dregs

drop biscuits

In Appalachian and Southern kitchens, "drop biscuits" are quick, spoon-dropped biscuits made from a wetter dough. They’re rustic, soft, and easier than rolled or cut biscuits.

#Appalachia   #Food   #Southern

Pronunciation

[DROP BIZ-kits]

Meaning & Usage

- Quick, spoon-dropped biscuit (noun)

At breakfast
Mae:
These drop biscuits may look rough, but they’re fluffy inside.

Earl:
Pass the butter an’ honey.

other spellings: quick biscuits, spoon biscuits, rustic biscuits, everyday biscuits, and pan biscuits
★ Drop biscuits are usually crispy on top, crunchy on the bottom, and fluffy in the middle. Think Red Lobster biscuits without the spices and fanciness. ★

Origin

The style goes back to early American cooking, when quick breads were made from simple flour, fat, and milk. The wetter dough was dropped straight on the baking pan or into a skillet.

Notes

Common across Appalachia and the South, especially for everyday meals. Unlike cathead biscuits, drop biscuits are smaller and rougher, but quicker to whip up.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "drop-bizkits." The "drop" tells you how they’re made - dough dropped straight on the pan.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

What’s the difference between drop biscuits and cathead biscuits?
Catheads are large, hand-shaped, and fluffy. Drop biscuits are smaller, spoon-dropped, and more rustic.
Are drop biscuits Appalachian or Southern?
Both - they’re part of everyday country cooking, with roots in both Southern and Appalachian kitchens.
Do people still make them today?
Yes - especially when you want homemade biscuits fast, without rolling dough.
About
We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more...
Slang and folklore change from place to place - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content may not be reused without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking Since 2025