Easy Cheesy Cornbread Drop Biscuits: Southern Comfort Meets Nebraska’s Dorothy Lynch Dressing
When searching for effortlessly impressive recipes that delight the entire family, look no further than these incredible Cheesy Cornbread Drop Biscuits. They are the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation, promising a blend of hearty Southern comfort with an unexpected, delicious Midwestern flair. This unique recipe begins with a simple cornbread muffin mix, but it’s the addition of a few special ingredients, notably Nebraska’s beloved Dorothy Lynch dressing, that transforms them into truly unforgettable biscuits.
As the cooler months arrive and the holiday season draws near, these savory, cheesy cornbread biscuits become an absolute must-have. Imagine them gracing your holiday table, offering a warm and comforting side dish that’s sure to earn rave reviews. They are also the ideal companion for a steaming bowl of your favorite soup – perfect for cozy evenings. What makes them truly special for any occasion is how quick and easy they are to prepare; you can whip up a batch any night of the week, transforming an ordinary meal into something extraordinary with minimal effort.
This recipe is sponsored by Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment. All of the opinions and love of their Nebraska-made dressing are my own.
A Nebraska Twist on Classic Southern Cornbread Biscuits
My culinary adventures with Dorothy Lynch dressing span many years, and it’s always a joy to discover new and exciting ways to incorporate its distinctive flavor. While it undeniably makes an exceptional salad dressing – creating family favorites like Dorothy’s Potato Salad and this vibrant Summertime Cobb Salad – its versatility extends far beyond the salad bowl. It’s a fabulous condiment, cherished by my husband alongside crispy fried chicken, and surprisingly delightful with pizza. However, I particularly relish the challenge of using Dorothy Lynch in unexpected recipes, pushing culinary boundaries to create something truly unique, and these biscuits are a testament to that spirit!
Dorothy Lynch’s unique sweet and tangy flavor, infused with a blend of delicious spices, makes it a truly versatile ingredient that elevates a myriad of dishes. Its robust profile adds depth and an irresistible zing, proving that it’s far more than just a dressing. If you find yourself captivated by the magic of these savory drop biscuits, I highly recommend exploring other delightful creations featuring Dorothy Lynch. Be sure to try my Cheesy Bacon Pull Apart Bread, the wonderfully festive Dorothy’s Cranberry Meatballs, and the comforting Dorothy’s Cheesy Vegetable Rice Bake. Each recipe highlights the dressing’s ability to infuse dishes with a unique, unforgettable flavor.
Understanding Cornbread Drop Biscuits
Unlike traditional biscuit recipes that demand meticulous rolling, precise cutting with a biscuit cutter, and careful shaping, these cornmeal drop biscuits embrace a wonderfully rustic, freeform approach. This means less fuss in the kitchen and more time to enjoy your delicious creations! There’s no need for special tools; a simple large mixing bowl and a standard cookie scoop are all you’ll require to achieve perfect results. The beauty of drop biscuits lies in their informal charm, yielding a light and crisp exterior that gives way to a tender, buttery, and subtly sweet interior, generously studded with savory cheddar cheese. Each bite offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
What truly elevates these particular drop biscuits and sets them apart from the rest is the brilliant inclusion of Dorothy Lynch dressing. This beloved sweet and tangy Nebraska staple acts as a secret ingredient, adding not only essential moisture to the dough but also imparting a uniquely delicious flavor profile that perfectly complements the sharp notes of cheddar cheese. It’s this unexpected addition that will leave your guests intrigued, wondering what makes these simple-looking cornmeal biscuits so incredibly special and utterly irresistible. The dressing contributes a depth of flavor that is both comforting and intriguing, creating a biscuit experience unlike any other.
Key Ingredients for Cheesy Cornbread Drop Biscuits
For a complete list of ingredients and detailed, step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card. However, let’s highlight some of the star components that make these biscuits truly shine:
- Cornbread Muffin Mix – This is your shortcut to achieving delightful, fluffy Jiffy Cornbread Drop Biscuits quickly and easily. It provides the essential cornmeal flavor and texture with minimal fuss.
- Self-Rising Flour – A crucial ingredient for light and airy biscuits. If you don’t have any on hand, don’t despair! You can effortlessly make your own homemade self-rising flour by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and a touch of salt. My recipe here provides the perfect proportions.
- Cold Butter – Always use salted cold butter, cut into small chunks. The coldness of the butter is vital; as it melts in the oven, it creates pockets of steam, which are responsible for the light, flaky texture of the biscuits. If you’re using unsalted butter, simply add about 1/4 teaspoon of salt to your dry ingredients to balance the flavors.
- Granulated Sugar – A small amount of sugar enhances the sweetness of the cornbread and helps to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust. It balances the savory notes of the cheese and the tang of the dressing.
- Garlic Powder and Dried Parsley – These simple seasonings are all you need to perfectly complement the robust flavor of Dorothy Lynch dressing, adding an aromatic depth without overpowering the main ingredients.
- Cheddar Cheese – For that irresistible cheesy goodness, shred some medium or sharp cheddar cheese. The sharp flavor contrasts wonderfully with the sweet and tangy dressing and the earthiness of the cornbread.
- Milk – Any type of milk you have readily available will work perfectly in this recipe, adding necessary moisture to bind the dough.
- Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment – Ah, here’s where the magic truly happens! This unique dressing is the secret ingredient that infuses the biscuits with unparalleled sweet, tangy, and savory flavor, making them utterly irresistible.
Keep reading to uncover helpful tips and tricks, fantastic substitution ideas, and answers to common questions you might have about baking these delectable cheesy cornbread biscuits.
How to Make Dorothy’s Cheesy Cornbread Drop Biscuits
These cheesy cornbread drop biscuits beautifully demonstrate that sometimes, the simplest recipes yield the most astonishingly delicious results. With their inviting golden-brown tops, wonderfully tender centers, and the distinctive Dorothy Lynch twist, they are undoubtedly destined to become a cherished family favorite. The process is straightforward, ensuring success even for novice bakers.
Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 425°F. Prepare a cookie sheet by greasing it lightly, or for easier cleanup, line it with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. This ensures your biscuits won’t stick and will bake evenly to a perfect golden hue.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, cornbread muffin mix, granulated sugar, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Next, add the cold, chunked butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry blender, two butter knives, or even your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. The goal is to work quickly, leaving small, pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the mixture. This is crucial for creating those coveted flaky layers in your biscuits, as the cold butter will melt and create steam during baking.
Once the butter is incorporated, pour in the Dorothy Lynch dressing and the milk. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough biscuits. The dough will be shaggy and somewhat wet – this is normal for drop biscuits. Finally, carefully fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough. Again, avoid overmixing.
Using a 1/4 cup-sized cookie scoop, or two spoons if you don’t have a scoop, drop portions of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each biscuit to allow for expansion. The rustic, irregular shapes are part of the charm of drop biscuits.
Bake the biscuits in your preheated oven until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This usually takes around 15-18 minutes, but keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary. The tops should be firm to the touch, and the cheese should be bubbling and slightly caramelized at the edges.
While these homemade biscuits are undeniably at their absolute best when served warm straight from the oven, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, they freeze exceptionally well; simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. To revive their fresh-baked goodness, warm them briefly in a moderate oven until heated through. Furthermore, the biscuit dough can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated, making these an excellent, stress-free addition to your holiday recipe collection or for busy weeknights.
These incredibly versatile biscuits can be enjoyed at any meal – morning, noon, or night! For a delightful breakfast or brunch treat, try drizzling them with sweet maple syrup or spreading them generously with a dollop of creamy honey butter. At dinner, they serve as the perfect accompaniment to hearty soups, savory stews, or a classic barbecue spread. Feel free to get creative with optional ingredients to customize your batch: diced jalapeños can add a pleasant kick, crumbled crispy bacon brings a smoky richness, or a mix of fresh herbs like chives or rosemary can introduce an aromatic twist. The possibilities are endless!
Love This Recipe? Pin It!
If you adore this easy cheesy cornbread drop biscuit recipe as much as I do, make sure it’s safely stored for future baking adventures! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you navigate away. This way, you’ll always have this fantastic recipe at your fingertips whenever a craving for homemade biscuits strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Drop Biscuits
- What’s the difference between regular biscuits and drop biscuits? The primary distinction lies in their preparation and texture. Regular biscuits are typically made with a firmer dough that is rolled out and then cut into uniform shapes using a biscuit cutter. This process often results in distinct layers and a more refined appearance. Drop biscuits, on the other hand, are made with a slightly wetter, more relaxed dough. Instead of rolling and cutting, portions of the dough are simply scooped and “dropped” onto the baking sheet, giving them a charmingly rustic, freeform shape and a delightfully craggy, crispy exterior with a soft interior. They are designed for ease and a less formal presentation.
- How do I prevent drop biscuits from becoming too dense? Dense, heavy biscuits are usually the result of two common mistakes: overworking the dough or using butter that isn’t cold enough. To ensure light and airy biscuits, it’s crucial to mix the biscuit dough only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough texture. Additionally, make sure your butter is very cold, cut into small pieces. When cold butter melts in the hot oven, it releases steam, creating pockets that contribute to a tender, flaky crumb. If the butter is too warm, it incorporates too quickly, preventing this steaming action.
- Can I make the biscuit dough ahead of time? Absolutely! Preparing the dough in advance is a fantastic time-saver. I recommend mixing all the dry ingredients together and storing them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the very cold butter and wet ingredients (Dorothy Lynch dressing and milk) to the dry mixture. This method allows for quick assembly and baking on busy days, ensuring you can enjoy fresh, warm biscuits with minimal fuss, whether for an impromptu dinner or a planned holiday feast.
More Delicious Bread Recipes to Love
If you’re a true enthusiast of homemade breads and especially love the hearty warmth of cornbread, then you’re in the right place! Beyond these fantastic cheesy cornbread drop biscuits, there are many other delightful recipes waiting to be discovered. Every home baker also benefits from having a reliable, classic buttermilk biscuit recipe in their culinary arsenal, and here’s my go-to version, perfected over time.
My site is brimming with a wide array of bread recipes, from savory to sweet, designed to suit every taste and occasion. While you’re here, be sure to explore some of my other cherished quick bread recipes, which are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Don’t miss the vibrant and citrusy Blueberry Orange Bread, my comforting Grandma’s Zucchini Bread (a fantastic way to use up garden zucchini!), the sweet and spiced Pear Bread, the indulgent Cherry Cheese Bread, and, of course, what I confidently call the last banana bread recipe you’ll ever need. Each offers a unique flavor and is designed to bring joy to your kitchen.
What Is Dorothy Lynch Dressing?
The legendary “Dorothy Lynch” was not just a name but a real woman, who meticulously crafted this iconic dressing in the 1940s. Her culinary genius first shone in the restaurant she and her husband operated at the local Legion Club in St. Paul, Nebraska. The dressing quickly became an immense sensation, so popular that local patrons would eagerly bring their own bottles to Dorothy, requesting she fill them so they could savor its unique taste in their own homes. This speaks volumes about its irresistible homemade appeal and rich history.
Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment is best characterized by its distinct sweet and tangy flavor profile, coupled with a wonderfully thick and creamy texture. Many, upon first glance, might mistakenly assume its reddish-orange hue means it’s just another French dressing. However, nothing could be further from the truth! While French dressings are typically oil-based, Dorothy Lynch stands apart as a unique, tomato-based dressing. This fundamental difference gives it a richer, more complex taste. The most fitting word to describe its truly incomparable flavor is, without a doubt, “homemade.” It possesses a comforting, familiar taste that evokes tradition and quality, making it a staple in countless Midwestern kitchens and an exceptional ingredient for recipes like these biscuits.
Where to Purchase Dorothy Lynch Dressing
Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment is readily available at most grocery stores throughout Nebraska, a testament to its local popularity. For those residing further afield, you can often find it at select grocery stores located west of the Mississippi River, including major retailers like Walmart and Hy-Vee. If you’re struggling to locate it in your local stores, rest assured, you can always keep your pantry well-stocked by conveniently shopping online at Buy Nebraska, which ships directly to your door. This ensures that no matter where you are, you can enjoy the unique flavor of Dorothy Lynch in your cooking.
To stay updated on the latest recipes, product news, and special offers, be sure to follow Dorothy Lynch on their social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Pinterest. For even more culinary inspiration and innovative ways to use this versatile dressing, don’t forget to visit their official website. You’ll find a treasure trove of recipes that highlight its unique sweet and tangy profile.
I am genuinely excited to hear what you think of this recipe! Your feedback means the world, and I hope these Cheesy Cornbread Drop Biscuits bring as much joy to your table as they do to mine. Happy baking!
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Print Recipe
Dorothy’s Cornbread Drop Biscuits
Ingredients
- 1 (8.5 ounce ) Cornbread Muffin Mix
- 1 cup self rising flour
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 Tablespoon dried parsley
- 5 Tablespoons cold butter cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup Dorothy Lynch Dressing
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F and grease a cookie sheet or line with parchment paper or Silpat mat.
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Add flour, cornbread muffin mix, sugar, garlic powder, and parsley to a medium-sized bowl. Next, add the cold butter and combine with the dry ingredients using a pastry blender, two butter knives, or just your fingers.
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Mix in Dorothy Lynch dressing and milk until combined. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
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Using a 1/4 cup-sized cookie scoop, drop portions of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
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Bake until golden brown.