Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked Cheesy Garlic Drop Biscuits straight from the oven. These golden, buttery biscuits feature crisp edges, tender interiors, and pockets of melted cheddar cheese in every bite. Finished with a flavorful garlic butter glaze, they’re the perfect companion to soups, stews, pasta dishes, grilled meats, or simply enjoyed on their own.
The beauty of drop biscuits is their simplicity—no rolling pin, biscuit cutter, or complicated shaping required. Just mix, scoop, bake, and enjoy warm, homemade biscuits that rival any restaurant version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- No kneading or rolling required
- Soft, fluffy texture
- Rich buttery garlic flavor
- Loaded with melted cheddar cheese
- Perfect for beginners
- Great for freezing
- Ideal side dish for any meal
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 10–12 biscuits
Calories: About 235 per biscuit
Ingredients
For the Biscuits
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Pinch of salt
Kitchen Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or large spoon
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Dried parsley
Mix until evenly combined.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture.
Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
These butter pockets create light, flaky biscuits.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
Step 5: Add the Buttermilk
Pour the cold buttermilk into the bowl.
Stir gently until just combined.
Avoid overmixing—the dough should be soft, sticky, and slightly shaggy.
Step 6: Shape the Biscuits
Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, drop equal portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Leave about 2 inches of space between each biscuit.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through.
Step 8: Brush with Garlic Butter
While the biscuits are baking, combine:
- Melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Dried parsley
- Salt
As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, generously brush the tops with the garlic butter mixture.
Serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Keep the butter and buttermilk cold for the fluffiest texture.
- Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Mix the dough only until the ingredients are combined.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best flavor and melt.
- Brush with garlic butter immediately after baking.
Delicious Variations
Bacon Cheddar Biscuits
Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon.
Jalapeño Cheddar
Mix in one finely diced jalapeño for a spicy twist.
Parmesan Herb
Replace half the cheddar with grated Parmesan and add fresh thyme.
Everything Bagel Biscuits
Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the tops before baking.
Italian Style
Mix in mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning for a pizza-inspired biscuit.
What to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
These biscuits pair perfectly with:
- Creamy tomato soup
- Broccoli cheddar soup
- Chicken noodle soup
- Beef stew
- Chili
- Barbecue chicken
- Roast beef
- Pasta Alfredo
- Fried chicken
- Scrambled eggs
Storage
Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze baked biscuits in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition Information (Per Biscuit)
- Calories: 235
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Why are my biscuits tough?
Overmixing develops too much gluten, resulting in dense biscuits. Stir only until the dough comes together.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely. Monterey Jack, Colby, Pepper Jack, Gouda, or Parmesan all work well.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Garlic Drop Biscuits are everything you want in a homemade biscuit—light, fluffy, buttery, and packed with savory cheddar cheese and garlic flavor. Whether served alongside a hearty bowl of soup, a family dinner, or enjoyed fresh from the oven with a pat of butter, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite recipe you’ll make again and again. Their quick preparation and irresistible taste make them perfect for busy weeknights, holiday meals, and casual gatherings alike.