Introduction
Biscuits have long been a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide, known for their light, flaky texture and rich buttery flavor. However, traditional biscuits, while delicious, often come with high fat and cholesterol content due to the use of shortening or butter. The “Healthy Sour Cream Drop Biscuits” recipe is a modern, health-conscious twist on this classic comfort food, designed to maintain the delicate, moist texture without the guilt. By swapping out high-fat ingredients with healthier alternatives like nonfat sour cream and oil, this recipe ensures that you can enjoy the same indulgence with a fraction of the fat.
These drop biscuits are perfect for busy individuals who want to make homemade bread in a hurry, without compromising on health. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they pair wonderfully with soups, stews, or can be enjoyed on their own with a bit of jam or butter. This guide will walk you through the entire process of making these quick and easy drop biscuits, offering tips and tricks along the way to ensure your biscuits turn out perfectly every time. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a great way to add a healthy homemade bread option to your repertoire.
Time
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
Needed Equipment
- Food processor (optional, can also be done by hand)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls (if preparing by hand)
- Baking sheet
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Spoon or ice cream scoop (for portioning dough)
- Oven
Tags
- Low Fat
- Healthy
- Low Cholesterol
- Quick Breads
- Under 30 Minutes
- Food Processor Friendly
Serving Size
- Yield: 14 biscuits
Difficulty Level
- Easy
This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any specialized skills or advanced techniques. With minimal ingredients and steps, even novice bakers can create delicious drop biscuits in under 30 minutes.
Allergen Information
- Contains: Wheat (Gluten), Dairy (Sour Cream)
These biscuits contain wheat from the flour and dairy from the sour cream. If you or your guests have food sensitivities or allergies, these ingredients can be substituted with gluten-free flour and a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
Dietary Preference
- Low Fat
- Low Cholesterol
This recipe is designed to be lower in fat compared to traditional biscuit recipes by using nonfat sour cream and omitting butter or shortening. Itโs a great option for those looking to reduce their fat intake without sacrificing flavor.
Course
- Course: Side Dish, Breakfast
These drop biscuits are perfect as a side dish to accompany a hearty meal, such as soups or stews, or can be enjoyed at breakfast with your favorite toppings like jam, honey, or butter.
Cuisine
- Cuisine: American
Biscuits are a traditional staple in American cuisine, particularly in the South, where they are often served with gravy, honey, or preserves.
Ingredients (in Tables)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Oil (vegetable or canola) | 3 tablespoons |
| Nonfat sour cream | 1 cup |
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). This ensures that the biscuits bake evenly and develop a light golden crust.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Alternatively, if mixing by hand, combine these ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Pulse the dry ingredients in the food processor once or twice to ensure they are well mixed. If using a bowl, whisk the dry ingredients to combine.
- Incorporate the Oil: Add the oil to the dry ingredients. If using a food processor, pulse a few times until the mixture appears evenly combined. By hand, use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the oil into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Sour Cream: Spoon the nonfat sour cream into the food processor, then pulse until the dough begins to come together. The dough should be loose but hold its shape when dropped onto a baking sheet. If mixing by hand, stir the sour cream into the flour mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon until a dough forms.
- Portion the Dough: Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the sheet, ensuring to leave space between each biscuit for expansion during baking.
- Bake the Biscuits: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These biscuits are best enjoyed warm, and can be served as a side dish or enjoyed on their own.
Preparation Tips
- Achieving the Right Dough Consistency: If the dough appears too dry and crumbly after mixing in the sour cream, add a tablespoon of water or milk at a time until it reaches a soft, sticky consistency. On the other hand, if the dough is too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
- Making by Hand: If you donโt have a food processor, donโt worry! This recipe can easily be made by hand using a large mixing bowl and a pastry cutter to blend the oil into the flour mixture. A wooden spoon works well for incorporating the sour cream.
- Flavor Enhancements: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding chopped herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the dough. You can also add a small amount of shredded cheese for a cheesy version.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (per biscuit) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 107.7 |
| Fat | 3.3g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6g |
| Cholesterol | 1.6mg |
| Sodium | 170.9mg |
| Carbohydrates | 16.6g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 1.4g |
| Protein | 2.7g |
Tips and Tricks
- For Golden Tops: Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter or olive oil before baking to give them a golden-brown finish.
- Adding Sweetness: For a sweeter version, add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough, and top the biscuits with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Herb Infusion: Try incorporating fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives into the dough to enhance the flavor of the biscuits. These are especially delicious when served alongside savory soups or stews.
Add-ons
- Cheese: Add a quarter cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the dough for cheesy drop biscuits.
- Spices: Incorporate a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to add a savory kick to your biscuits.
Side Dishes
- Soups: These biscuits are perfect for dipping into hearty soups like tomato, chicken noodle, or creamy potato soup.
- Salads: Pair with a light garden salad for a balanced meal, adding a bit of crunch and flavor to the meal.
- Stews: Serve alongside beef stew, vegetable stew, or any savory stew of your choice for a comforting, satisfying dinner.
Improvements
- Experiment with Flour Types: Try substituting a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat or spelt flour for added fiber and nutrition.
- Low Sodium Version: Reduce the sodium by using a salt substitute or omitting the salt altogether. Ensure your baking powder is sodium-free if you choose this route.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace the nonfat sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream substitute to make this recipe suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Save and Store
- Room Temperature: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their freshness.
- Freezing: These biscuits freeze well. Place the cooled biscuits in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
FAQ
1. Can I use regular sour cream instead of nonfat sour cream? Yes, you can substitute regular sour cream for nonfat sour cream in this recipe. However, keep in mind that this will increase the fat content of the biscuits.
2. Can I make these biscuits gluten-free? Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a 1:1 substitute for the all-purpose flour to make these biscuits gluten-free.
3. What can I use instead of oil in this recipe? If you prefer not to use oil, you can substitute it with an equal amount of melted butter or coconut oil. Keep in mind that this will affect the fat content and flavor of the biscuits.
Conclusion
The Healthy Sour Cream Drop Biscuits recipe is the perfect way to enjoy homemade bread with a healthier twist. These biscuits are quick and easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and offer a light and fluffy texture without the extra fat and calories found in traditional biscuits. Whether you’re serving them with soup, stew, or enjoying them on their own, these biscuits are sure to become a favorite addition to your meal plan. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can create delicious, guilt-free biscuits that are both nutritious and satisfying.
