The warm aroma of buttery biscuits mingled with garlic and parmesan is enough to draw everyone to the table. These Honey Garlic Parmesan Biscuits are made from simple, rustic ingredients like cornmeal, shredded cold butter, and fresh thyme, yet the result is undeniably decadent. The cast-iron skillet creates a golden crust while the interior remains tender and flaky.
What makes them truly unforgettable is the final touch: a golden honey butter infused with thyme and sea salt, spooned generously over each biscuit just out of the oven. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, planning a picnic, or looking to elevate a cozy weeknight dinner, these biscuits strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cornmeal
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon sea salt
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1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, frozen and shredded
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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3/4 cup whole milk, plus extra for brushing
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2 tablespoons honey, plus more for topping
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2 tablespoons butter, for skillet
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2 tablespoons butter, for honey butter
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
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Flaky sea salt, for serving
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter a 10-inch cast iron skillet and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt.
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Add the shredded cold butter and Parmesan. Use your hands to combine until coarse crumbs form.
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Pour in milk and honey. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
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Transfer dough onto a floured surface. Pat into a 1-inch-thick rectangle. Fold the dough in thirds like a letter. Turn horizontally and flatten again. Repeat the fold and turn process one more time. Pat into a 3/4-inch-thick rectangle.
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Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits. Reroll scraps and repeat.
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Arrange biscuits in the prepared skillet. Brush the tops with milk. Dot with 2 tablespoons of butter around the biscuits.
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Bake for 20–22 minutes or until golden brown.
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Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in honey, thyme, and a pinch of sea salt.
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Spoon warm honey butter over the biscuits and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh thyme. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 22 minutes | Total Time: 42 minutes
Kcal: 359 kcal | Servings: 8 biscuits
The Allure of Honey Garlic Parmesan Biscuits: Sweet, Savory, and Utterly Irresistible
When it comes to baked comfort, few things rival the delight of a warm, flaky biscuit fresh from the oven. Whether slathered in butter, served as a savory side, or enjoyed solo, biscuits are a universal crowd-pleaser. But Honey Garlic Parmesan Biscuits take things a notch higher combining the rustic familiarity of Southern cornbread with the rich complexity of savory garlic, salty Parmesan, and a sweet drizzle of honey butter. This unique recipe made popular by Half Baked Harvest has become a favorite among home bakers, food bloggers, and brunch enthusiasts alike.
These biscuits are more than just baked goods they’re a textural and flavor experience that blends the best elements of comfort food and gourmet finesse. With their golden, crisp bottoms, soft interior layers, and finishing touch of browned honey-thyme butter, they walk the line between rustic and refined.
Southern Roots with a Modern Twist
Biscuits have long been a staple of Southern cuisine, typically made with just flour, fat, and dairy. While many biscuit recipes stay true to this humble base, the Honey Garlic Parmesan variation introduces layers of nuance. The inclusion of cornmeal nods to traditional cornbread, giving the biscuits an added toothsome texture. Parmesan cheese brings in a savory umami richness, while garlic powder enhances the flavor profile without overwhelming the palate.
What really sets this recipe apart, however, is the sweet-savory finish of browned honey butter, infused with fresh herbs. This element is what transforms a classic biscuit into something worthy of a holiday table, backyard barbecue, or elevated brunch spread.
Mastering the Technique: Why These Biscuits Are So Flaky
One of the secrets to great biscuits lies in the technique and this recipe is no exception. Instead of softening the butter or cutting it into cubes, it’s frozen and grated, similar to cheese. This ensures that the butter is distributed evenly throughout the dough, creating tiny pockets that melt as the biscuits bake. These pockets of butter generate steam, which in turn puffs up the dough, yielding incredibly flaky layers.
Another hallmark of expert biscuit-making is the “letter-folding” method used during shaping. This technique, reminiscent of croissant or puff pastry preparation, involves flattening the dough into a rectangle, folding it into thirds, turning it, and repeating the process. It may sound a bit fussy, but the payoff is immense: airy, tender biscuits with visible layers and a satisfying rise.
Lastly, baking the biscuits in a cast-iron skillet is not only traditional it’s functional. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, producing a golden, crispy bottom crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, buttery interior.
Flavor Fusion: Savory, Sweet, and Herbaceous
Let’s talk about flavor. These biscuits bring together a medley of ingredients that, while simple on their own, combine to deliver depth and balance.
Garlic and Parmesan add a savory base. The garlic powder permeates the dough, ensuring that every bite has that warm, slightly spicy essence we associate with comfort food. Parmesan, on the other hand, provides a salty, nutty richness that amplifies the overall taste without overpowering the subtle sweetness.
Then comes the honey. Not just drizzled on top, it’s also incorporated directly into the dough giving a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. But the magic doesn’t stop there. A separate brown butter-honey-thyme glaze is spooned over the biscuits right out of the oven. This final step adds a golden sheen, a slight caramelized nuttiness from the browned butter, and a botanical freshness from thyme.
The result? A beautifully balanced flavor that’s part savory biscuit, part cornbread, part pastry and entirely unforgettable.
Creative Customizations: Make It Your Own
One of the reasons this recipe resonates so well with home cooks is its flexibility. While the original version is already delicious, it’s also a canvas for personalization.
Cheese Variations
Swap out Parmesan for other hard cheeses like aged cheddar, pecorino romano, or asiago. Each brings its own flavor nuances.
Add Some Heat
For those who love a little spice, adding a pinch of cayenne or finely chopped jalapeños to the dough can introduce a delightful kick.
Herb Play
If thyme isn’t your favorite, substitute with fresh rosemary, sage, or chives. Each herb brings its own aromatic character to the biscuits and pairs well with honey and garlic.
Sweet Tooth Options
For a dessert-style take, remove the garlic and cheese, then amplify the honey and add cinnamon or vanilla to the dough. Top with sweet honey glaze and flaky sea salt.
This recipe is also adaptable to dietary needs. Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends work well as substitutes, and plant-based milk and vegan butter can be used for dairy-free variations without sacrificing much in flavor or texture.
Serving Suggestions: When and How to Enjoy
While these biscuits are impressive enough to stand alone, they shine as part of a complete meal. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, pulled pork, or BBQ ribs for a hearty dinner. They’re equally at home on a holiday table next to turkey and gravy or served at brunch with poached eggs and fresh greens.
For a casual afternoon snack, pair one with a cup of tea or coffee. Add a little more honey or a slather of fig jam for extra indulgence. They also travel well, making them an excellent choice for picnics, potlucks, or outdoor gatherings.
If you’re entertaining guests, consider baking mini versions to serve as sliders or canapés filled with ham, pimento cheese, or smoked salmon.
A Biscuit to Remember
It’s rare to find a recipe that checks so many boxes: comfort food, sophisticated flavors, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing results. The Honey Garlic Parmesan Biscuits manage to do all of that and more. They offer a culinary experience that’s greater than the sum of their parts a marriage of crispy and tender textures, and a dance between savory, sweet, and herbaceous flavors.
In a world filled with complex recipes and fussy techniques, this biscuit stands out for its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or a kitchen newbie, this is one dish that’s bound to become a favorite. And once you’ve had one bite glazed in that luscious browned honey butter you’ll understand exactly why these biscuits deserve a permanent spot in your baking rotation.
Conclusion:
Great recipes have a way of transcending the plate they evoke memories, spark creativity, and bring people together. Honey Garlic Parmesan Biscuits do exactly that. From their flaky, golden layers to the sweet-savory burst of flavor in every bite, they are a testament to how simple ingredients, when treated with care and creativity, can yield truly exceptional results.
If you’re looking to impress your guests, elevate your weeknight dinner, or simply indulge in a little baked bliss, give these biscuits a try. They’re not just good they’re memorable. And they just might become your new favorite go-to recipe.