If you are craving a quick, delicious, and utterly comforting bakery-style treat at home, this Small Batch Buttermilk Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Picture fluffy, tender biscuits bursting with sharp cheddar and fresh chive flavor, perfectly golden on the outside and moist inside. Made in just about 20 minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have, this recipe brings all the cozy vibes without any fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned biscuit baker or just starting out, these drop biscuits are pure joy to make and even more delightful to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Small Batch Buttermilk Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden look.
- 4 tbsp. VERY cold Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is key for flaky layers and a tender crumb.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together.
- 2 tsp. Baking Powder: Your rise agent that makes these biscuits wonderfully fluffy.
- 1 tbsp. Granulated Sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt (or 1/4 tsp. table salt): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it adds bursts of savory goodness.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Chives (or Green Onions): Delivers a gentle oniony brightness throughout the biscuit.
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk: The tangy liquid that tenderizes and binds the dough.
How to Make Small Batch Buttermilk Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Butter
To get that perfect flaky texture, start by making sure your butter is super cold. I like popping it in the freezer for about ten minutes before handling. Cold, firm butter is easier to work with and helps create those lovely little pockets of steam while baking, which gives your biscuits that dreamy fluffiness.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Oven
Set your oven to a hot 425 degrees Fahrenheit—it’s the perfect temperature for getting that golden-brown crust quickly. While the oven warms, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; this not only prevents sticking but makes cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready means you can move seamlessly through the final steps.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until everything is well mixed. This creates a consistent base and evenly distributes the leavening, ensuring each biscuit rises perfectly. Taking this extra moment to mix thoroughly really makes a difference in the final bake.
Step 4: Cut or Grate the Butter Into the Dry Mix
You have two awesome options here: Either cut your cold butter into tiny cubes roughly the size of small pebbles and carefully mash them into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, or grate the butter directly into the bowl using a box grater. Both methods work fabulously to coat the butter with flour, which keeps it chilled and helps the biscuits rise beautifully with tender layers.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Chives
Next, stir in your shredded cheddar and chopped chives until evenly distributed. Right here is where the biscuit magic really shines. The cheese melts into pockets of flavor, and those fresh green flecks of chives give a subtle yet distinct punch that brightens every bite.
Step 6: Gently Stir in the Buttermilk
This is where you want patience. Pour in the buttermilk and mix just until the dough comes together. At first, it might feel crumbly and dry—don’t panic or add extra liquid. Keep folding gently for about two minutes, and you’ll see a shaggy dough form that holds when pressed. The buttermilk’s tangy moisture is the secret to tender, slightly tangy biscuits that melt in your mouth.
Step 7: Drop and Bake Your Biscuits
Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, scoop out portions of dough and drop them onto your prepared baking sheet. You might need to use a spoon to coax the dough out gently. Aim for six biscuits. Pop them into the oven and bake for 15 to 17 minutes until they’re golden brown on top with a slight crisp edge. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be impossible to resist!
How to Serve Small Batch Buttermilk Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
These biscuits are stunningly flavorful on their own, but a dab of herb butter or a drizzle of honey butter takes them next-level. You could also add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right out of the oven for a little crunch and extra flavor dimension. Fresh chopped chives or a touch of cracked black pepper on top also look gorgeous and amp up the taste.
Side Dishes
These drop biscuits are the perfect partner for comforting meals. Serve them alongside a rich bowl of creamy tomato soup or a hearty chicken stew. They’re excellent with scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast or as a cozy side with a fresh green salad and roasted vegetables for dinner. Their versatility is truly impressive.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Split warm biscuits in half and layer with smoked salmon and cream cheese for a savory snack, or use them as mini sandwich buns filled with pulled pork or shredded chicken for delightful sliders. They also make an amazing base for an open-faced biscuit breakfast with a fried egg and avocado slices. So many possibilities!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they are just so tasty), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To help preserve freshness, lining the container with a paper towel can absorb any extra moisture and keep the biscuits from getting soggy.
Freezing
These biscuits freeze beautifully if you want to prepare ahead or save extras. After baking and cooling completely, wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to two months, making weekday breakfasts or last-minute dinners incredibly easy.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap your biscuit and warm it in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until soft inside and lightly crisp outside. You can also microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quick fix, but the oven method is the best way to bring back the fresh-baked texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, make a simple substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a half cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This mimics the acidity and will still give you tender, fluffy biscuits.
What if I don’t have chives? Can I use green onions?
Absolutely! Green onions are a fantastic alternative and will provide a similar mild onion flavor. Just make sure to finely chop them so they blend nicely into the biscuit dough and don’t overpower the other flavors.
Why is my biscuit dough dry and crumbly? Do I need to add more buttermilk?
It’s common for biscuit dough to seem dry at first. Resist the urge to add more liquid! The dough will come together after a minute or two of gentle mixing when the ingredients fully bind. Adding extra buttermilk can make the dough too wet, resulting in dense biscuits.
Can I make this recipe in a larger batch?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients if you want more biscuits. Just keep the ratios the same and use a larger bowl for mixing. Baking time may need a slight adjustment if you bake more biscuits at once, so keep an eye on them.
What is the best way to ensure my biscuits bake evenly?
Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and try to space the biscuits evenly on the baking sheet with a little room between each. Also, using parchment paper helps promote even baking and prevents sticking. Rotating the pan halfway through baking can also help if your oven has hot spots.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade biscuits, and this Small Batch Buttermilk Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits Recipe is an absolute treasure to have in your baking repertoire. It’s quick, rewarding, and yields biscuits that brighten any meal or snack time. I hope you try making these soon — there’s nothing quite like pulling warm, cheesy, herb-speckled biscuits fresh from your oven and sharing that joy with those you love.
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Small Batch Buttermilk Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 6 biscuits
Description
These Small Batch Buttermilk Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits are quick and easy to make, featuring a tender crumb studded with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives. Perfect for a small gathering or a cozy breakfast, these biscuits come together in under 20 minutes and bake to golden perfection with a flaky, buttery texture.
Ingredients
Butter
- 4 tbsp. VERY cold Unsalted Butter
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp. Baking Powder
- 1 tbsp. Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt (or 1/4 tsp. table salt)
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Chives (or Green Onions)
Wet Ingredient
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
Instructions
- Prepare the butter: Make sure the butter is super cold by popping it in the freezer for about ten minutes before using, which helps create flaky layers in the biscuits.
- Preheat the oven and prep baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for baking the biscuits.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Mix well until fully blended for an even rise and flavor.
- Cut in the butter: Using either method, cut the super cold butter into very small cubes about the size of small pebbles or grate the butter on a box grater. Mix the butter into the dry ingredients with your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cheese and chives: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped chives until fully incorporated throughout the mixture.
- Incorporate buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix until just combined. It may seem dry at first, but continue mixing until a shaggy dough forms, which typically takes a couple of minutes.
- Scoop and bake: Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop out portions of dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 15-17 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve flaky layers in the biscuit texture.
- Do not overmix the dough as it can make the biscuits tough.
- If the dough seems too dry initially, be patient and continue mixing gently to allow it to come together.
- For variation, green onions can be used in place of chives.
- You can grate the butter instead of cutting it for quicker preparation.
- Serve warm with butter or honey for an extra indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
