Introduction

These caramelized onion and Gruyere drop biscuits are a deliciously savory treat perfect for breakfast or as a side. The rich, sweet onions combined with nutty, melted Gruyere cheese create irresistible flavor in a soft, buttery biscuit. Easy to make and great for sharing, they bring homemade comfort to any table.

The image shows several golden brown cheese biscuits arranged on white parchment paper over a baking tray, each biscuit roughly round with a slightly rough and uneven texture, displaying melted cheese bits on the top and green parsley flakes sprinkled across the surface, giving a fresh look; the biscuits have a crispy, browned top layer with a soft and fluffy interior visible at the edges, their color ranges from light creamy beige to deeper golden brown spots; a small glass bowl with a yellow-green sauce is partly visible at the bottom right corner, all set on a white marbled texture surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter

1 large onion, quartered then thinly sliced (yellow or white)

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

⅛ teaspoon dried thyme

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon dried parsley

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1 ¼ stick (10 tablespoons) salted butter, divided

¾ – 1 cup whole milk

1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere (or white cheddar)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Lower the heat to low, then stir in sugar and dried thyme. Cook onions gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until golden and caramelized. If they brown too quickly, reduce the heat.

Step 2: Add balsamic vinegar to the pan to deglaze, seasoning with ¼ teaspoon salt. Let the onions absorb the vinegar, then remove from heat and cool to room temperature. You may refrigerate them now if not using immediately.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 450ºF and position a rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 4: Melt 1 stick of butter in a microwave-safe bowl, about 45 seconds. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and kosher salt.

Step 5: Pour melted butter and ¾ cup milk into the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to fold gently until combined. Add the cooled caramelized onions and shredded cheese, folding carefully.

Step 6: If the dough seems dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time (up to 4 tablespoons) until the dough just comes together without becoming wet. Two tablespoons are usually enough.

Step 7: Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake biscuits for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown on the edges.

Step 9: While baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and mix in a pinch of dried parsley if desired. Brush the warm biscuits with this butter before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use white cheddar if Gruyere is not available for a sharper cheese flavor.

Make extra caramelized onions and store in the fridge to add to other dishes like burgers or pasta.

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep biscuits tender and flaky.

FAQs

Can I use onions other than yellow or white?

Yes, sweet onions like Vidalia can be used but may be even sweeter; red onions will add a different flavor and color but work well too.

What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?

You can caramelize the onions in any heavy-bottomed skillet or non-stick pan; just be sure to cook low and slow to get the best sweetness and color without burning.