Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits

Meta Description: This cheddar chive drop biscuits recipe is a perfect, easy-to-make side dish. Learn how to create delicious, cheesy biscuits without all the fuss of rolling and cutting.

My grandma was a master baker. She could whip up a batch of perfect, flaky biscuits with her eyes closed. As a kid, I’d watch her in awe as she’d cut the butter into the flour with her fingertips, knead the dough just so, and then carefully cut out perfect circles. Her biscuits were legendary—light, airy, and so good they practically melted in your mouth. But for a long time, I was intimidated by the process. It felt like an art form that I couldn’t possibly master. All that kneading, rolling, and cutting felt like a lot of work for a weeknight.

That all changed the day I discovered drop biscuits. A friend told me about them, and I was skeptical at first. How could a biscuit made by just dropping spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet be as good as the ones I remembered? But in a moment of a craving for that warm, comforting biscuit flavor, I decided to give it a try. I took the classic flavors of cheddar and chives, which always remind me of a cozy morning, and mixed them into a simple, no-fuss dough. The result was a revelation. The biscuits were rustic and beautiful, with a perfectly golden-brown crust and a soft, cheesy interior. From that day on, cheddar chive drop biscuits became my go-to.

This recipe is designed for those who want to feel like a master baker without all the stress. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a lot of skill or a lot of time to create something truly delicious. The key is in the layering of flavors and the simple, no-fuss method that gives you a perfect biscuit every time. It’s a versatile dish that works perfectly as a side dish for a holiday meal, a quick addition to a weeknight dinner, or a delicious breakfast treat.

🧈 The Secret to a Light and Fluffy Biscuit

The secret to a great biscuit, whether it’s a classic or a drop biscuit, is in the butter. We need cold butter, cut into small cubes. This is crucial! As the butter melts in the hot oven, it releases steam, which creates little pockets of air in the dough. This is what gives the biscuit its light and fluffy texture.

For this recipe, we’ll be using a simple mixture of flour, baking powder, and a little bit of sugar and salt. We’ll cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients. You can do this with a pastry cutter, a fork, or even your fingertips. The goal is to have pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the flour. This is the key to that beautiful, flaky texture.

Another key to a great biscuit is to not overmix the dough. We want to mix the ingredients until they are just combined. If you overmix the dough, you’ll end up with a tough, dense biscuit. A few lumps and bumps are a good thing! The less you handle the dough, the lighter and fluffier your biscuits will be.

🧀 Choosing the Right Cheese and Herbs

The flavor of these cheddar chive drop biscuits is what makes them so special. The combination of savory, salty cheddar and the fresh, oniony flavor of the chives is a classic for a reason.

For the cheese, a good, sharp cheddar is the best choice. It has a bold, savory flavor that stands up to the other ingredients. You can use a mild cheddar if you prefer, but a sharp cheddar will give you a more pronounced, cheesy flavor. We’ll be using shredded cheese, but you can also grate it yourself from a block. This will give you a better melting cheese that will be even gooier and more delicious.

For the herbs, fresh chives are a must. They have a delicate onion flavor that is a perfect complement to the savory cheddar. You can also use a combination of fresh herbs, like a little bit of fresh parsley or dill. The fresh herbs are what will give your biscuits that vibrant, fresh flavor.

✅ Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is simple and flexible. Feel free to use your favorite cheese and herbs.

• For the Biscuits:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
• For the Topping:
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • A sprinkle of coarse sea salt

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these cheddar chive drop biscuits is a simple process that will have you feeling like a master baker in no time.

1. Prep the Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until you have a coarse meal with pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough is just combined. Do not overmix! The dough will be very sticky and wet.
4. Add the Cheese and Chives: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives.
5. Drop and Bake: Drop large spoonfuls of the dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. You can use a spoon or an ice cream scoop. The biscuits should be about 2-3 inches apart. Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle with a little coarse sea salt. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve: Remove the biscuits from the oven. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving. The biscuits are delicious on their own, but they are even better with a little bit of butter and a sprinkle of fresh chives.

🤔 Common Questions & Troubleshooting

This is a pretty straightforward recipe, but a few questions might come up. Here are some answers and tips to ensure your biscuits are perfect every time.

Q: My biscuits are dense and tough. What went wrong?

A: This is usually because the dough was overmixed. The less you handle the dough, the lighter and fluffier your biscuits will be. A few lumps and bumps are a good thing!

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?

A: You can make your own buttermilk substitute! Simply add a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup. Pour in enough milk to reach the one-cup mark. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The milk will curdle and thicken, and it will work perfectly as a buttermilk substitute.

Q: Can I use different cheeses?

A: Yes! This recipe is a great canvas for your favorite cheeses. A spicy pepper jack would be delicious, or even some crumbled feta for a tangy twist. You can also use a combination of cheeses.

Q: Can I freeze these biscuits?

A: Yes! You can freeze the baked biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. You can also freeze the unbaked biscuits. Just drop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the biscuits to a freezer-safe bag. To bake, place the frozen biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for a few extra minutes.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Variations

These cheddar chive drop biscuits are perfect on their own, but a few additions can take them to the next level.

• Pairings: These biscuits are the perfect companion for a variety of dishes. They’re great with a big bowl of chili, a hearty soup or stew, or a plate of roasted chicken. They’re also perfect for a holiday meal, a great alternative to a classic dinner roll.
• Breakfast: Serve these biscuits with some scrambled eggs and a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a delicious and satisfying breakfast. They’re also great with a little bit of jam or honey.
• Sandwiches: You can use these biscuits as a base for a delicious sandwich. A little bit of sliced ham or a fried egg would be delicious.
• Different Flavors: The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to change the flavor profile.
  • Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough for a little kick.
  • Herby: Use a different herb, like fresh dill, rosemary, or thyme.
  • Sweet: You can omit the cheese and chives and add a tablespoon of sugar and a little bit of cinnamon for a sweet, comforting biscuit.

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values and may vary.

✨ A Simple Joy for Your Kitchen

Cheddar chive drop biscuits are more than just a recipe; they’re a way to bring a little bit of comfort and joy to your home. They’re proof that you don’t need a lot of skill or a lot of time to create something truly wonderful. The simple combination of savory cheddar and fresh chives is a flavor profile that will have you coming back for seconds.

I hope this recipe helps you find a new favorite and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen. It’s a great way to make a quick and easy side dish that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients and toppings. Happy baking!