Olive Oil Biscuits with Cheddar & Chives {100% Whole Wheat}

The Best No-Butter Biscuits Recipe Just Got a Make-Over!

Where I live in Asia, butter is at a premium. It costs a good bit to make recipes that call for normal amounts of butter, so I often adjust measurements or try to find substitutes.

This recipe is a case in point.

It was birthed out of need and developed in my kitchen on a day when I was particularly craving savory biscuits to serve alongside our dinner main dish.

Throw in a little this, toss in a little bit of that–and voila! these biscuits became a new favorite.

They’re an easy snack or even a side dish to a meal. And because they aren’t dry, they travel well.

Olive Oil Biscuits

While my original use of olive oil as I was developing this recipe was simply because I wanted to cut costs on ingredients, I found that olive oil actually works so well for biscuits.

The key to keeping biscuits light and fluffy when using olive oil is to also use yogurt.

Biscuits with Yogurt Instead of Butter

Yogurt–in combination with olive oil–fulfills much the same purpose as the butter-and-milk combo does in a traditional biscuit recipe: it provides moisture and works as a binder.

If you want to play around with the type of yogurt that you use in these olive oil biscuits, there are definitely options! While I wouldn’t use a flavored yogurt in this recipe, Greek yogurt would be acceptable. For a Greek yogurt, simply add a bit of milk to counterbalance the thick consistency.

How to Make Biscuits with Whole Wheat Flour

I will admit that not every recipe sounds (or looks) appealing when made with whole wheat flour.

However, biscuits are a different story…or–at least–they can be a different story.

This recipe for olive oil biscuits gains so much from using only whole wheat flour–the extra nuttiness of flavor, the enriched texture, and the nutritional benefits–all without sacrificing the light and fluffy ideal of biscuits.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this olive oil biscuit recipe!

• Simple–This recipe is super easy. No special equipment. No complicated steps.
• No Butter–These biscuits are made without butter. In the country where I live, at least, this cuts down on cost.
• Healthy–Whole wheat olive oil biscuits are packed with fiber (from the whole wheat flour) and protein (from the egg, yogurt, and whole wheat flour).
• Quick–Easy olive oil biscuits can be mixed up and on the table in less than 30 minutes.
• Savory–The flavor is amazing!
• Freezer-Friendly–Storing olive oil biscuits for later is super simple: Stash them in the freezer, following the directions outlined below.

Tools and Equipment Needed

To make these olive oil biscuits, you will need:

• a mixing bowl
• measuring utensils (cups and spoons)
• a mixing spoon
• a baking dish or cookie sheet
• parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
• an oven

Ingredients for Olive Oil Biscuits

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (freshly-milled)
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup plain yogurt (see note for substitutes)
• 1 egg

To Make Cheddar & Chive Biscuits, Add:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 Tbsp minced chives (green onion)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp freshly-ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 2 Tbsp real grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

STEP 2: In a mixing bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and sea salt.

STEP 3: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, minced chives, garlic powder, ground black pepper, onion powder, and grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.

STEP 4: In another mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, yogurt, and egg until the egg is fully incorporated.

STEP 5: Stir the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined.

STEP 6: Using a spoon, drop the biscuit dough onto the prepared baking sheet in 18 equal-sized portions.

STEP 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until done in the center.

STEP 8: Serve warm or room-temperature.

Storage Instructions

These biscuits store exceptionally well and remain moist. Keep them in an airtight container or Ziplock bag at room temperature for up to three days.

For freezer storage, see the instructions below. ↓↓

How to Freeze Homemade Biscuits

If you want to make these olive oil biscuits and save them for the future, simply follow these instructions:

• Mix up the dough as directed in the recipe.
• Cut out the biscuits using a round cookie-cutter.
• Put them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Place in the freezer for at least one hour.
• Remove the biscuits from the cookie sheet and place in a Ziplock storage bag.
• Return to the freezer and keep frozen until ready to use.

How to Bake Frozen Homemade Biscuits

When you are ready to bake your olive oil biscuits, preheat your oven to 350F. Remove the biscuits from the freezer and place in a single layer on a lined (or greased) cookie sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, or until baked through.

Variations and Substitutions

If you don’t have one or other of the ingredients on hand, find some acceptable substitutes below:

• In place of the plain yogurt, you can use Greek yogurt. Simply reduce the yogurt to 1/2 cup and add 1/4 cup whole milk to retain the same texture.
• Make the biscuits even more savory by playing around with the measurement for garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper.
• Trade out the cheddar cheese and/or Parmesan cheese for other types of cheese. I can imagine these olive oil biscuits tasting great with other cheese varieties, such as edam, camembert, or even bleu cheese.

More Healthy Whole Wheat Recipes

Get your fill of healthy fiber with these other whole-wheat snack recipes:

• Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins {made with Freshly Milled Whole Wheat Flour}
• *The GOOIEST* Soft-Baked Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies {Healthier Recipe with Powdered Milk}

Looking for Protein Snacks? We’ve Got You Covered!

Try these high-protein snacks next:

• High-Protein Blueberry Oat Bars (No Protein Powder)
• Protein Pear Fruit Pudding
• High-Protein Dark Chocolate Marshmallows
• High-Protein Gluten-Free Pizza Bites