Easy Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits

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Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits: Fluffy, Cheesy, and Ready in Minutes

Introduction

Few baked goods strike the perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet flavor quite like a warm biscuit. Lightly golden on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, and bursting with buttery goodness, biscuits have earned their place at breakfast tables, Sunday dinners, and holiday feasts. Now, imagine upgrading a classic biscuit with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives—the result is nothing short of irresistible.

Cheddar chive drop biscuits are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. Unlike traditional rolled and cut biscuits, drop biscuits skip the extra steps of rolling out dough and using a cutter. Instead, you simply “drop” spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and let the oven do the magic. The result is a rustic, hearty biscuit that comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight meals, brunch spreads, or last-minute baking.

This recipe combines the savory sharpness of cheddar with the mild onion-like freshness of chives, creating biscuits that pair beautifully with soups, stews, or even served solo with a smear of butter. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

A Little Background

Biscuits, in their many variations, have long been a staple in American kitchens. Drop biscuits, in particular, are loved for their ease and rustic charm. Unlike their flakier cousins, which require precise layering of butter and flour, drop biscuits embrace simplicity. By adding cheese and herbs like chives, home cooks discovered an easy way to elevate an everyday bread into something special.

The combination of cheddar and chives has roots in farmhouse cooking, where cooks often folded in fresh herbs from the garden and sharp cheese from local dairies to stretch meals and add flavor. Today, this pairing remains timeless, proving that sometimes the simplest additions create the most memorable dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: No rolling, kneading, or cutting—just mix and drop.
  • Packed with Flavor: Sharp cheddar and fresh chives turn a simple biscuit into a standout side.
  • Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
  • Beginner-Friendly: Foolproof even for novice bakers.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt with other herbs, cheeses, or add-ins.

Ingredients

For the Biscuits

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (120 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice as substitute)

For Topping (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped
  • Pinch of flaky salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Spoon or cookie scoop
  • Pastry brush (if adding topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Make sure butter and buttermilk are cold—this helps create tender biscuits.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  • This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

  • Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
  • Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
  • Don’t overmix; those butter pockets are what make biscuits fluffy.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Chives

  • Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives.
  • The cheese adds richness while the chives bring fresh flavor.

Step 5: Add the Buttermilk

  • Pour in buttermilk and gently stir until just combined.
  • The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.
  • Avoid overmixing to keep biscuits tender.

Step 6: Drop and Bake

  • Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

Step 7: Optional Topping

  • While biscuits are still warm, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with extra chives and flaky salt.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Keep ingredients cold: Cold butter ensures flaky, tender biscuits.
  • Don’t overmix: Stir just until the dough comes together—overmixing creates dense biscuits.
  • Cheese choice matters: Sharp cheddar offers the best flavor, but feel free to experiment with mild cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack.
  • Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Variations & Customizations

  • Herb Lovers: Swap or add herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme.
  • Spicy Kick: Add minced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the dough.
  • Garlic Cheddar Biscuits: Increase garlic powder and brush with garlic butter after baking.
  • Breakfast Twist: Add cooked sausage crumbles for a hearty morning biscuit.
  • Mini Biscuits: Use a smaller scoop to make bite-sized versions for appetizers.

Serving Ideas

Cheddar chive drop biscuits are delicious on their own, but they shine as a side dish. Here are a few pairing ideas:

  • Serve warm alongside soups like potato leek, tomato basil, or creamy mushroom.
  • Pair with hearty stews or chili for a comforting, filling meal.
  • Enjoy at brunch with scrambled eggs or an omelet.
  • Use as a sandwich base—slice in half and fill with ham, turkey, or roasted veggies.
  • Add to a holiday table with roast chicken, turkey, or beef.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days; reheat before serving.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooled biscuits for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm in the oven.
  • Make-Ahead Dough: Prepare the dough and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

FAQ

1. Can I use dried chives instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh chives provide a brighter flavor. If using dried, reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.

3. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, but use a high-quality gluten-free blend designed for baking. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Conclusion

Cheddar chive drop biscuits are the perfect blend of rustic charm and irresistible flavor. With their cheesy, buttery goodness and fresh herbal notes, they’re a versatile side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you serve them with soups, at brunch, or as part of a festive dinner, these biscuits are guaranteed to please.

Simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for gatherings, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without the comforting flavor of homemade cheddar chive drop biscuits.

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