Drop Biscuits Recipe: Drop biscuits are one of the easiest types of biscuits you can make. Unlike traditional rolled biscuits, which require kneading and cutting, drop biscuits are simply spooned onto a baking sheet and baked. They have a rustic, golden-brown exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
Whether you’re looking for a quick side for soups, stews, or breakfast, this recipe delivers warm, buttery biscuits in under 30 minutes. The best part? No fancy techniques or rolling pins required!
Ingredients Needed
To make the perfect batch of drop biscuits, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or self-rising flour)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (skip if using self-rising flour)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a slight sweetness)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra flavor)
Optional Add-ins for Flavor:
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or pepper jack)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for a savory touch)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for a slightly sweet biscuit)
Equipment Required
You don’t need much to make these biscuits, just a few basic kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
- Pastry cutter or fork – for cutting in the butter
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts
- Baking sheet – lined with parchment paper or lightly greased
- Spoon or cookie scoop – for dropping the dough onto the sheet
- Oven – preheated to the right temperature
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you start mixing, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the biscuits bake evenly and get a nice golden-brown crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined. If you’re adding spices or herbs, mix them in at this stage.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for flaky, tender biscuits.
Step 4: Add the Milk
Pour in the milk and gently stir with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix! The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet.
Step 5: Drop the Dough onto a Baking Sheet
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop portions of dough onto a lined or greased baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Drop Biscuits
- Use very cold butter – This helps create light and fluffy biscuits.
- Don’t overmix the dough – Overworking the dough makes biscuits tough.
- Bake at high heat – A hot oven ensures crispy edges and a soft inside.
- Brush with butter – For extra flavor, brush the biscuits with melted butter after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Drop biscuits are delicious on their own, but they pair well with:
- Butter and honey for a sweet treat
- Gravy for a classic Southern breakfast
- Soup or chili as a comforting side
- Jam or fruit preserves for a fruity twist
Storage and Reheating
Storing:
- Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating:
- Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Variations of Drop Biscuits
Cheesy Garlic Drop Biscuits
- Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the dough.
- Brush with garlic butter after baking.
Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
- Replace regular milk with buttermilk for a tangy flavor.
- Increase baking powder to 1 ½ tablespoons for extra lift.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits
- Add 1 tablespoon cinnamon and ¼ cup sugar to the dough.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after baking.
FAQs about Drop Biscuits Recipe
1. What are drop biscuits?
Drop biscuits are a quick and easy type of bread that doesn’t require yeast or kneading. Unlike rolled biscuits, drop biscuits are made by mixing a loose dough and simply “dropping” spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. This method gives them a wonderfully rustic and crumbly texture.
2. What ingredients do I need for drop biscuits?
The basic ingredients for drop biscuits are flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. You can also add sugar for a touch of sweetness, or incorporate other additions like cheese, herbs, or spices to enhance the flavor.
3. How do I make drop biscuits from scratch?
To make drop biscuits, start by combining your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) in a bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in the milk until the dough comes together. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at a preheated oven until golden brown.
4. Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
Yes, buttermilk is a great alternative to regular milk in drop biscuit recipes. It adds a richer flavor and tender texture to the biscuits. If you use buttermilk, add a bit of baking soda to the recipe to balance the acidity.
5. How long do drop biscuits take to bake?
Drop biscuits typically bake in about 10-15 minutes in an oven preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). They’re done when they turn golden brown on top.
6. Can I make gluten-free drop biscuits?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free drop biscuits, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
7. How should I store leftover drop biscuits?
Leftover drop biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
