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In most homes, a packet of biscuits can be found tucked away in the food cupboard. They are often inexpensive and readily available, making them a budget-friendly option for cooking and baking. Cooking with biscuits can add a unique flavour and also give texture to dishes. Biscuits can be used in sweet and savoury dishes, making them a versatile ingredient for a range of recipes. From desserts like cakes, puddings, and trifles to savoury dishes like chicken crusts and quiches, biscuits can be incorporated into various culinary creations. They give a crunchy texture to dishes when used as crusts or toppings.
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Whether it's the buttery richness of shortbread biscuits in a tart crust or the savoury saltiness of crackers in a chicken coating, biscuits can elevate the flavour of your recipes. The satisfying crunch they add often compliments softer components such as tender meat. Using biscuits in cooking can also save time and effort, especially when making desserts or snacks. Since biscuits are pre-made and eliminate the need for measuring and mixing multiple ingredients from scratch. These days biscuits are available in gluten-free, vegan, and low-sugar varieties, allowing them to be used easily.
Here are some fun recipes to try with store-bought biscuits:
Ice Cream Sandwiches
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Ice cream sandwiches often make one nostalgic about the carefree, fun childhood days. It is a delightful and versatile treat that can be customised with different flavours and types of cookies or biscuits. The creamy, cold ice cream sandwiched between crunchy biscuits is a summer favourite. There are various ways to make the ice cream sandwich fun and exciting. Dip the edges of the ice cream sandwiches in melted chocolate and then roll in your favourite toppings and use different types of cookies and ice cream flavours to create a variety of combinations.
How to make: Let the ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. Choose cookies or biscuits that are uniform in size. You can use store-bought or homemade cookies. Place a scoop of ice cream on the flat side of one cookie or biscuit. Top with another cookie or biscuit, flat side down, to make a sandwich. Press gently to spread the ice cream evenly to the edges. Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 1-2 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
Biscuit Chaat
Biscuit chaat is a fusion snack that combines the crispiness of biscuits with the tangy, spicy flavours and textures of traditional Indian chaat. It's easy to prepare and perfect for a quick tea-time snack, or appetiser. Choose salty or savoury biscuits that are sturdy enough to hold the toppings without becoming soggy too quickly. Monaco or Krackjack biscuits work well. Using fresh vegetables ensures a crisp and vibrant chaat. Toppings such as pomegranate seeds, grated carrots, or finely chopped bell peppers work well with this dish. The Biscuit chaat is best served immediately to maintain the crunchiness of the biscuits.
How to make: Arrange the biscuits on a serving plate in a single layer. Evenly distribute the chopped onion, tomato, and cucumber over the biscuits. If using, add the boiled corn or peas and boiled potato pieces on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle a pinch of salt, chaat masala, and red chilli powder over the vegetables. Drizzle tamarind chutney and green chutney over the vegetables. Spoon whisked yogurt over the top, ensuring each biscuit gets a bit of yogurt. Generously sprinkle sev over the biscuits to add crunch. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Biscuit-Crusted Chicken
This is a crunchy dish that's easy to make and is great for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. It pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The biscuits need to be crushed finely for a crispy crust. The seasoning can be altered as per taste. For those who prefer a healthier option, the Biscuit-Crusted Chicken can be baked instead of fried too. It must be baked in a preheated oven at 190°C for about 20-25 minutes and cooked through and golden brown.
How to make: Crush the biscuits into crumbs. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Coat the chicken with flour, the beaten eggs and biscuit crumbs. Shake off any excess. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
No-Bake Biscuit Cake
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Who doesn’t love cake? Especially this no-bake biscuit cake that can be quickly put together and enjoyed by all ages. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or even as a simple treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this rich cake is a delicious and easy dessert that doesn't require baking. It is best to use plain, mildly sweet biscuits like digestive, Marie, or Parle-G or this cake. Avoid biscuits with strong flavours or fillings, as they might overpower the cake. For a crunchy texture, leave some larger pieces of biscuits in the mixture.
How to make: Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs. In a pan, combine milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until everything is melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. In a large bowl, mix the biscuit crumbs with the chocolate mixture. Line a cake tin or a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Press the biscuit mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly and pressing down firmly to ensure it holds together. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours, or until it is firm and set.
Biscuit Pizza
Biscuit pizza is a creative and delicious snack. It’s so simple that even kids can make it. These mini pizzas make a great after-school snack. Using ready-made biscuits or crackers as the base, you can customise the toppings to your liking. Biscuit Choice: Choose savoury biscuits. Use less sauce to prevent the biscuits from getting soggy. While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar as well. At a party you can set up a biscuit pizza bar with different toppings and sauces, and let everyone customise their own mini pizzas.
How to make: Arrange the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking tray. Spread a small amount of pizza sauce or ketchup on each biscuit. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each biscuit. Add vegetables of your choice. Corn, mushrooms and capsicum work well. Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning or dried oregano on top. Preheat your oven to 175°C. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
