, dust a working surface lightly with flour. Set aside a small bowl with additional flour, where you grab extra as needed and lightly dust the edges of the biscuit cutter as you work.
Remove chilled mixture from the freezer and create a large well in the center. Add the buttermilk and using a wooden spoon or fork, mix gently until the dry ingredients are moistened. Do not overwork.
Using your fingers, transfer the dough (it should be wet and shaggy) onto the floured countertop. Dust your hands with flour and knead the dough gently together several times until it comes together and is relatively smooth.
Using your fingertips, pat the dough into a ¾-inch thick disc. Using a lightly floured cutter, cut out biscuits using a 2-inch round biscuit cutter (do not twist the cutter or it will seal the edges of the dough and prevent the biscuits from rising properly). Place the biscuits on the lined sheet pan. Set them several inches apart if you prefer crisper edges or place them against each other if you prefer softer edged biscuits. Press and knead together any remaining dough scraps and repeat procedure until you have roughly 8 (two-inch) round biscuits.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly golden and tall. Serve immediately with softened butter.