If you’re looking for the ultimate cheesy biscuit to add to your baking repertoire, let me introduce you to Australian Busters. These golden, crisp biscuits are bursting with sharp cheddar flavor, boasting a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture with just a playful tingle of cayenne. Whether you want a crowd-pleasing snack, a bold side for soup, or a delightful addition to your cheese board, Australian Busters never fail to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, classic ingredients coming together for an unforgettable treat. Each one is carefully chosen to build the bold, savory personality and satisfying texture that make Australian Busters so irresistible.
- Butter: Use 8 tablespoons, diced and cold, for rich, buttery flavor and that signature tender, crumbly bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups is the perfect base, giving the biscuits structure while keeping them light and crisp.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon enhances all the flavors and balances the richness from the cheese and butter.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A generous 3½ cups adds sharp, bold flavor and gorgeous color—use the sharpest cheddar you can find for extra zing.
- Water: About 6 to 7 tablespoons helps bring the dough together without making it too sticky.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just 1/8 teaspoon gives a subtle, warming heat that plays so well with the cheddar.
How to Make Australian Busters
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a quick spritz of nonstick spray. This step ensures your Australian Busters release easily after baking and develop an even, crispy base—no sticking or burning in sight!
Step 2: Make the Crumbly Flour Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Next, add your diced, chilled butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour. Work quickly so the butter stays cold—this is your ticket to a biscuit that’s beautifully crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Form the Dough
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and, using your fingers, gently toss and blend until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the crumbly flour mixture. This is when you’ll start to smell the rich, sharp aroma that signals something delicious is in the works. Stir in 6 tablespoons of water and the cayenne pepper with a fork, mixing until a soft dough forms. If it seems a bit dry, add another tablespoon of water—just until it comes together.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Biscuits
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness. Grab a 3-inch round cutter or a drinking glass and cut out your biscuits. Gather up the scraps, re-roll, and cut until all the dough is used—no cheesy bit left behind!
Step 5: Prick and Bake
Lay the rounds out on your prepared baking sheet with just a touch of space between each. To prevent puffing, prick each biscuit about 10 times with a fork. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. If you love an extra snappy bite, give them 1–2 minutes more, keeping a close watch.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Once baked to perfection, let your Australian Busters cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This little rest helps them set and develop that irresistible crispy edge. Once cool, they’re ready for snacking—or for stealing a warm, cheesy bite right off the rack.
How to Serve Australian Busters
Garnishes
For a pretty pop of color and an extra flavor boost, try sprinkling your Australian Busters with fresh chives, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even a pinch more of cayenne as soon as they’re out of the oven. A little drizzle of honey over the top is a game-changer if you crave that sweet-spicy contrast.
Side Dishes
Australian Busters are an absolute dream alongside hearty tomato soup, creamy pumpkin bisque, or a fresh, zippy salad. They shine as part of a cheese platter—just add grapes, nuts, and a spicy tomato dip or herbed cream cheese for a stunning spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Besides snacking straight from the jar, you can crumble Australian Busters onto a salad for serious crunch, tuck them into lunchboxes for a midday treat, or serve mini versions at your next party as canapés topped with smoked salmon or pepper jelly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Australian Busters at their best, store cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and flavorful for up to 3 days—if they last that long! Make sure the container is tightly sealed so the biscuits don’t soften or lose their snap.
Freezing
Australian Busters freeze beautifully. Stack them between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe container or zip bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or crisp them up in a medium oven for a few minutes if you love that fresh-baked crunch.
Reheating
If your biscuits soften up or you just prefer a warm snack, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Australian Busters in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat for 5–7 minutes, until they’re warmed through and re-crisped.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar delivers that classic flavor, you can swap in smoked gouda, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorites. Just aim for cheese with plenty of character to let the distinctiveness of Australian Busters shine.
My dough seems too dry or too sticky, what should I do?
If your dough is a little dry, sprinkle in extra water a teaspoon at a time until it just holds together. If it becomes sticky, add a dusting of flour to your work surface, but don’t overwork—the result should be a soft, pliable dough that’s easy to roll.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough for Australian Busters can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When ready, let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes to soften, then roll and bake as usual.
How do I make them extra crispy?
For an extra-crunchy finish, simply bake your Australian Busters for 1–2 additional minutes. Keep an eye so they don’t over-brown. You can also roll them slightly thinner for even more crispiness.
Are Australian Busters spicy?
Not particularly—the small amount of cayenne adds a background warmth without overpowering. If you love heat, feel free to increase the cayenne or add a sprinkle of chili flakes to ramp things up.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you’ve tried these Australian Busters, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! They’re everything you want in a cheesy biscuit—crispy, flavorful, a little bit addictive—and perfect for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the magic begin. I can’t wait to hear how your batch turns out!
Print
Australian Busters Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 biscuits
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Australian Busters are savory cheese biscuits that are crisp, buttery, and bursting with sharp cheddar flavor. These biscuits make for a perfect snack or side dish, complementing soups and salads beautifully. Infused with a hint of cayenne pepper, they offer a delightful touch of heat.
Ingredients
Buttery Biscuits:
- 8 tablespoons butter, diced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cheesy Goodness:
- 3½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, loosely packed
Additional Elements:
- 6 to 7 tablespoons water
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add diced butter and rub it into the flour until crumbly. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Form the Dough: Stir in water and cayenne pepper with a fork until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, cut into rounds, and prick with a fork.
- Bake: Arrange the biscuits on the baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the biscuits to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, bake for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for varied flavors.
- Pair these biscuits with a zesty tomato dip or a creamy cream cheese spread for a delectable snacking experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
