There’s a certain joy that comes from the aroma of freshly baked biscuits wafting through the house, especially when you’re planning for a busy week ahead. These Make Ahead Drop Biscuits are the perfect solution for those moments when comfort food is needed but time is tight. With their flaky edges and buttery goodness, they come together in just 30 minutes, making them a delightful treat for both busy weeknights and leisurely breakfasts.
What’s even better? You can whip up a batch in advance, so they’re ready to pop in the oven whenever the craving strikes. Imagine serving these golden delights warm with a pat of butter or accompanying your favorite savory dishes. And for those who need a gluten-free option, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered too! Join me in making these simple yet delightful biscuits that are bound to become a staple in your home.
Why Are Make Ahead Drop Biscuits So Great?
Quick Preparation: These biscuits come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy days.
Freezer-Friendly: Whip up a batch in advance and freeze for future cravings—heat them up in no time!
Buttery Goodness: Enjoy a warm, flaky bite with rich butter flavor that comforts the soul.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Easily swap for a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring everyone can indulge.
Versatile Pairing: Perfect for breakfast, as a side for dinner, or with jam for a sweet treat.
Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at any gathering, these biscuits are sure to impress your guests!
Make Ahead Drop Biscuits Ingredients
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For the Biscuits
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All-purpose flour – This provides structure to your biscuits; consider using a light flour like White Lily for tenderness.
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Cornstarch – Adds lightness; you can skip this if using White Lily flour.
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Baking powder – Essential for helping the biscuits rise and gain that lovely fluffiness.
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Baking soda – Works in tandem with buttermilk for a delightful texture.
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Sugar – Just a touch adds sweetness and golden color.
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Salt – Enhances flavors; don’t skip this key ingredient!
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Cold unsalted butter – Keeps the biscuits flaky; cut it into the mixture until crumbly.
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Buttermilk – Hydrates and helps with rising; can be substituted with non-dairy milk mixed with vinegar for a buttermilk alternative.
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Melted butter – Brush on before serving for an extra layer of richness.
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For Gluten-Free Variation
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Gluten-free 1:1 flour blend – Swap this for all-purpose flour to make an easy gluten-free option without changing the texture.
Whether you’re whipping up a fresh batch today or planning ahead for future comfort, these Make Ahead Drop Biscuits are sure to bring joy to your table!
How to Make Make Ahead Drop Biscuits
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until thoroughly combined, ensuring a balanced flavor throughout your biscuits.
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Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, diced butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining, preserving that flakiness!
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Incorporate the Buttermilk: Gradually pour in the buttermilk, gently stirring with a spatula until you form a shaggy, sticky dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser biscuits when baked.
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Form the Biscuits: Using two spoons, drop mounds of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space the mounds evenly apart but don’t smooth the tops—let them stay rustic!
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Bake and Brush: Bake the biscuits in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 17-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. For that extra touch of deliciousness, brush them with melted butter just before serving.
Optional: Serve with honey or your favorite jam for a delightful sweet touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Make Ahead Drop Biscuits
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Cold Ingredients Matter: Always keep your butter and buttermilk cold. This helps create that flaky texture we all love in these make-ahead drop biscuits.
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Avoid Overmixing: Stir the dough gently. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits, so just mix until combined for a light and airy result.
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Use a Baking Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This helps achieve that golden crust!
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Watch the Baking Time: Each oven is different, so keep a close eye on your biscuits. Baking too long can dry them out, while underbaking can result in a doughy center.
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Freeze for Later: If you’re making a batch ahead of time, freeze the unbaked biscuits. When ready to bake, add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time for perfectly fluffy, fresh biscuits.
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Try Flavor Add-ins: Don’t be afraid to customize! Add herbs like chives or shredded cheese for a tasty twist on your make-ahead drop biscuits.
Storage Tips for Make Ahead Drop Biscuits
Room Temperature: Store leftover baked biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring they stay soft and enjoyable.
Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh longer, store in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure they’re sealed tight to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked drop biscuits on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To revive the freshness, reheat baked biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy warm!
What to Serve with Make Ahead Drop Biscuits?
These drop biscuits are the perfect addition to any meal, helping to create an inviting atmosphere that warms the heart and delights the palate.
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Savory Sausage Gravy: Creamy and rich, this classic pairing is like a warm hug for your taste buds, bringing a comforting Southern touch to the table.
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Butter and Jam: A simple yet satisfying way to enjoy these biscuits; the sweet jam perfectly balances the rich butter flavor for a delightful breakfast option.
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Fresh Salad: A crisp, bright salad adds a refreshing contrast, with flavors and textures that balance the buttery goodness of the biscuits, making it an ideal side for lunch.
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Hearty Stews or Soups: Whether a chunky vegetable soup or a savory beef stew, the flaky biscuits soak up every droplet, enhancing the meal with their delightful texture.
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Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies offer a beautiful contrast with their caramelized sweetness, making your meals not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
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Homemade Honey Butter: Spread some homemade honey butter on a warm biscuit for an added layer of sweetness—perfect for a dessert or snack that feels indulgent yet simple.
Imagine serving these alongside your favorite meal, creating moments of joy and togetherness that elevate any dining experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Make Ahead Drop Biscuits are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to savor warm, flaky goodness even on your busiest days! You can mix the dry ingredients and cut in the cold butter up to 24 hours in advance; just store this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. When ready to bake, simply incorporate the buttermilk, drop the dough onto a baking sheet, and bake as directed. To maintain quality, avoid overmixing and keep the butter cold until the last moment. For an even quicker option, you can also freeze the formed mounds of dough and bake directly from the freezer, giving you fresh biscuits in minutes whenever the craving strikes!
Make Ahead Drop Biscuit Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these biscuits to fit your tastes and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for a delicious, guilt-free option. They’ll still have that lovable fluffiness!
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Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for a flavorful twist that awakens the senses. Just a tablespoon or two can elevate these biscuits tremendously.
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Cheese Lover’s Delight: Fold in shredded cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, into the dough for a cheesy goodness that pairs wonderfully with soups and stews. Imagine that melty goodness with every bite!
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Sweet Touch: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and some sugar to the dough for a hint of sweetness that’s perfect for breakfast or tea time. Top with a drizzle of honey for an extra treat.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy version that adds warmth and excitement to your meals. Perfect for those who like their biscuits with a bit of heat!
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Nutty Texture: Toss in some finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch and added depth of flavor. They create a lovely contrast in texture.
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Savory Garlic: Incorporate minced garlic into the mix or brush melted garlic butter over the biscuits before baking for a savory kick that brings everything together beautifully.
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Fruit-Enhanced: Fold in dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots for a burst of flavor that pairs nicely with a cup of tea or coffee. They add both sweetness and chewiness!
Make Ahead Drop Biscuits Recipe FAQs
What kind of flour is best for Make Ahead Drop Biscuits?
I recommend using all-purpose flour for its structure. If you can’t find it, consider trying a low-protein flour like White Lily for an even more tender biscuit!
How should I store leftover biscuits?
Store your leftover baked biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For a longer shelf life, keep them in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring they’re tightly sealed to stay soft.
Can I freeze Make Ahead Drop Biscuits?
Absolutely! To freeze unbaked drop biscuits, first place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag where they can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake them, add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.
What do I do if my biscuits come out dense?
If your biscuits turn out dense, it’s usually because of overmixing the dough. Be sure to mix just until combined. Keeping the butter cold and not pressing the dough too much also helps keep them fluffy.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. This will maintain the texture and flavor, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delicious make-ahead drop biscuits.
How can I add extra flavor to my Make Ahead Drop Biscuits?
There are so many fun ways to jazz them up! You can incorporate herbs like chives or rosemary, add grated cheese, or even diced jalapeños for a spicy kick—don’t be afraid to experiment!
Make Ahead Drop Biscuits: Warm, Flaky Comfort in Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until combined.
- Add the cold, diced butter to the dry mixture, cutting it in until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually pour in the buttermilk, stirring gently until a shaggy dough forms.
- Drop mounds of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 17-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter before serving.