Cheddar & Chive Christmas Drop Biscuits

When it comes to Christmas gatherings, a warm basket of fresh, golden biscuits is one of those small but powerful details that make a holiday meal unforgettable. Enter Cheddar & Chive Christmas Drop Biscuits — the ultra-easy, no-knead, no-rolling holiday bread side that feels cozy, nostalgic, and festive all at once.

Fluffy on the inside, lightly crisp on the edges, and loaded with melty cheddar and fragrant chives, these biscuits pair beautifully with Christmas brunch classics, hearty winter dinners, or holiday soup and salad spreads. Even better, this recipe is pork-free, alcohol-free, and beginner-friendly, meaning anyone can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes.

This article gives you the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, helpful substitutions, expert tricks for perfect biscuits, plus creative serving ideas to elevate your entire Christmas menu.

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Why These Cheddar & Chive Drop Biscuits Are Perfect for the Holidays

These holiday drop biscuits deliver everything you want in a Christmas bread side:
• Fast preparation — no kneading or rolling.
• Simple ingredients — nothing fussy or expensive.
• Festive flavor — cheddar and chives complement winter dishes beautifully.
• Beginner-friendly — ideal for new cooks or busy holiday hosts.
• Reliable texture — tender, fluffy, and consistently delicious.
• Make-ahead friendly — prep the dough or freeze baked biscuits.
• Pork-free and alcohol-free — safe for diverse holiday tables.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve dinner or preparing a cozy Christmas morning brunch, these biscuits slide effortlessly into any menu — and disappear quickly from the serving plate.

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What Makes Drop Biscuits Different?

Unlike traditional biscuits that require rolling, folding, or cutting, drop biscuits live up to their name: you simply drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake. That means:

• No worrying about perfect shapes

• No pastry cutter required

• No flour-dusted counters

• No tricky techniques

You still get that irresistible biscuit texture, but in a fraction of the time. During the hectic holiday season, this is pure magic.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheddar & Chive Christmas Drop Biscuits

These biscuits rely on pantry staples and festive flavors. Here’s what goes into them:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – the foundation of the biscuits

• 1 tablespoon baking powder – helps create tall, fluffy biscuits

• 1 teaspoon sugar – enhances browning and flavor

• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt – balances the richness

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional) – adds a subtle savory depth

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – enhances the cheddar

Mix-ins

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – adds a rich, salty, cheesy bite

• ¼ cup freshly chopped chives – gives the biscuits fresh color and flavor

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup cold milk or buttermilk – keeps the biscuits tender

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted – adds richness and browning

• 1 large egg – improves structure and fluffiness

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Holiday Drop Biscuits

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the biscuits don’t stick and cleanup is extra easy.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Sugar

• Salt

• Garlic powder and pepper (if using)

This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed, giving you perfectly risen biscuits.

Step 3: Add Cheddar and Chives

Stir the cheddar and chives into the flour mixture. Coating the cheese with flour keeps it from sinking and helps it melt more evenly through the biscuits.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula.
The dough should look thick, rustic, and a little sticky — exactly what you want for drop biscuits.

Step 6: Drop the Dough

Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
Aim for 10–12 biscuits depending on size.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the biscuits for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the edges are lightly crisp.

Step 8: Serve Warm

These biscuits taste best fresh from the oven.
If desired, brush with a little melted butter and sprinkle a pinch of chives on top for a festive finish.

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Flavor Variations for Holiday Creativity

These biscuits are endlessly adaptable. Consider these festive twists:

Herb Garden Biscuits

Swap half the chives with fresh parsley or rosemary for an earthier Christmas profile.

Extra Cheesy Biscuits

Increase the cheddar to 1 ½ cups and add a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking.

Garlic Cheddar Biscuits

Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder to the dough and brush with garlic butter after baking.

Chive & Green Onion Biscuits

Mix chives with thinly sliced green onions for an extra punch of flavor.

Spicy Cheddar Biscuits

Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle holiday warmth.

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What to Serve with Cheddar & Chive Christmas Drop Biscuits

These biscuits are incredibly versatile and shine in both casual and formal holiday settings. Here are festive pairing ideas:

With Christmas Brunch

• Scrambled eggs or omelets

• Holiday frittatas

• Smoked salmon (without alcohol-based marinades)

• Winter vegetable hash

• Fresh fruit platters

With Christmas Dinner

• Roasted turkey

• Herb-roasted chicken

• Maple-glazed carrots

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Green beans with garlic

• Christmas ham alternatives such as roast beef or vegetarian roast

With Soups & Stews

• Creamy potato soup

• Broccoli cheddar soup

• Tomato basil soup

• Butternut squash bisque

As a Snack or Christmas Appetizer

• Serve with softened butter

• Honey butter

• Chive cream cheese spread

• Herb-infused olive oil

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Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips for Stress-Free Holidays

No one wants to be overwhelmed on Christmas day. Fortunately, these biscuits support several prep-ahead strategies.

To Make the Dough Ahead

Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
When ready to bake, drop the dough onto the tray while cold and bake as usual (you may need 1–2 extra minutes).

To Freeze Unbaked Biscuits

Scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze up to 2 months.
Bake straight from frozen — add 3–4 minutes to the baking time.

To Freeze Baked Biscuits

Cool fully, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes.

How to Store Leftovers

Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

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Tips for the Fluffiest Christmas Drop Biscuits

Achieving biscuit perfection is easier than you think. Use these tips for guaranteed success:

Keep Ingredients Cold

Cold milk and egg help the dough stay fluffy.
If your kitchen is warm, chill the bowl for 10 minutes before mixing.

Don’t Overmix

Overmixing toughens biscuits. Fold gently until just combined.

Use Sharp Cheddar

Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor and melts beautifully into the dough.

Don’t Flatten the Dough

The natural “drop” shape creates peaks that brown beautifully.

Bake Hot and Fast

A hot oven gives the biscuits instant lift and perfect golden edges.

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Nutrition Overview (Approximate, Per Biscuit)

• Calories: ~180

• Fat: ~10g

• Carbohydrates: ~17g

• Protein: ~6g

• Fiber: ~1g

Nutrition can vary depending on the size of biscuits and brand of ingredients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these biscuits without eggs?

Yes. Replace the egg with ¼ cup additional milk or buttermilk. The biscuits may be slightly less tall but still delicious.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

A 1:1 gluten-free baking blend works well. Add 1 extra tablespoon of milk if the dough seems dry.

Can I substitute the cheddar?

Absolutely. Try Colby, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a mild gouda.

Are these biscuits spicy?

Not at all. They’re mild, cheesy, and kid-friendly. You can add cayenne if you want heat.

Can I use dried chives?

Fresh chives are best, but dried chives work in a pinch — use 1 tablespoon instead of ¼ cup.

Do they pair well with sweet toppings?

Yes! Honey, cranberry butter, or cinnamon butter all complement the savory cheddar beautifully.

How do I keep the biscuits warm for serving?

Line a basket with a kitchen towel, add the biscuits, and cover with another towel. They stay warm for over 20 minutes.

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Why These Drop Biscuits Go Viral Every Christmas

These biscuits consistently earn rave reviews because they combine:

• Holiday flavor

• Minimal effort

• Quick cook time

• Beginner-proof technique

• Beautiful presentation

They look artisan, taste gourmet, and yet require almost no technical skill — making them an annual must-bake for both experienced cooks and those new to Christmas hosting.

If you’re searching for a Christmas bread side that feels homemade, comforting, festive, and reliable, Cheddar & Chive Christmas Drop Biscuits are your perfect match.