Get ready to elevate your biscuit game with a delightful twist – Zucchini Drop Biscuits. These savory treats bring together the buttery goodness of classic biscuits with the added texture and subtle flavor of fresh zucchini. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for dinner, these biscuits are a delightful way to sneak in some veggies. Join us as we explore the ingredients, guide you through the step-by-step instructions, share cook notes and variations, and unveil keto and low-carb versions. Let’s turn your kitchen into a haven of biscuit bliss with Zucchini Drop Biscuits.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup shredded zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for added freshness)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy kick)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, chopped butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Zucchini and Buttermilk: Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and pour in the buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly shaggy dough is what you’re aiming for.
- Drop Biscuits on Baking Sheet: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each biscuit.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the tops of the biscuits are golden brown.
- Optional Cheese Topping: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each biscuit during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy, golden crust.
- Cool and Serve Warm: Allow the Zucchini Drop Biscuits to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors.
Cook Notes
- Squeeze Out Zucchini Moisture: To prevent excess moisture in the biscuits, squeeze the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before incorporating it into the dough.
- Chill Butter for Flakiness: Ensure the butter is cold when cutting it into the flour for flaky biscuits. Consider placing it in the freezer for a few minutes if needed.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits. Mix the ingredients until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
Variations
1. Herb-infused Elegance:
Enhance the flavor profile by adding a tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or chives to the dough.
2. Garlic Parmesan Delight:
Mix in a clove of minced garlic and a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory kick.
3. Sweet and Savory Fusion:
Create a sweet and savory combination by adding a tablespoon of honey to the dough and sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on top before baking.
Keto Versions
For those on a keto journey, consider these modifications:
- Almond Flour Magic: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for a keto-friendly alternative.
- Xanthan Gum for Structure: Add a small amount of xanthan gum to the dough to mimic the gluten structure found in traditional biscuits.
- Buttermilk Substitute: Use a mixture of unsweetened almond milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a keto-friendly buttermilk substitute.
Low-Carb Version
To cater to low-carb preferences, make these adjustments:
- Coconut Flour Option: Substitute coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to lower the carb content.
- Low-Carb Sweetener Choice: Use a low-carb sweetener in place of honey for a sweet and savory biscuit with reduced carbs.
- Reduced Cheese Quantity: Limit the amount of cheddar cheese or omit it altogether to decrease the carb content.
Zucchini Drop Biscuits are a delicious fusion of classic baking and garden-fresh ingredients, bringing a delightful twist to a beloved favorite. Whether you follow the traditional recipe, explore variations, or embrace keto and low-carb adaptations, these biscuits invite you to savor the perfect blend of flavors and textures. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on a journey of biscuit-making bliss. Here’s to the joy of creating, savoring, and relishing the warmth of Zucchini Drop Biscuits straight from your oven!
