Savory Cheddar Onion Drop Biscuits: A Quick & Easy Recipe

Are you craving something warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful? Look no further than these cheddar onion drop biscuits! Unlike traditional biscuits that require rolling and cutting, these drop biscuits are incredibly easy to make, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese, savory onions, and a perfectly tender crumb creates a biscuit that’s irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, as a side dish with soups and stews, or even as a simple snack, these biscuits are sure to become a new favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
* **No Rolling Required:** Forget about rolling dough and using cookie cutters. Simply drop spoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet.
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The combination of cheddar cheese and onion creates a savory and satisfying taste.
* **Versatile:** These biscuits can be enjoyed in so many ways – as a side dish, a snack, or even as the base for a breakfast sandwich.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different cheeses, herbs, or spices.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather these simple ingredients:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** The base of our biscuit, providing structure.
* **Baking Powder:** This is what gives the biscuits their light and airy texture.
* **Baking Soda:** Works in conjunction with baking powder for extra lift and a tender crumb.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Sugar:** A touch of sugar helps balance the savory flavors and promotes browning.
* **Cold Unsalted Butter:** The cold butter creates pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in flaky layers.
* **Sharp Cheddar Cheese:** Adds a sharp, cheesy flavor that complements the onion.
* **Yellow Onion:** Provides a savory and slightly sweet element.
* **Buttermilk:** The acidity of buttermilk helps tenderize the dough and adds a tangy flavor.
* **Egg:** Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
* **Melted Butter (for brushing):** Brushing the tops of the biscuits with melted butter creates a golden-brown crust and adds extra flavor.
* **Optional: Chopped Chives or Green Onions:** For garnish and added flavor.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create delicious cheddar onion drop biscuits:

**1. Preheat and Prep:**

* Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the biscuits from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

**2. Combine Dry Ingredients:**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Make sure the ingredients are well combined to ensure even rising.

**3. Cut in the Butter:**

* Cut the cold butter into small cubes. Add the butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should have some small pieces of butter remaining, which will create flaky layers.

**4. Add Cheese and Onion:**

* Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced yellow onion until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. The cheese adds a sharp, savory flavor, while the onion provides a subtle sweetness and aroma.

**5. Whisk Wet Ingredients:**

* In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until well combined. Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the dough, while the egg provides richness and structure.

**6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**

* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. The dough should be slightly shaggy and sticky.

**7. Drop Biscuits onto Baking Sheet:**

* Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each biscuit to allow for spreading.

**8. Brush with Melted Butter:**

* Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter. This will create a golden-brown crust and add extra flavor.

**9. Bake:**

* Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center of a biscuit should come out clean.

**10. Cool and Serve:**

* Let the biscuits cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Cheddar Onion Drop Biscuits

* **Use Cold Butter:** The key to flaky biscuits is cold butter. Cold butter creates pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in layers of tenderness. You can even freeze the butter for 10-15 minutes before using it.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.
* **Use Buttermilk:** Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the dough. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk.
* **Handle the Dough Gently:** Drop the biscuits onto the baking sheet gently to avoid deflating them.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the biscuits and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Grate Your Own Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. Grating your own cheese ensures a smoother, cheesier texture.
* **Don’t Skip the Butter Brushing:** Brushing the biscuits with melted butter creates a beautiful golden-brown crust and adds extra flavor.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
* **Onion:** Use red onion or shallots instead of yellow onion for a different flavor profile.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the dough for extra flavor.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Garlic:** Add a clove of minced garlic to the dough for a savory kick.
* **Vegetarian:** Ensure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly if needed.
* **Gluten-Free:** Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute buttermilk with a dairy-free milk alternative and use a dairy-free butter substitute.

## Serving Suggestions

These cheddar onion drop biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve them warm with butter, jam, or honey.
* **Side Dish:** Accompany soups, stews, chili, or salads with these savory biscuits.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a quick and easy snack on their own or with a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream.
* **Sandwiches:** Use them as the base for breakfast sandwiches with eggs, bacon, and cheese.
* **Appetizers:** Serve them with dips or spreads as a flavorful appetizer.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may become slightly drier over time.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
* **Freezer:** To freeze, wrap the biscuits individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
* **Microwave:** Microwave the biscuits for 15-30 seconds, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough.
* **Toaster Oven:** Reheat the biscuits in a toaster oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

## Recipe

**Yields:** 12-15 biscuits
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15-20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
* 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 large egg
* 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing
* Optional: Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese and onion.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
6. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each biscuit.
8. Brush tops of biscuits with melted butter.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chives or green onions, if desired.

Enjoy these delicious cheddar onion drop biscuits! They are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 200-250 per biscuit (estimated)
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 6-9g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Sugar: 2-4g
* Protein: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Drop the biscuits onto the baking sheet just before baking.

**Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?**
A: While buttermilk is recommended for its flavor and tenderizing properties, you can use regular milk. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

**Q: Why are my biscuits not rising?**
A: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Also, avoid overmixing the dough.

**Q: Can I add other ingredients to these biscuits?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

**Q: How do I prevent the biscuits from sticking to the baking sheet?**
A: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

**Q: My biscuits are dry. What did I do wrong?**
A: Overbaking or using too much flour can result in dry biscuits. Be sure to measure your flour accurately and avoid overbaking. Using enough buttermilk will also create the best texture.

**Q: Can I make these vegan?**
A: Yes, you can substitute the buttermilk and egg with plant-based alternatives and use vegan butter and cheese substitutes.

Enjoy baking these delightful Cheddar Onion Drop Biscuits! They’re a simple, savory treat that’s sure to please.