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.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

If my Momma was spoonin' out 'drop biscuits,' then most likely it was a big breakfast of fried eggs, sausage, bacon, along with biscuits and gravy. That was some good eatin'.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

If my Momma was spoonin' out 'drop biscuits,' then most likely it was a big breakfast of fried eggs, sausage, bacon, along with biscuits and gravy. That was some good eatin'.

Pronunciation

[DROP BIZ-kits]
/drɑp ˈbɪs.kɪts/

Meaning & Usage

- Quick, spoon-dropped biscuit (noun)

Mae:

These drop biscuits may look rough, but they’re fluffy inside.

Earl:

Pass the butter an’ honey.

variations: drop biscuits, quick biscuits, spoon biscuits, rustic biscuits, pan biscuits

★ Drop biscuits are crisp on top, crunchy on the bottom, and fluffy in the middle - pure country convenience. Think "no-fuss, everyday biscuits." ★

Origin and Etymology

Drop-style biscuits go back to early American frontier cooking. With simple staples - flour, fat, milk, and a wetter dough - cooks dropped spoonfuls straight onto a pan or into a skillet, making quick bread without kneading or cutting.

Usage Notes

Common across Appalachia and the South for everyday meals. Smaller and more rustic than cathead biscuits, but much quicker to whip up when feeding a crowd.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "drop biz-kits." The name comes from the technique - dough dropped straight onto the pan or skillet.

Kin Topics

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 a staple of country and farmhouse cooking across the region.

Do people still make them today?

Absolutely - perfect for quick breakfasts or when you want homemade biscuits without rolling dough.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 19). Drop Biscuits. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/drop-biscuits
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Drop Biscuits." HillbillySlang.com, 19 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/drop-biscuits.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Drop Biscuits." HillbillySlang.com. November 19, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/drop-biscuits.