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    Home / Recipes / Course / Appetizer

    7 Sep 1, 2015 Appetizer  |   Jump to Recipe

    Apple Cheddar Biscuits + Updated Bacon Jam

    Tender, golden biscuits infused with aged cheddar, apple and onion with sweet and smokey bacon jam on the side. To me, this is a plate of pure happiness.

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Cheddar Apple Biscuits with Bacon Jam

    I first made these biscuits (sans apple) two years ago while preparing a southern-inspired dinner for the boyfriend. The menu consisted of brined and breaded pork chops and collards cooked in bacon fat. To round out the plate, I decided to make buttermilk biscuits flavored with items I had in the fridge: sharp cheddar and scallions.  After some quick prep (one bowl) and brief trip to the oven, the hot, cheese-laced drop biscuits were on the table, and ready to be devoured with soft butter and runny honey.  A simple triumph!

    Over the years, I’ve made this recipe countless times with various different cheeses and flavorings. It’s my go-to biscuit recipe.  And today, I’m sharing it with all of you 🙂 Continue reading for the recipe!

    Biscuit Ingredients

    This recipe starts with a big bowl, some dry ingredients and cubes of cold butter.  In this instance, I like to mix the butter and flour by hand. It just takes a moment and keeps me from having to use (and clean!) my food processor. Next, shredded cheese (Kerrygold Aged Cheddar with Irish Whiskey here), chopped apple, sliced scallion and chives get added to the bowl.  I like the varied onion flavor that comes with using both scallions and chives, but if you’ve only got one available, that’s totally fine.  Finally, buttermilk is stirred in to bind and add tang.  Large dollops of biscuit batter are dropped on a buttered baking sheet and then cooked until golden and fragrant.  The smell and flavor are quite intoxicating.  These drop biscuits are best enjoyed immediately, but can be reheated and eaten up to several days later.

    Making Cheddar Apple Biscuits

    Cheddar Apple Biscuits

    I’ve paired these biscuits with homemade Bacon Jam, another one of my classic recipes.  Bacon Jam is made by simmering a whole pound of bacon with onion, garlic, brown sugar, maple syrup, and brewed coffee until dark and sticky.  After a quick blitz in the the food processor, a little red wine vinegar, black pepper and paprika are added to brighten flavors.  The finished jam is both sweet and savory with a wonderful depth of flavor.  Pairs perfectly with cheddar, apple and onion (all the flavors in the biscuits!).  I first posted a Bacon Jam recipe back in 2011!  Since then I’ve simplified the process a bit.  My new recipe is below.

    Don’t want to make the Bacon Jam?  You can enjoy these biscuits as is or with some softened butter.  Honey pairs beautifully as does whipped cream cheese.  If you want to take these biscuits from the side attraction to the main stage, split one and fill with mayo, mustard and salty slices of smoked ham.  Divine!

    Cheddar Apple Biscuits

    These biscuits are appropriate for a number of different occasions, but this year, they’ve been making frequent appearances at all my summer gatherings.  A perfect side dish for a backyard barbecue.  I would highly recommend doubling the recipe if you’re serving at a big party, because they will fly right off the plate.  Always a friend favorite 🙂

    Cheddar Apple Biscuits with Bacon Jam

    Apple Cheddar Biscuits

    by Brandon Matzek
    Adapted from here.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 8 large biscuits

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, plus more for greasing the pan
    • 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
    • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 2 teaspoons sugar
    • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
    • 1 firm, tart apple (such as Granny Smith), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
    • 7 oz Kerrygold Aged Cheddar with Irish Whiskey, coarsely grated
    • 2 scallions, chopped finely (don't have this? add another 2 tablespoons sliced chive)
    • 2 1/2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives (don't have this? Add another chopped scallion to the mix)
    • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons well-shaken buttermilk

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 450°F and set an oven rack to the middle position. Grease a baking sheet with butter and set aside.
    • Add flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda and sea salt to a large bowl, whisking to combine. Add the butter to the bowl, and, using your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse meal. Stir in the apple, most of the aged cheddar (reserve 1/2 cup), scallions an chives. Add the buttermilk and stir until just combined.
    • Using a large spoon, drop the dough in 8 equal mounds onto the prepared baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle the top of each mound with reserved cheddar. Bake until golden and cooked through (18 - 20 minutes). Let cool for just a moment before enjoying. Store any leftover biscuits covered at room temperature for up to several days.
    Tried this recipe?Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can check it out!
    Cheddar Apple Biscuits with Bacon Jam

    Updated Bacon Jam

    by Brandon Matzek
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 12 ounces

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
    • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
    • 5 garlic cloves, minced
    • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 cup brewed coffee
    • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
    • 1/4 cup maple syrup
    • 3/4 cup water
    • Freshly ground black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

    Instructions
     

    • In a large, heavy bottom pot, cook the bacon over medium heat just until lightly brown and starting to crisp. Set aside to cool.
    • Add onion and garlic to the same pot and cook until soft and translucent (about 10 – 12 minutes), stirring occasionally. Return the bacon to pot along with the brown sugar, brewed coffee, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 2 1/2 hours, stirring every once in a while to prevent sticking, until thick and dark brown in color.
    • Transfer to a food processor, and pulse several times to reach a chunky jam texture. Pulse in several turns of black pepper, smoked paprika, and red wine vinegar. Season to taste with additional red wine vinegar (to brighten flavors).
    Tried this recipe?Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can check it out!

    I partnered with Kerrygold on this article.  They provided me a selection of their delicious cheeses to sample. #KGgrassfed.

    Here are some other side dishes that would be perfect for a last summer hurrah!

    Brussels Sprout Slaw

    Brussels Sprout Slaw

    Ripe Plum Tabbouleh

    Ripe Plum Tabbouleh

    Roasted Beets with Onion, Poblano and Lime

    Roasted Beets with Red Onion, Poblano and Lime

    Green Bean Salad

    Green Bean Salad with Mustard Seeds and Tarragon

    7
    Brandon and Federico
    Brandon

    I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!

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    Categories: Appetizer Tags: all purpose flour, apple, apple cider vinegar, bacon, baking powder, baking soda, black pepper, brown sugar, butter, buttermilk, cheddar cheese, chives, coffee, garlic, maple syrup, onion, red wine vinegar, scallions, sea salt, smoked paprika, sugar

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ani {@afotogirl} says

      September 1, 2015 at 5:47 pm

      All these years of cooking, and I have never done homemade biscuits. I think it’s time to try. Drooling here.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 2, 2015 at 3:36 pm

        Biscuit recipes vary a lot. This is drop biscuit style, one of the easier ones. Enjoy! Thanks Ani.

        Reply
    2. Brian @ A Thought For Food says

      September 1, 2015 at 6:15 pm

      Biscuits/scones are my jam. Not bacon jam… but jam jam. And that sweet, savory combo always makes for the perfect pastry. Beautifully done!

      Also, KerryGold. How I love thee!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 2, 2015 at 3:37 pm

        Hahaha they’re my jam as well ;). Definitely a preferred pastry. Thanks Brian!

        Reply
    3. Averie @ Averie Cooks says

      September 1, 2015 at 6:43 pm

      That Kerrygold cheese is the bomb. It would make anything taste just that much better. These look so golden and buttery and perfect!!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 2, 2015 at 3:37 pm

        Agreed!! Thanks Averie!

        Reply
    4. Alana says

      September 1, 2015 at 9:09 pm

      All i can say is, BACON JAM!? Gimme all the apple cheddar biscuits and all the bacon jam!!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 2, 2015 at 3:38 pm

        Yuuuuhhhhhsss!! Thanks Alana 🙂

        Reply
    5. Sam @ SugarSpunRun says

      September 2, 2015 at 11:34 am

      5 stars
      These are seriously some next-level biscuits, not only would I love them but my husband would lose his mind over the bacon jam!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 2, 2015 at 3:39 pm

        I served this bacon jam at a party this weekend, and everyone was going crazy for it!! Thanks Sam!

        Reply
    6. Megan Keno {Country Cleaver} says

      September 2, 2015 at 12:01 pm

      Holy bacon – this looks fantastic!!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 2, 2015 at 3:40 pm

        Haha yes!! ALL the bacon right here.

        Reply
    7. Sippitysup says

      September 2, 2015 at 3:14 pm

      Biscuits make me happy. Apple biscuits is something new and exciting. GREG

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 2, 2015 at 3:41 pm

        The sweet freshness of the apple is a good contrast to the sharp cheese.

        Reply
    8. Maris (In Good Taste) says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:18 pm

      Apple and cheddar is such a great combination. Love the sound of these for fall!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 2, 2015 at 7:22 pm

        It really is! I first tasted the combination at a local restaurant in San Diego. They were serving an apple crumble with cheese in the crust. So good!

        Reply
    9. Gabriel @ The Dinner Special podcast says

      September 3, 2015 at 12:02 am

      These biscuits with all that apple and cheesy goodness inside! Never had apples inside a biscuit before but it just sounds so right. And I’m slathering this bacon jam all over it!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 5, 2015 at 3:56 pm

        The apple provides small pops of sweet freshness! Thanks Gabriel.

        Reply
    10. Marye says

      September 4, 2015 at 7:30 am

      Those look incredible…It’s a brilliant concept!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 5, 2015 at 3:58 pm

        Thanks Marye!

        Reply
    11. Ginny McMeans says

      September 5, 2015 at 7:09 am

      This sounds like a wonderful way to dress up these beautiful biscuits for fall.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 5, 2015 at 3:58 pm

        Agreed! Thanks Ginny.

        Reply
    12. Cynthia says

      September 5, 2015 at 8:23 am

      Oh my goodness, this is pure genius. Such a perfect combination of flavors, in my favorite medium — biscuits!! This is incredible.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 5, 2015 at 4:00 pm

        Thanks Cynthia!! I’ve really grown to love making biscuits at home. So simple and easily adaptable.

        Reply
    13. Jordan Catapano says

      September 5, 2015 at 9:03 am

      5 stars
      Looks amazing and your photography is so divine.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 5, 2015 at 4:00 pm

        Thanks Jordan!!

        Reply
    14. Debbie G says

      September 6, 2015 at 4:36 am

      Just had the best smoky jalapeno bacon jam at my fav restaurant. I might add the smoky jalapeno to yours & see what I get.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 6, 2015 at 4:24 pm

        That sounds like an awesome addition!! This isn’t very spicy, so jalapeños would add some nice spice. Chipotles might be good too!

        Reply
    15. Carol Borchardt says

      September 6, 2015 at 2:23 pm

      Apples and cheddar cheese are one of my all-time favorite snacks! I LOVE the idea of putting them together in a biscuit. With bacon jam it sounds over-the-top wonderful!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 6, 2015 at 4:25 pm

        Me too! Such a perfect flavor combo. Thanks!

        Reply
    16. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      September 6, 2015 at 8:31 pm

      Loooove this flavor combination and that touch of bacon jam is simply perfect! Smoked paprika is deliciously potent and something I should use more often.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 7, 2015 at 12:15 pm

        Yeah, smoked paprika really does help to boost the smokiness of the bacon. Thanks Kimberly!

        Reply
    17. Anita says

      September 6, 2015 at 11:40 pm

      I love Kerrygold! Definitely love the combination of flavors you have going on with the biscuits and the jam!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 7, 2015 at 12:16 pm

        Thanks Anita! Kerrygold cheese is a staple at my house 🙂

        Reply
    18. Matt @ Plating Pixels says

      September 6, 2015 at 11:47 pm

      Pure happiness indeed! Biscuits done right.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 7, 2015 at 12:17 pm

        Thanks Matt!

        Reply
    19. Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says

      September 9, 2015 at 5:44 pm

      There is literally nothing else that anyone could want in a biscuit recipe…and you even include a homemade jam to go with them! Swoon.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 9, 2015 at 7:14 pm

        It is packed with flavor. Thanks!!

        Reply
    20. Becca | Spices and Spatulas says

      September 10, 2015 at 4:31 am

      In my opinion, cheese in biscuits makes a pretty perfect food unbelievably amazing! Can’t even imagine what these bad boys are like slathered in bacon jam…wow! Such a great brunch idea. xo

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 11, 2015 at 6:36 am

        Thanks Becca. I love how the cheese gets all toasty and bubbly on the biscuit. Takes on a whole new flavor!

        Reply
    21. Cynthia / What A Girl Eats says

      September 14, 2015 at 9:06 am

      Those biscuits sound divine! Great accompaniment to a soup or stew!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 14, 2015 at 10:26 am

        Yaaaasss!! Perfect for dunking.

        Reply
    22. Kristen says

      October 25, 2015 at 10:41 pm

      These look AMAZING! Can’t wait to try them…

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        October 26, 2015 at 7:16 am

        Thanks Kristen!

        Reply

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    I'm Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Read More…


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