Serve the squares warm alongside chili or tomato soup, or add them to a brunch spread with fresh fruit. An 8-inch square dish makes 12 pieces, and the short rest after baking helps them hold together when sliced.
What You’ll Need
- Biscuit baking mix. Use an all-purpose biscuit baking mix. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level the top for a tender crumb.
- Eggs. Two large eggs bind the batter so the baked squares hold their shape.
- Cottage cheese. Small-curd cottage cheese distributes easily through the batter. Stir it in as it comes from the container.
- Shredded cheddar. Mild cheddar gives the squares a mellow flavor. Sharp cheddar comes through more clearly alongside the cottage cheese.
How to Make Cheesy Lunchroom Squares
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an oven-safe 8-inch square glass baking dish. Stir the baking mix, eggs, cottage cheese, and cheddar together until the batter is evenly mixed and the dry pockets disappear. The batter will be thick enough to spread with a spatula.
Spread the batter into the corners and smooth the top so the center and edges bake evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is puffed, the edges are golden, and the middle is set. If the center still moves when you gently shift the dish, give it a few more minutes and check again.
Cool in the dish for 5–10 minutes. Cut three rows by four columns and lift out the 12 pieces with a small spatula.
Tips for Tender Squares
- Stop stirring when the batter is combined. A few visible cottage cheese curds are fine.
- Check the middle before taking the dish out. The edges can brown while the center still needs time.
- Give the bake its short rest. The crumb firms as it cools, which makes the first piece easier to lift.
Serving and Storage
Pair these savory cheddar squares with tomato soup, vegetable stew, or a green salad with a tangy dressing. For a snack platter, serve them warm with honey mustard or pepper jelly on the side.
Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container. Reheat individual pieces in short microwave intervals for soft centers, or warm them in the oven if you prefer firmer edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use plain flour instead of biscuit baking mix?
Use biscuit baking mix for this recipe. It supplies the leavening and other ingredients that help the batter rise, so replacing it with plain flour would require adjusting the recipe.
Can I use a different baking dish?
A similarly sized oven-safe dish works. A wider dish makes a thinner layer that may bake faster. Check for golden edges and a set center before slicing.
Southern 4-Ingredient Cheesy Lunchroom Squares Recipe Card
Tender biscuit squares with cottage cheese, melted cheddar, and golden edges.
- Prep time — About 10 minutes
- Bake time — 25–30 minutes
- Rest time — 5–10 minutes
- Yield — 12 squares
Ingredients
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an oven-safe 8-inch square glass baking dish.
- Stir together the biscuit baking mix, eggs, cottage cheese, and cheddar in a medium bowl until evenly combined into a thick batter.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until puffed, golden around the edges, and set in the center.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Cut into 12 squares and serve warm.