Get ready for a delightful twist on classic biscuits that will quickly become your new favorite! These Cheesy Zucchini Biscuits are incredibly fluffy, packed with savory flavor, and boast a perfect golden crust. Loaded with fresh zucchini, a blend of melty cheeses, and vibrant scallions, they’re an easy bake that’s perfect for breakfast, a side dish, or a comforting snack.
Why I Love This Recipe
These Zucchini Biscuits are a true kitchen gem! What I love most is how they transform simple zucchini into something utterly delicious and comforting. The key is how the shredded zucchini keeps the biscuits incredibly moist, while the cheese adds a savory richness and the scallions bring a fresh, mild oniony bite. They come together quickly as drop biscuits (no rolling or cutting required!), making them incredibly fuss-free. They’re perfect for using up garden zucchini, and the optional garlic butter topping takes them to a whole new level of indulgence. They are truly an irresistible mix of savory, cheesy, and tender goodness.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Cheesy Zucchini Biscuits:
- 1 1/4 cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 2 cups flour (all-purpose)
- 1 1/2 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- A few dashes of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar blend, Parmesan, Mozzarella, or a combo)
- 1/4 cup sliced scallions (green onions)
- Optional: Garlic butter topping (garlic paste or powder mixed with 3 tbsp melted butter)
Swaps and Notes
- Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is best. No need to peel, just give it a good wash. If using yellow squash, it will work just as well.
- Cheese: A cheddar blend offers great flavor and melt. Parmesan will add a saltier, nuttier depth, while mozzarella brings gooeyness. A combination of cheddar and a touch of Parmesan is fantastic!
- Butter: Cold butter cut into small cubes is crucial for flaky biscuits. Do not use melted butter in the dough itself (only for the optional topping).
- Milk: Whole milk provides the richest flavor and best texture. Buttermilk can be used for a tangier biscuit.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a subtle warmth. Omit for no heat, or increase for more spice.
- Scallions: Fresh scallions (green onions) add a lovely mild onion flavor and color.
- Garlic Butter Topping: Highly recommended for extra flavor and a beautiful golden finish. You can use garlic powder or garlic paste mixed with melted butter.
Directions
Let’s get these fluffy and flavorful Cheesy Zucchini Biscuits baked!
- Prepare Zucchini (Crucial Step!): Start by shredding your zucchini. There’s no need to peel; just give it a good wash first! Place the shredded zucchini in a colander over a bowl or sink, lined with a few layers of paper towels (or a clean cheesecloth). Sprinkle it generously with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. After 15 minutes, press it gently (but firmly!) with clean paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible. The drier the zucchini, the better your biscuits’ texture will be.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a few dashes of red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cut in Butter: Add the 1/4 cup of cold butter, cut into small cubes, to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips to “cut in” the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. This creates flakiness.
- Combine Wet and Dry with Add-ins: In another separate bowl, whisk the 1 egg into the 1 cup of whole milk until combined. Add this milk-egg mixture along with the 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, 1/4 cup sliced scallions, and the thoroughly drained shredded zucchini to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or rubber spatula until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in tough biscuits.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Scoop Dough: Use an ice cream scoop (or about 1/4 cup portions) to drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. These are “drop biscuits,” so no need to roll or cut. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each scoop to allow for even baking and browning.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through and the tops are lightly golden brown. If you like them a bit browner and crispier, you can leave them in for a few minutes longer, keeping a close eye on them.
- Optional Garlic Butter Topping: If you’d like to add a touch of indulgence, prepare the garlic butter topping (garlic paste or powder mixed with 3 tablespoons melted butter). Brush the tops of the biscuits generously with this garlic butter about 3-5 minutes before they finish baking. This will add extra flavor and a beautiful sheen.
- Serve: Remove the biscuits from the oven. Serve them warm and enjoy every fluffy, cheesy bite!
Tips for Success
- Drain Zucchini Thoroughly: This is the most crucial step! Excess moisture from the zucchini will make your biscuits soggy. Squeeze out as much liquid as humanly possible.
- Cold Butter: Keep your butter cold until you cut it into the flour. Cold butter creates pockets of steam in the oven, which leads to flaky biscuits.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten and makes biscuits tough.
- High Heat Baking: A hot oven helps the biscuits rise quickly and creates a golden, crusty exterior.
- Serve Warm: Biscuits are always best served warm, especially with their cheesy, fluffy interior.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Cheesy Zucchini Biscuits are incredibly versatile and perfect for any meal occasion:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a hearty start to the day.
- Soup or Chili Side: Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth from your favorite soup or chili.
- Dinner Side: A wonderful accompaniment to roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a simple steak.
- Snack: Enjoy on their own with a little extra butter or a dollop of sour cream.
- For other comforting Southern-inspired sides, you might also enjoy our Okra and Jalapeño Hushpuppies or a hearty skillet like This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These biscuits are best fresh from the oven, but they can be stored and reheated.
- Room Temperature: Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose some crispness.
- Refrigeration: For slightly longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but they might become a bit drier.
- Reheating: To revive their freshness and crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soft.
- Freezing (Unbaked Dough): You can scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of these zucchini biscuits, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic baked goods and savory sides:
- For a sweet and comforting bake, check out our Cinnamon Sugar Loaf.
- If you’re a fan of crispy vegetable sides, our Crispy Sweet Potato Fries or Garlic Cauliflower and Mushrooms are must-tries!
- Finally, for a hearty one-pan meal that includes potatoes, our One-Pan Cowboy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes with Buttery Herb Sauce is a winner.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Zucchini Biscuits are a delightful and ingenious twist on a classic, offering a perfect blend of savory cheese, fresh zucchini, and a wonderfully fluffy texture. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for adding a touch of homemade comfort to any meal. Give them a try, and prepare to be amazed by how delicious a vegetable-packed biscuit can be!
What’s your favorite vegetable to sneak into a baked good? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
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