Looking for an easy, light, and fluffy biscuit recipe? These 7 Up Biscuits are a delightful twist on classic biscuits, using a surprising ingredient—7-Up soda! The carbonation from the soda makes these biscuits airy and tender, while the combination of Bisquick and sour cream adds richness and structure. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish for breakfast, dinner, or a weekend brunch, these biscuits are sure to impress. Best of all, this recipe is simple and quick, perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the recipe, tips for success, variations, and serving suggestions. Let’s get baking!
Overview of the Recipe
These 7 Up Biscuits are made using just four ingredients: Bisquick baking mix, sour cream, 7-Up soda, and butter. The result is a wonderfully soft biscuit with a crispy, buttery crust. The soda’s carbonation helps the biscuits rise and keeps them fluffy, while the sour cream adds a delicious richness. The best part? They’re ready in under 20 minutes!
History and Origin
Biscuits have been a staple in American households for generations, often served with breakfast, alongside meals, or as a comforting snack. Traditional Southern biscuits are known for their flaky, buttery layers, and they have deep roots in Southern cooking. What makes 7 Up Biscuits unique is the use of soda in the dough. This modern take on the classic biscuit has gained popularity for its ease and quick preparation, requiring no yeast or long rising times. Using 7-Up adds a slight sweetness and ensures that the biscuits are light and airy, making this an excellent quick-fix recipe that delivers on flavor and texture.
Ingredients
To make 7 Up Biscuits, you only need four basic ingredients:
- 4 cups Bisquick: A convenient pre-made baking mix that serves as the foundation for the biscuits.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds richness and moisture to the biscuits.
- 1 cup 7-Up soda: The carbonation helps the biscuits rise and keeps them light and fluffy.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Creates a crispy, golden bottom and adds a buttery flavor to the biscuits.
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps the biscuits bake quickly and develop a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the insides tender.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix and sour cream. Mix together until the sour cream is fully incorporated into the Bisquick. The mixture may seem crumbly at first, but don’t worry—this is normal.
Next, pour in the 7-Up and gently mix until a soft dough forms. The dough will be sticky and soft, but this is what helps create the light and fluffy texture in the biscuits.
3. Knead and Shape the Dough
Sprinkle some additional Bisquick or flour onto a clean surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Turn the dough out onto the surface and lightly knead it, folding it over itself until it’s coated with the baking mix. Be careful not to overwork the dough; a light touch helps maintain its fluffiness.
Pat the dough out to about 1/2 to 1 inch thickness, depending on how thick you want your biscuits. Using a round biscuit cutter (or the rim of a glass), cut out the biscuits. Re-roll the dough as needed until you’ve used it all.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish
Melt 1/2 cup of butter and pour it into the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking sheet. This step ensures that the bottoms of the biscuits get golden brown and crispy as they bake, adding a delicious buttery flavor.
5. Arrange the Biscuits
Place the cut biscuits directly on top of the melted butter in the prepared dish. Make sure the biscuits are touching each other slightly, as this helps them rise higher when baking.
6. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Depending on your oven, baking times may vary, so start checking around the 12-minute mark to avoid over-baking.
7. Serve
Once the biscuits are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving. These 7 Up Biscuits are best served warm, straight from the oven, to enjoy their soft, fluffy interior and crispy, buttery bottom.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
7 Up Biscuits are versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some pairing ideas to help you enjoy them in different ways:
- For Breakfast: Serve the biscuits with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, or chicken sausage for a hearty breakfast. They also pair wonderfully with homemade jams, honey, or butter.
- For Dinner: These biscuits make a great side for Southern-style meals such as fried chicken, beef pot roast, or grilled beef ribs. You can also serve them alongside a hearty soup or stew.
- Brunch Favorite: Elevate your brunch by serving 7 Up Biscuits with sausage gravy or as part of a breakfast sandwich with chicken ham and cheese.
- As a Snack: Enjoy these biscuits as an afternoon snack with a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or a spread of cream cheese.
Variations of the Recipe
While the classic 7 Up Biscuits recipe is delicious, there are a few variations you can try to customize the flavor and texture:
- Cheesy Biscuits: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese to the dough for a savory, cheesy version of the biscuits.
- Herb Biscuits: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives into the dough for a herbed biscuit that pairs well with soups and stews.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you prefer a slightly tangier biscuit, you can replace the sour cream with buttermilk or Greek yogurt. This will also add a bit more moisture to the dough.
- Sweet Biscuits: For a sweet twist, add a tablespoon of sugar or a drizzle of honey to the dough. These slightly sweet biscuits pair beautifully with jam or fresh fruit.
Health Benefits of 7 Up Biscuits
While 7 Up Biscuits are undeniably indulgent, they can still offer some nutritional benefits, especially when made with a few modifications:
- Rich in Calcium: Thanks to the sour cream, these biscuits provide a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Customizable for Lower Fat: If you want to reduce the fat content, you can use a low-fat sour cream option or reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe.
- Moderation-Friendly: While these biscuits are delicious, they are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the Bisquick baking mix with a gluten-free baking mix. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the 7-Up and sour cream, are gluten-free as well.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply pat out the dough, cut the biscuits, and proceed with the recipe as directed.
3. Can I freeze the biscuits?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked biscuits by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, place the frozen biscuits on a buttered baking dish and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
4. Can I use a different soda?
Yes, you can experiment with other sodas, such as Sprite or ginger ale, to achieve slightly different flavors. However, the original recipe with 7-Up yields the best results due to its specific balance of carbonation and sweetness.
5. Why is my dough so sticky?
The dough for 7 Up Biscuits is naturally soft and sticky due to the 7-Up and sour cream. This stickiness is what helps create the fluffy texture in the biscuits. If the dough is too sticky to handle, simply dust your work surface and hands with more Bisquick or flour to make it easier to work with.
Conclusion
7 Up Biscuits are a delicious, fluffy, and buttery treat that can be made with just four simple ingredients. Whether you’re a novice or experienced baker, this recipe is straightforward and yields fantastic results every time. The lightness of the biscuits, thanks to the carbonation from the 7-Up, combined with the richness from the sour cream, creates a unique and mouth-watering flavor that everyone will love.
These biscuits are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast, serving them alongside a hearty dinner, or enjoying them as a snack. With easy-to-follow instructions and endless variations, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Enjoy the rich, buttery goodness of 7 Up Biscuits with your family and friends!