Breakfast
Freeflourish
Gluten-Free Savory Cheese and Herb Biscuits
By Freeflourish Test KitchenReviewed by Freeflourish Editorial TeamPublished Apr 7, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
American
35 mins
glutenfreebakingfamilymealappetizersidedishkidfriendlyeasynutfreequickrecipes
Delightfully flaky gluten-free biscuits bursting with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs, perfect for lunch, appetizers, or a family-friendly side dish. These easy, nut-free biscuits are a quick & easy gluten-free baking recipe full of savory flavor that pairs well with soups, salads, and dinners.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
Servings
12
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
Servings
12
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum included)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (gluten-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed (or dairy-free butter for dairy-free option)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or dairy-free cheese alternative)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup dairy-free milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing, optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
-
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper until evenly combined.
-
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, quickly cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits.
-
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
-
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
-
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (use gluten-free flour) and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
-
Using a biscuit cutter (about 2.5 inches), press straight down without twisting to cut biscuit rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
-
Gather scraps and gently pat again to cut remaining biscuits until dough is used up.
-
If desired, brush the tops of the biscuits lightly with the beaten egg to promote browning.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
-
Remove from oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
-
Serve warm with butter or your favorite savory spread. These biscuits pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a side for lunch or dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.
This naturally gluten-free and nut-free recipe is easily adaptable to accommodate other dietary preferences and ingredient availability:
- Butter: Replace with dairy-free butter or margarine for a dairy-free version. Solid coconut oil works as well, though it may add a subtle coconut flavor.
- Cheese: Substitute sharp cheddar with a dairy-free cheese alternative to make fully dairy-free savory biscuits without compromising flavor.
- Buttermilk: Use 1 cup of your preferred dairy-free milk (almond, oat, soy, etc.) plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar, let sit 5 minutes to simulate buttermilk acidity.
- Herbs: Swap fresh rosemary and thyme with sage, oregano, or parsley to suit personal tastes or seasonal availability.
- Flour Blend: Choose a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend containing xanthan gum or guar gum for best structure. If absent, add about 1 teaspoon xanthan gum per 2 cups flour.
- Egg: For vegan or egg-free options, replace the beaten egg used for brushing with a plant-based milk wash or omit entirely.
These ingredient swaps preserve the savory, flaky qualities of these gluten-free baking biscuits while catering to dairy-free, vegan, and allergen-friendly dietary needs.
Allergen Overlap Note
While these recipes are designed to be gluten-free and often cater to additional dietary needs such as dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, and paleo options, it is important to be aware of potential allergen overlap and cross-contamination risks, especially when following gluten-free diets.
Many gluten-free flours and baking ingredients are processed in facilities that also handle wheat, nuts, or dairy. To ensure safety, always check ingredient labels for certified gluten-free status and confirm if the product is processed in allergen-free environments when you have severe sensitivities. This is especially relevant for recipes tagged with glutenfree, nutfree, and dairyfree.
When cooking or baking, use separate utensils and surfaces or clean thoroughly to prevent cross-contact with gluten-containing ingredients. Additionally, some gluten-free baking blends may contain ingredients like xanthan gum or potato starch, so verify these components meet your personal dietary restrictions.
For families and quick meal preparation, mindful practice in avoiding cross-contact ensures these meals remain safe and enjoyable for everyone, including those who are kidfriendly and following specialized diets like whole30 or grainfree.
Always communicate your dietary needs clearly and when in doubt, err on the side of caution to maintain a safe gluten-free kitchen space.
Texture Expectations
Gluten-free baking often has a different texture compared to traditional wheat-based recipes due to the absence of gluten which provides elasticity and structure. For these savory cheese and herb biscuits, expect a delightfully flaky and tender crumb with a slightly crumbly but moist interior. The inclusion of xanthan gum in the gluten-free flour blend helps mimic gluten’s binding properties, creating a cohesive dough that holds together well.
These biscuits achieve a light, flaky texture thanks to the cold butter cut into pea-sized bits that create layers during baking. Compared to traditional biscuits, the crumb may be a little more delicate and less chewy, contributing to their tender mouthfeel. The shredded sharp cheddar cheese offers richness and pockets of melted cheese throughout the biscuit.
Since gluten-free flours absorb moisture differently, the dough might feel slightly stickier and more fragile when handling. Gentle patting and minimal over-mixing are essential to achieve ideal texture. The exterior should bake to a golden, slightly crisp finish that contrasts pleasingly with the moist, soft interior.
Using dairy-free butter or cheese alternatives might slightly change richness and moisture but not drastically affect flakiness. To get a firmer biscuit, chilling the dough before cutting helps; a shorter bake time yields a softer biscuit. Served warm, these biscuits are perfect as comforting, savory snacks or family-friendly side dishes with balanced moistness, flakiness, and tenderness.
Dining With Non Gf Family Note
Preparing gluten-free meals in a household with both gluten-free and non-gluten-free eaters can be seamless with mindful practices. Here are important tips to ensure safety and harmony at the table:
- Prevent Cross-Contamination: Use separate utensils, cutting boards, and cookware for gluten-free foods. Consider dedicating some kitchen tools exclusively for gluten-free cooking.
- Clean Surfaces Thoroughly: Wipe down countertops, toasters, and other surfaces before preparing gluten-free meals to remove gluten residues.
- Store Ingredients Separately: Keep gluten-containing products sealed and apart from gluten-free ingredients to avoid accidental mixing.
- Label Clearly: Clearly mark gluten-free products and leftovers to prevent confusion and unintended gluten exposure.
- Plan Shared Meals Thoughtfully: Choose naturally gluten-free dishes from categories like Breakfast, Soups & Salads, or Family-Friendly Dinner options that everyone can enjoy together.
- Communicate Openly: Educate family members about the importance of gluten-free precautions and encourage cooperation to maintain a safe dining environment.
Implementing these strategies fosters enjoyable dining experiences for all, reducing stress while enjoying delicious gluten-free meals including quick & easy snacks, comforting dinners, and holiday & seasonal favorites.
Related Articles
Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.
More Recipes
Explore more recipes you may like.
Reviews
Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.
No reviews yet.
Save this recipe
Log in to keep this recipe in your favorites.
Reset password Register