Zucchini biscuits are a delightful twist on the classic biscuit recipe. These light, fluffy, and savory treats are packed with the goodness of zucchini, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a side dish with your favorite soup or salad. Their moist texture and subtle flavor make them a hit for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A creative way to use up fresh zucchini from your garden or the store.
- Moist, tender biscuits with a light and fluffy texture.
- Simple and quick to make with pantry staples.
- A versatile recipe that can be customized with herbs, cheese, or spices.
- A healthier take on traditional biscuits thanks to the added vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Butter (cold, cubed)
- Grated zucchini (squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- Milk or buttermilk
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Fold in the grated zucchini, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the milk or buttermilk, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it to about 1-inch thickness.
- Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut out biscuits, re-rolling scraps as needed.
- Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10-12 biscuits
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Zucchini Biscuits: Add shredded cheddar, parmesan, or your favorite cheese to the dough for a cheesy upgrade.
- Herbed Biscuits: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme for added flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour.
- Vegan Option: Swap butter for vegan butter and use plant-based milk.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked biscuits in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm biscuits in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave them for 20–30 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
Yes, thaw the zucchini and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before using.
2. How do I avoid soggy biscuits?
Ensure you thoroughly squeeze the grated zucchini to remove excess water.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, shape the biscuits, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. What’s the best way to grate zucchini?
Use a box grater or food processor for quick and even grating.
5. Can I make this recipe without a biscuit cutter?
Yes, use a glass or shape the dough into squares with a knife.
6. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, finely grated carrots or diced bell peppers can be added for variety.
7. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. Consider mixing whole wheat and all-purpose flour for balance.
8. How can I make these biscuits fluffier?
Avoid overmixing the dough, and make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh.
9. Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, but reduce the baking powder and salt to avoid overpowering the flavor.
10. Are these biscuits suitable for kids?
Absolutely! They are a great way to sneak vegetables into a child-friendly recipe.
Conclusion
Zucchini biscuits are an easy, delicious, and versatile addition to any meal. With their fluffy texture, subtle zucchini flavor, and endless customization options, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether served warm with butter or paired with your favorite dish, these biscuits are a delightful treat you’ll want to make again and again.
PrintZucchini Biscuits
These tender and flaky zucchini biscuits are infused with savory flavors of parmesan cheese, fresh basil, parsley, and garlic. They’re quick to prepare and make a delightful addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Snack, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/4 cups (150g) shredded zucchini
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup (60g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 and 1/2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 cup (240ml) cold buttermilk, plus 2 tablespoons for brushing on top
- Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare Zucchini:Â Place the shredded zucchini in a colander over the sink and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 10 minutes, squeeze the zucchini with a clean dish towel or paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:Â In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Cut in Butter:Â Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
- Add Mix-ins:Â Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and parsley until evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:Â Pour the cold buttermilk over the dry ingredients and add the drained zucchini. Gently stir until just combined; do not overmix. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- Portion Dough:Â Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, drop mounds of dough (about 1/4 cup each) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Brush with Buttermilk:Â Lightly brush the tops of the biscuits with the additional 2 tablespoons of buttermilk. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each biscuit.
- Bake:Â Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Serve:Â Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Serve warm.
Notes
- Storage:Â Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a warm oven before serving.
- Freezing: These biscuits freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
- Variations:Â Feel free to experiment with different herbs or cheeses to suit your taste. Cheddar, asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses can be used in place of parmesan. Fresh herbs like dill, chives, or thyme can also be substituted or added.