Golden and tender with pops of cheesy flavor, these Zucchini Drop Biscuits are the perfect way to use up garden zucchini while creating a comforting bite. The combination of sharp cheddar, garlic, and chives gives them a savory depth that’s hard to resist. No rolling or cutting needed just mix, drop, and bake! These quick biscuits are ideal for pairing with soups, summer salads, or enjoying on their own as a satisfying snack. Perfect for home bakers looking to elevate everyday ingredients into something special and comforting.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes
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1 cup shredded zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out)
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
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3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more if needed)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
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Add cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Stir in the zucchini, shredded cheese, and chives until evenly distributed.
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Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until the dough just comes together. If it feels too dry, add a splash more buttermilk.
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Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to drop 8–10 mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Cool slightly before serving warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 33 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 10 biscuits
A Comforting Twist on Classic Biscuits
When the garden is overflowing with zucchini and you’re looking for a new way to incorporate this humble vegetable into your meals, zucchini drop biscuits are a revelation. These golden, cheesy, herb-infused morsels offer the comfort of a warm biscuit with the added moisture and subtle earthiness of fresh zucchini. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re the kind of baked good that brings both flavor and nostalgia to the table.
Unlike traditional rolled biscuits, drop biscuits require no kneading, shaping, or cutting. You simply stir, scoop, and bake making this recipe approachable for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. The star ingredient, zucchini, works its magic by adding moisture and a mild flavor that complements sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, not just during zucchini season, but whenever you’re craving something cozy, savory, and soul-satisfying.
Why Zucchini in Biscuits?
Zucchini might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of biscuits, but it’s an incredibly versatile vegetable that’s right at home in both sweet and savory baked goods. Its high water content keeps baked items moist, while its subtle flavor allows bolder ingredients like sharp cheddar or aromatic herbs to shine through.
Using zucchini in your biscuits also adds a nutritional boost. Zucchini is rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. It’s low in calories and carbs, making it a great addition to recipes when you want a more wholesome baked item without compromising taste or texture.
And let’s not forget the sustainability factor: zucchini is a summer garden staple that grows in abundance. When you’re faced with a glut of zucchini from your garden or weekly farmers’ market haul, turning it into a batch of drop biscuits is both practical and delicious.
Flavor Combinations That Work
The beauty of zucchini drop biscuits is that they pair beautifully with a wide range of ingredients. In this particular recipe, sharp cheddar adds a bold, savory depth that contrasts nicely with the mild zucchini. Garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper enhance the flavor profile without overpowering the natural ingredients.
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Swap cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack for a kick of spice. Add chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or dill to change the herbaceous notes. You might even try incorporating bacon bits or caramelized onions for a heartier version.
The base of the biscuit dough is incredibly forgiving, which makes this recipe a playground for culinary creativity.
The Magic of Buttermilk
Buttermilk is the secret weapon behind the tender crumb of these biscuits. Its acidity reacts with the baking soda to create a light, fluffy texture. Buttermilk also imparts a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavor, making the biscuits more complex and well-rounded.
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a quick DIY version can be made by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until slightly curdled, and you’ll have a suitable substitute.
Serving Ideas for Every Occasion
Zucchini drop biscuits are versatile enough to serve at breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Here are a few creative serving ideas to elevate your meal:
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With Eggs: Pair them with scrambled or poached eggs for a hearty breakfast.
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Soup & Stew Companion: These biscuits are excellent with creamy tomato soup, corn chowder, or chicken stew.
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Picnic Basket Essential: Their portability makes them ideal for on-the-go snacks or picnic spreads.
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Holiday Bread Basket: Add them to your Thanksgiving or Easter bread basket as a savory option.
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Appetizer Board: Slice them in half and stuff with herbed cream cheese or smoked salmon for an elegant appetizer.
Their rustic charm and bold flavor make them suitable for casual family meals or special gatherings alike.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they store well for a few days in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.
To reheat, simply pop them in a warm oven or toaster oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior. If you’d like to freeze a batch for later use, allow them to cool completely, wrap individually in foil or parchment, and place in a freezer-safe container. They can be reheated directly from frozen.
Want to make these ahead of time? Prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This can be especially handy for brunch prep or busy weeknights.
Healthier Adaptations
Looking to lighten things up or meet specific dietary needs? This recipe can be easily tweaked:
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Whole Wheat Flour: Swap in half (or all) whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
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Low-Fat Cheese: Use reduced-fat cheddar or part-skim mozzarella.
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Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk mixed with lemon juice in place of buttermilk. Vegan cheese shreds can be substituted for cheddar.
These modifications still yield a flavorful and satisfying result, making this recipe one of the more flexible ones in your collection.
A Recipe That Brings People Together
There’s something inherently comforting about a basket of warm biscuits on the table. They signal home, hearth, and hospitality. Zucchini drop biscuits offer that same feeling but with a seasonal, wholesome twist. Whether you’re introducing someone to zucchini for the first time or simply finding new ways to use up your garden harvest, these biscuits are a reliable and tasty choice.
They’re the kind of thing you’ll bake once and then keep making every time you see zucchini on your counter. And because they’re so easy to whip up, they’re also a great way to involve kids in the kitchen. Let them grate the zucchini, stir the dough, or help drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet it’s a fun, interactive cooking activity that ends with warm, cheesy biscuits to enjoy together.
Conclusion:
In a world of complicated recipes and trendy ingredients, zucchini drop biscuits stand out for their simplicity and satisfaction. With just a handful of pantry staples, a fresh zucchini, and your favorite cheese, you can create something truly delightful.
They’re nourishing, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether served with a hearty stew, as part of a brunch spread, or enjoyed solo with a pat of butter, these biscuits deliver in every way.