These Cheddar and Zucchini Biscuits are a savory, delicious treat with the perfect balance of cheesy goodness and the freshness of zucchini. The light, flaky texture makes them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish to accompany soup or chili. These biscuits are easy to make and filled with flavor, making them a family favorite!
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Cuisine: Comfort Food (Perfect for breakfast or as a side dish)
Full List of Ingredients (Makes 12 Biscuits)
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2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
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2 tsp (8 g) baking powder
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1/2 tsp (2.5 g) baking soda
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1/2 tsp (2.5 g) salt
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1/2 tsp (2.5 g) garlic powder
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1 cup (100 g) shredded zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out)
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1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
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2/3 cup (160 ml) buttermilk
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1 large egg
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with oil or butter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, and egg until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the mixture is just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
5. Add Zucchini and Cheese
Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape the Biscuits
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can use your hands or the back of a spoon to shape them slightly if you prefer more uniform shapes.
7. Bake
Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a biscuit—it should come out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the biscuits cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Biscuit)
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Calories: 180
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Fat: 10g
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Protein: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugars: 2g
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Sodium: 350mg
Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Biscuits are a beloved classic in many parts of the world, especially in Southern cuisine. These Cheddar and Zucchini Biscuits combine the traditional comfort food with fresh, healthy zucchini and the rich, savory flavor of cheddar cheese. The use of buttermilk gives them a soft and flaky texture, making them a great addition to any meal.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Quick and Easy: These biscuits are simple to make, with minimal prep time and just a short bake time.
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Fluffy and Tender: The buttermilk and baking powder create a light, fluffy texture that makes these biscuits melt in your mouth.
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Savory and Delicious: The combination of zucchini and cheddar cheese makes these biscuits savory, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.
Health Benefits
The zucchini in these biscuits provides a boost of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which support digestive health and immune function. The cheddar cheese adds a good amount of calcium and protein, while the buttermilk helps maintain the soft texture of the biscuits. While these biscuits are indulgent, they are also a bit lighter than other biscuit recipes, thanks to the addition of vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: Top these biscuits with a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for added richness.
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Pair with Soup or Chili: These biscuits are the perfect side to accompany a hearty soup, chili, or stew for a comforting meal.
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Serve as a Snack: Enjoy these biscuits as a savory snack on their own, or with a light salad on the side.
Cooking Tips
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Squeeze the Zucchini: Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini before adding it to the dough. This will prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy.
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Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in dense biscuits. Stir just until combined for light and fluffy results.
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Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese will melt better and provide a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
Variations to Try
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Add Herbs: Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for extra flavor.
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Add Bacon: For a savory twist, add crumbled bacon to the dough for a bacon-cheddar biscuit combination.
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Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or jalapeños to the dough for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
These Cheddar and Zucchini Biscuits are a perfect blend of savory, cheesy goodness and the healthy freshness of zucchini. They are quick to make, light and fluffy, and packed with flavor. Whether you enjoy them with soup, as a side dish, or on their own, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just shape and bake them when ready.
2. Can I use frozen zucchini instead of fresh?
You can use frozen zucchini, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before using it in the recipe.
3. Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these biscuits gluten-free. Just ensure the baking powder is gluten-free as well.
4. How do I store leftover biscuits?
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
5. Can I freeze these biscuits?
Yes, these biscuits freeze well. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
6. Can I add other vegetables to the dough?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like shredded carrots, spinach, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
7. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you like. Mozzarella, gouda, or Parmesan would be great substitutes for cheddar.
8. Can I make these biscuits without buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a similar acidity.
9. Can I use a different fat in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegetable oil, melted coconut oil, or even sour cream for a different texture.
10. How can I make these biscuits fluffier?
Make sure to handle the dough as little as possible and allow it to rise properly in the oven for the fluffiest biscuits.