Get Creative: 5 Game-Changing Recipes for Canned Biscuit Dough

In my opinion, biscuits made from scratch (American biscuits, that is, not the British kind) are just flat out amazing, but I'm typically too lazy to actually make them. That's why I always have a can/tube of refrigerated biscuits on hand. They're not only good for quick biscuits and gravy or as a simple side of bread, they can be used for so much more—sweet or savory!

While doughnuts are definitely the most popular non-biscuit application of this canned dough, we've got some new and creative recipes that are equally delicious and easy.

It's important to note that these recipes will work with any brand; however, it's easier to work with the larger variety (e.g., Pillsbury Grands). As for me, I prefer Trader Joe's Buttermilk Biscuits the best. Any ready-to-bake biscuits will do just fine though.

1. You Can Turn Them into Waffles

If you're all out of eggs, flour, or one of the other main ingredients to homemade waffle batter, or just ran out of your store-bought waffle mix, biscuit dough is a great replacement. (Cinnamon rolls, cake batter, brownie mix, cookie dough are also good for your waffle maker!)

Ingredients:

• 1 can of refrigerated biscuits
• fresh blueberries, maple syrup, and/or any topping of your choice
• cooking spray

Directions:

1. Spray waffle maker with cooking spray.
2. Heat waffle maker.
3. Separate dough into 8 biscuits.
4. Place 1 biscuit at a time on waffle maker.
5. Cook about 2 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve immediately with remaining ingredients as desired.

2. You Can Make Calzones with Them

If you're as big of a pizza fan as I am, then you'll love these biscuit-breaded calzones, which give a nice and fluffy exterior to something that's usually stiff and crunchy.

Ingredients:

• can of refrigerated biscuits
• pizza sauce
• any filling of your choice: sausage, cheese, grilled vegetables, etc. (I used prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and pesto)

Directions:

1. Press each biscuit into a 5-inch round.
2. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Spread 1 tablespoon pizza sauce on half of each round to within a ½ inch of edge; top each with filling of your choice.
4. Fold dough over filling; press edges with fork to seal.
5. Bake at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm.

3. You Can Make Mini Garlic Monkey Bread

This easy-to-make garlic Parmesan monkey bread is great if you prefer savory over sweet, and refrigerator biscuit dough is actually the key to making them, no matter what recipe you follow.

Ingredients:

• 1 can buttermilk biscuits
• 3 Tbsp. butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus 2 Tbsp. for sprinkling
• cooking spray

Directions:

1. Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces.
2. Spray a 6-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
3. Combine the remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
4. Coat dough into the mixture.
5. Place 5-6 coated roll pieces into one muffin tin.
6. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake at 400ºF degrees for 12-14 minutes or until rolls are golden brown.
8. Serve warm.

4. You Can Use Them for Cream Cheese Danishes

While Danishes are usually made with crescent rolls or puff pastry (unless you're making it from scratch, that is), a tube of refrigerated biscuits makes a great substitute in a pinch. (I actually like it better.)

Ingredients:

• can of refrigerated biscuits
• fresh fruit topping of your choice (I used blueberries)
• 4 oz. cream cheese
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• ¼ cup sugar
• powdered sugar
• milk

Directions:

1. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Beat cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
3. Place 6 biscuits on a cookie sheet, flattening centers to create an indent.
4. Fill half the indent with the cream cheese mixture and the other half with fruit.
5. Bake at 350ºF until edges are golden brown, about 15 minutes.
6. Cool completely on a wire rack, then eat whenever.

5. You Can Transform Them into Mini Chili Bowls

If you want to go all cutesy the next time you serve up your favorite chili or soup, make these miniature biscuit bowls. They're also perfect finger foods for parties or small get-togethers.

Ingredients:

• refrigerated biscuits
• cooking spray

Directions:

1. Invert a muffin tray (you could also use custard cups) and spray the underside with cooking spray.
2. Ball up a handful of biscuit dough, then press and form around the side of a muffin slot to shape the bowl. Repeat for more bowls,
3. Bake for 20 minutes at 350ºF or until golden brown.
4. Remove from pan and spoon in your favorite chili, hearty soup, or pot pie filling into warm biscuit bowls.

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