🌟 Golden Cheesy Cloud Biscuits: Angela’s E-Z Drop Recipe 🌟

Introduction

Angela’s E-Z Drop Biscuits are a quintessential comfort food that embodies simplicity, speed, and deliciousness. Perfect for busy mornings, impromptu gatherings, or whenever you crave warm, flaky biscuits without the fuss of rolling, cutting, or kneading. Originating from the popular “Love With Recipes” platform, this recipe has become a go-to for home cooks seeking a quick yet satisfying baked good. The beauty of these biscuits lies in their minimal ingredients, straightforward process, and versatility — you can customize them by adding shredded cheese, herbs, or even bits of cooked bacon for a savory variation. These biscuits are not only a testament to the elegance of simplicity but also a reminder that comfort food can be prepared in less than 30 minutes with humble ingredients. Whether served as a breakfast side, a snack, or part of a hearty dinner, Angela’s E-Z Drop Biscuits promise fluffy, buttery goodness with every bite.

Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Needed Equipment

To ensure a smooth and efficient baking process, gather the following equipment before starting:

• Oven: Preheated to 450°F (230°C)
• Mixing Bowls: Large enough to combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients
• Whisk or Fork: To mix dry ingredients thoroughly
• Rubber Spatula or Spoon: For stirring and folding in butter and milk
• Cookie Sheet or Baking Sheet: Lightly greased or lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup
• Ice Cream Scoop or Tablespoon: To portion the dough evenly
• Pastry Brush (optional): For brushing the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and shine

Tags

Quick, Easy, Breakfast, Side Dish, Baking, Comfort Food, Biscuits, Family-Friendly, Homemade, No-Rolling, Simple Ingredients

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 12 biscuits, with each biscuit serving as a generous side or breakfast component. The serving size is typically considered to be one biscuit unless used as a main component in a meal.

Difficulty Level

Beginner-friendly. This recipe is perfect for novice bakers due to its minimal steps, no kneading or rolling involved, and quick preparation process. Even seasoned cooks will appreciate how swiftly these biscuits come together without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

This recipe is naturally vegetarian but not vegan due to the butter and milk. To make it vegan, substitute with plant-based butter and non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk. For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum or add it separately for optimal texture.

Course

• Breakfast
• Side Dish
• Snack

Cuisine

American Comfort Food / Southern Breakfast

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 450°F (230°C). Proper preheating ensures that the biscuits bake evenly and develop that desirable golden crust. Place your oven rack in the middle position for optimal heat distribution. This step should be done at least 10 minutes before you start mixing the dough to allow the oven to reach the desired temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt. Use a whisk or fork to thoroughly mix these dry ingredients. Ensuring they are evenly distributed is key to uniform rising and flavor. Sifting the flour before measuring can add extra lightness, but if you haven’t sifted, just fluff the flour with a fork or spoon to aerate it before measuring.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Cut the cold butter into small cubes, then add to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, cut or rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. This process is similar to making pie crust and ensures the biscuits will be tender and flaky. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; the goal is to distribute the butter evenly without melting it completely.

Step 4: Add Milk

Pour in the milk gradually, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon. Mix until just combined; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky but hold its shape. Do not overmix, as this can develop gluten and make the biscuits dense and tough. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon more milk; if too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour. The consistency should be similar to thick batter or thick pancake batter.

Step 5: Drop the Dough

Using a tablespoon or an ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for expansion. The rustic, drop-style method means no rolling pin or cookie cutter is necessary, making the process quick and effortless. For uniform biscuits, you can gently shape the dough into balls before dropping, but this is optional.

Step 6: Baking

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on the biscuits as oven temperatures can vary. The biscuits are ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown around the edges and the tops are slightly firm to the touch. For an extra touch of flavor and shine, brush the tops with melted butter immediately after removing from the oven.

Step 7: Serving

Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet. Serve warm, ideally straight from the oven, with butter, honey, jam, or your favorite toppings. These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later use.

Preparation Tips

• Handle the dough minimally: Overmixing leads to dense biscuits. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Use cold butter: This helps create flaky layers. If the butter warms too much during mixing, chill the dough briefly before baking.
• Adjust moisture: If the dough feels too sticky or too dry, adjust with additional milk or flour accordingly.
• Uniform size: Use an ice cream scoop for evenly sized biscuits, ensuring uniform baking time and appearance.
• Customize flavors: Add shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or cooked bacon into the dough for a savory variation.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Keep ingredients cold: Cold butter and milk help create flaky layers and prevent overmixing.
• Use fresh baking powder: Old baking powder loses potency, so replace it if it’s been sitting for a while.
• Experiment with add-ins: Cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or herbs elevate basic biscuits.
• For extra crispiness: Bake a minute or two longer, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Freeze dough: Form the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then bake directly from frozen for quick biscuits anytime.

Add-ons

• Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan
• Herbs: Chopped parsley, chives, or thyme
• Meats: Crumbled cooked bacon or diced ham
• Sweet toppings: Honey, jam, or butter for a sweet twist

Side Dishes

• Country-style sausage gravy
• Hearty chicken or beef stew
• Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
• Scrambled eggs and crispy bacon
• Sweet fruit preserves or honey for dipping

Improvements

To elevate this classic recipe, consider the following modifications:

• Buttermilk substitution: Replace milk with buttermilk for tanginess and extra tenderness.
• Herb-infused butter: Use herb-flavored melted butter instead of plain for added aroma and flavor.
• Whole wheat flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Gluten-free: Use a high-quality gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary needs.

Save and Store

Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap individually in plastic wrap or place in a resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes. To retain freshness and moisture, reheating with a brush of butter helps revive their soft, flaky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the dough, portion into individual biscuits, and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or plant-based options?

Yes, but note that butter contributes to flavor and flakiness. Use cold plant-based butter or margarine for best results; the texture may vary slightly.

What if my biscuits don’t rise well?

Ensure your baking powder is fresh, and your oven is fully preheated. Cold ingredients and gentle mixing also help achieve good rise. Avoid overmixing, which can hinder expansion.

Can I add sugar or sweeteners for a sweeter biscuit?

Absolutely. Increase sugar to taste, or add honey or maple syrup in place of a portion of the milk for a sweet variation.

Conclusion

Angela’s E-Z Drop Biscuits exemplify how simple ingredients, minimal effort, and a few key techniques can create irresistible baked goods. This recipe offers a versatile foundation that can be customized to suit sweet or savory preferences, making it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire. Its quick preparation and forgiving nature mean that even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results. For an even more delightful experience, serve these biscuits warm with butter, honey, or your preferred toppings, and watch them disappear in moments. Remember, the key to perfect biscuits lies in gentle handling, cold ingredients, and timely baking. These biscuits are a celebration of comfort and convenience, and they are sure to become a favorite for your family and friends.

References

1. “The Joy of Baking” by Stephanie Jaworski.
2. “The New York Times Cooking” recipes and tips on quick biscuit making.