Masters of kitchen
There’s something irresistibly comforting about warm, buttery biscuits straight from the oven — and when you hear 7 Up Biscuits, you might just raise an eyebrow. But trust us, this quirky shortcut recipe is pure Southern genius. Using just four simple ingredients — Bisquick, sour cream, 7 Up, and butter — these biscuits are incredibly fluffy, golden, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
What sets them apart from traditional Southern biscuits? It’s all in the bubbles. The carbonation in 7 Up lightens the dough, giving it a soft, airy texture without any kneading or yeast. Combined with the richness of sour cream and the crisp edges from baking in melted butter, you get biscuits that taste like they took hours to make — but they’re done in less than 30 minutes.
Whether you’re hosting brunch or need a quick side for dinner, 7 Up Biscuits might just become your new go-to.
What Are 7 Up Biscuits?
7 Up Biscuits are a shortcut Southern-style biscuit recipe that uses only four pantry staples to deliver bakery-worthy results. At first glance, it seems almost too simple — but that’s the beauty of it. No rolling pins, no fancy tools, and no yeast required.
The key ingredients are Bisquick (or another baking mix), sour cream, 7 Up or Sprite, and butter. The magic lies in the carbonation of the soda — those bubbles help the dough rise quickly, making the biscuits super light and fluffy. It’s a clever hack that’s been passed around Southern kitchens for decades.
Flavor-wise, expect a perfect balance: buttery, tender, and slightly tangy from the sour cream. The butter caramelizes the bottoms while the tops turn golden and crisp. Whether served at breakfast, dinner, or for a holiday gathering, they’re loved for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and simplicity.
The Surprising Origin of 7 Up Biscuits
Although 7 Up Biscuits may seem like a modern shortcut recipe, they actually stem from decades of Southern home cooking ingenuity. These biscuits first gained popularity in church cookbooks and family potlucks, where quick, reliable recipes reigned supreme. Many credit their spread to grandmothers and Southern home cooks who loved transforming simple ingredients into something memorable.
During the 1970s and 80s, soft drinks like 7 Up and Sprite were often used in cakes and breads for their leavening power and moisture. So naturally, someone eventually had the genius idea to stir it into biscuit dough.
Today, thanks to online food blogs, TikTok, and Pinterest, 7 Up Biscuits have made a major comeback. People are rediscovering them not only for nostalgia but because they truly work — with minimal effort and big flavor payoff. They’ve earned their place as a Southern comfort classic with a modern twist.
Ingredients Breakdown & Their Roles
The beauty of 7 Up Biscuits lies in how a handful of pantry items come together to make something magical. Let’s break down the core ingredients and how each one contributes:
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Bisquick (or baking mix): This is your all-in-one dry base. It contains flour, leavening agents, and salt — saving time and measuring.
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7 Up or Sprite: This fizzy soda isn’t just for sweetness — the carbonation acts like a leavening booster, making the dough rise and giving it that fluffy, airy texture.
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Sour Cream: Adds a creamy tang, fat, and moisture to the dough. It helps keep the biscuits soft and rich inside.
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Butter: Melted in the pan before baking, it crisps the bottom of the biscuits while infusing them with rich, buttery flavor.
Want to add a twist? Consider mixing in:
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Shredded cheddar cheese for a savory kick
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Minced chives or green onions for freshness
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A sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix your dough. Handle it like a delicate scone — a soft, slightly sticky texture is what you’re aiming for.
Step-by-Step Method: How to Make Perfect 7 Up Biscuits
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating, place about ¼ cup of butter into a 9×9-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet. Slide it into the oven for a few minutes to melt — but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 2: Mix the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of Bisquick with ½ cup of sour cream. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. Then pour in ½ cup of 7 Up (or Sprite) and gently stir until a soft, sticky dough forms. It might look too wet — but that’s what creates the pillowy texture.
Step 3: Shape the biscuits
Dust your countertop with Bisquick or flour. Turn the dough out and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick round. Use a biscuit cutter or a floured glass to cut out biscuits — avoid twisting as you press down, which can prevent proper rising.
Step 4: Bake
Carefully remove the hot pan with melted butter from the oven. Place the biscuits in the butter — it’s okay if they touch slightly. This helps them rise upward instead of outward.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are crispy from the butter.
Step 5: Cool & serve
Let the biscuits sit for 5 minutes before serving. You’ll notice the bottoms are beautifully golden and buttery. Serve warm with jam, honey, sausage gravy, or just more butter.
Serving Suggestion: These are amazing fresh but also reheat beautifully in the oven the next day!
Delicious Variations on Classic 7 Up Biscuits
One of the best things about 7 Up Biscuits? They’re a blank canvas for flavor. With just a few tweaks, you can create savory, spicy, or sweet versions that suit any occasion.
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Cheddar & Jalapeño Biscuits: Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and 2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeños to the dough. A spicy, cheesy twist that’s perfect with chili or soup.
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Garlic Butter Topped Biscuits: Stir ½ teaspoon garlic powder into the dough. After baking, brush warm biscuits with melted butter mixed with garlic and parsley for a savory upgrade.
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Sweet Cinnamon-Sugar Biscuits: Add 1 tablespoon sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the dough. After baking, drizzle with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk.
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Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free Bisquick or similar baking mix. The texture will be slightly different but still fluffy and flavorful.
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Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream: For a tangier, slightly lighter biscuit, swap sour cream for full-fat Greek yogurt. It works beautifully and still delivers a tender crumb.
Try this tip: Mix and match add-ins like bacon bits, chives, or rosemary to make these biscuits your own!
What to Serve With 7 Up Biscuits
7 Up Biscuits are versatile enough to steal the spotlight at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their buttery, fluffy texture makes them the perfect pairing for both sweet and savory dishes.
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Classic sausage gravy is a match made in heaven — especially for weekend brunch.
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Serve them alongside crispy fried chicken for a true Southern comfort combo.
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Add them to holiday brunch spreads with scrambled eggs, jam, and honey butter.
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Make mini ham or turkey sliders using leftover holiday meat and a dab of mustard or cranberry sauce.
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Or use them as the base for a hearty breakfast sandwich — egg, cheese, and bacon all stacked between flaky layers.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, these biscuits round out a meal in the most satisfying way.
Bonus idea: Serve with chili or stew to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Expert Tips for Fluffy, Golden Biscuits Every Time
Want your 7 Up Biscuits to turn out bakery-perfect? These expert tips will help you master the technique and avoid common pitfalls:
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Use cold ingredients — especially the sour cream and 7 Up. Cold dough rises better and creates a tender crumb.
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Handle the dough gently. Don’t knead like bread; just press it together lightly.
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Use a sharp biscuit cutter or knife and cut straight down. Avoid twisting — that seals the edges and prevents proper rising.
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Grease your baking dish generously with melted butter before adding the biscuits. This gives you those irresistible golden, crispy bottoms.
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Cast iron pans give the best results thanks to even heat and a slightly crispy crust, but any baking dish will work.
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Rest the dough for 5–10 minutes before cutting it out if time allows. It helps relax the gluten and improves texture.
Baker’s Tip: No biscuit cutter? A floured drinking glass works perfectly. Just press straight down and lift cleanly.
Finally, always brush the tops with butter after baking for that glossy, golden finish that screams homemade goodness.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating 7 Up Biscuits
Got leftovers (or planning ahead)? Here’s how to keep your biscuits tasting fresh:
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5–8 minutes to revive the texture.
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Freezing baked biscuits: Once cooled, place them in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
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Freezing unbaked biscuits: Cut the dough and freeze biscuits on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time.
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Make-ahead tips: Mix the dough the night before and store in the fridge (covered). Cut and bake fresh in the morning.
Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the outside crisp and flaky — the oven is your best bet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes have their tricks! Here are the most common 7 Up Biscuit missteps — and how to avoid them:
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Overmixing the dough leads to tough biscuits. Stir just until combined.
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Using warm butter in the pan can result in greasy bottoms. Melt just before baking.
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Forgetting to grease the pan? That’s a recipe for stuck biscuits.
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Substituting seltzer water or tonic for 7 Up — don’t! You need the sugar and fizz for both texture and flavor.
Stick with the classic combo for fail-proof results every time.
FAQs
Why do you use 7 Up in biscuits?
7 Up provides carbonation, which helps the biscuits rise without yeast. The sugar and acidity also enhance flavor and tenderness.
Can I use Sprite or another soda instead of 7 Up?
Yes! Sprite or any clear lemon-lime soda works well — just make sure it’s sweetened and fizzy.
Is Bisquick necessary, or can I use flour and baking powder?
While Bisquick is the classic shortcut, you can make a homemade version using flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of shortening or butter.
Why are my 7 Up biscuits flat?
Flat biscuits are often caused by overmixing the dough, using warm ingredients, or twisting the cutter. Be gentle and use cold items for best rise.
Can I make these biscuits without sour cream?
Yes! Try Greek yogurt or buttermilk instead. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
6. Are 7 Up Biscuits sweet or savory?
They lean savory, but the touch of sugar in the soda gives them a subtle sweetness. Perfect for both sweet toppings or savory fillings.
7 Up Biscuits Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or pastry cutter
- Biscuit cutter or floured glass
- 9x9 baking dish (or cast iron skillet)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup 7 Up or Sprite
- ¼ cup ½ stick butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place butter in a 9x9 baking dish or cast iron skillet and place it in the oven to melt.
- In a bowl, mix Bisquick and sour cream until crumbly.
- Add 7 Up and gently stir just until combined. Dough will be sticky.
- Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat to 1-inch thickness.
- Cut biscuits using a cutter (don’t twist!).
- Remove pan from oven and place biscuits in the melted butter.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- For a savory twist, add shredded cheddar and chopped chives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Biscuits can be frozen baked or unbaked — see full instructions above.
Nutrition
Conclusion: A Fluffy Shortcut Worth Keeping
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into homemade comfort food, 7 Up Biscuits are one of those rare recipes that deliver big results with minimal effort. With just four ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have fluffy, buttery biscuits that feel like they came straight out of Grandma’s oven.
From savory breakfast pairings to holiday spreads or a cozy weeknight dinner side, these biscuits never fail to impress. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable — add cheese, spice, or sweetness depending on your mood.
So next time you’re craving something warm and homemade, skip the canned rolls and whip up a batch of these Southern favorites. Once you taste that golden, tender bite, you’ll see why 7 Up Biscuits have earned their place in kitchens across generations.
Ready to bake? Save this recipe, share it with a biscuit-loving friend, or try your own fun variation — and don’t forget the butter.