Mr. Viva Happy and I LOVE cheese! Something else we love is bread.
In Portugal, we tried and became fans of “Queijo da Ilha” (Island cheese, generic name) or “Queijo São Jorge“(São Jorge cheese), specifically a type of cheese made with raw cow’s milk on the island of São Jorge, in the Azores. This cheese is firm, salty and has a strong flavour that gets more pronounced the longer it matures. It is great on a cheese board and also served with (or mixed in) this super easy Rustic Bread!
But sometimes we want to limit the carbohydrates in our diet, avoid gluten, or we simply don’t want to wait the time it takes to prepare rustic bread. So, I had the idea to adapt and share here a quick and delicious recipe that addresses all these points. Inspired by the “drop biscuits” typical of southern US cuisine, this recipe for island cheese biscuits will be a hit in your home, I guarantee!
They are perfect to serve as appetizers or at snack time, to include on the breakfast or brunch table, or as an accompaniment to a good chilli.
If you can’t find Portuguese island cheese where you live (or if you don’t like it), don’t be discouraged. Use another strong-flavoured cured cheese that you prefer (eg cheddar, gouda, manchego, asiago, or even parmesan) and have the biscuits warm and ready to eat in a few minutes.
Portuguese Cheese Biscuits
Ingredients
- 4 eggs lightly beaten
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ¼ tsp salt or 1 pinch
- ½ tsp garlic powder or to taste
- ½ tsp onion powder or to taste
- ⅓ cup coconut flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup queijo da ilha (Portuguese) (or another sharp cheese = cheddar, gouda, manchego, asiago, etc.) shredded
- 1 tbsp butter melted (optional)
- 2 tbsp parsley finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, beat eggs lightly with a fork or wire whisk. Add melted butter, salt, garlic and onion powder. Mix to combine.
- Add the coconut flour, cheese and baking powder, and mix until incorporated.
- Use a spoon to scoop out dough and "drop" or transfer to prepared pan. Divide dough into 10 biscuits.
- Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until browned.
- Optional: Brush the baked and still hot biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Notes
- If you can't find (or don't like) Portuguese island cheese, don't be discouraged. Use another aged sharp cheese that you prefer (eg, cheddar, gouda, manchego, asiago, or even parmesan).
- Use the microwave on low power to melt the butter.