Low fat biscuits that are fluffy and satisfying? Yes, really. Made with just nonfat yogurt and self-rising flour, these healthy homemade biscuits skip the butter but deliver soft, tender results. Quick, easy, and beginner-friendly.

Jump To (scroll for more)
- ๐ Why Youโll Love These Low Fat Biscuits
- ๐ฅฃ Nutrition Snapshot: Healthy Biscuits vs. Traditional Buttermilk Biscuits
- ๐ฅฃ What You Need to Make These Low Fat Biscuits
- ๐จโ๐ณQuick Overview: How to Make Low-Fat Biscuits
- ๐คVariations and Add-ins
- โ๏ธ How to Adjust the Number of Biscuits
- ๐ฝ๏ธServing Suggestions
- โ๏ธStorage
- โFAQs
- ๐The Recipe Card
Featured Comment by Linda in Boston:
โญโญโญโญโญ
"This was a great recipe, and easy. I have struggled for years with butter-based recipes and was never satisfied. But these are great - soft and slightly chewy... "
๐ Why Youโll Love These Low Fat Biscuits
- Fits a Healthy Diet โ No butter, no oilโjust simple ingredients that work for low-fat and low-calorie diets.
- Only Two Ingredients โ This healthy biscuit recipe uses just self-rising flour and nonfat yogurt. Cheaper than store-bought โdiet biscuitsโ and just as easy.
- Beginner-Friendly โ No rolling pins, no biscuit drama. Just stir, drop, and bake.
- Flexible for Sweet or Savory โ Add herbs, garlic, or a touch of honeyโmake it match your meal or your mood.
- Comfort Food Without the Guilt โ Fluffy, tender biscuits that satisfyโwithout blowing your plan.
๐ฅฃ Nutrition Snapshot: Healthy Biscuits vs. Traditional Buttermilk Biscuits
Wondering how these stack up to classic biscuits? Hereโs a quick look at how this low fat version compares to the traditional kind.
Per Biscuit (Approx.) | Healthy Yogurt Biscuits | Traditional Buttermilk Biscuits |
---|---|---|
Calories | ~135 | ~200โ220 |
Total Fat | 0โ1g | 10โ12g |
Saturated Fat | 0g | 6โ8g |
Protein | 4โ5g | 3g |
๐ฅฃ What You Need to Make These Low Fat Biscuits
Self-Rising Flour
If you donโt have self-rising flour on handโand most people donโtโyou can mix this yourself with 3 pantry staples:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
โ Pro Tip: Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any bitter aftertaste.
Nonfat Yogurt
Use plain nonfat yogurtโregular or Greek both work well. Greek yogurt is thicker, so you might need to loosen the dough with a splash of milk or extra yogurt.
โ Pro Tip: Donโt use flavored or sweetened yogurtโtheyโll throw off the taste and texture.
๐จโ๐ณQuick Overview: How to Make Low-Fat Biscuits
1. Mixing the Dough
Combine self-rising flour (or the DIY substitute) with nonfat yogurt in a bowl.
โ Pro Tip: Stir just until combinedโdonโt overmix, or the biscuits may toughen.
2. Shape the Biscuits
Make 8 drop biscuits and place them evenly on a parchment-lined or non-stick baking sheet.
โ Pro Tip: A quick spray of PAM or similar adds a tiny bit of oil for extra browningโbut itโs optional.
2b. Optional: Want Cut Biscuits Instead?
Pat the dough ยพ-inch thick on a floured surface. Cut out 8 biscuits with a 2-inch cutter. Youโll need to gather and re-roll the dough scraps one or two times to complete the full batch.
โ Pro Tip: Press straight downโdonโt twistโor youโll seal the edges and reduce the rise.
3. Baking Until Golden
Bake in a fully preheated oven at 400ยฐF convection (or 425ยฐF conventional) for 12โ15 minutes, until golden brown.
โ Pro time: Always use a fully preheated oven for the best rise and texture.
๐For full step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe cardโor keep reading for flavor variations, serving ideas, and storage tips.
๐คVariations and Add-ins
Want sweet low-calorie biscuits? Add a little honey or sugar to the dough. Top with berries or a spoonful of jam for a healthy treat.
For savory biscuits, stir in herbs, garlic, or even shredded cheese (yes, it adds fatโbut itโs worth it).
Looking for a fruity variation? Try my Low-Fat Blueberry Scones, a close cousin of this recipe.
Save this recipe!
Healthy Sausage Gravy and Biscuits โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
This healthy, low-calorie version of Biscuits and Gravy uses low-fat sausage gravy with these yogurt biscuits, so you can enjoy your favorite breakfast without bypass surgery.
โ๏ธ How to Adjust the Number of Biscuits
Cooking for two? Or a crowd? This recipe scales easily.
- In the recipe card, adjust the number of servings to match how many biscuits you want.
- Follow the ingredient list onlyโthe written instructions donโt scale.
- Baking time stays the same.
โ Pro Tip: If you're making fewer biscuits, you can still use the full batch of self-rising flour mixโjust store the extra dry mix in an airtight container for next time.
๐ฝ๏ธServing Suggestions
These low-fat biscuits are great with soups, breakfast sandwiches, or alongside a bowl of chili. Try them with Healthy White Chicken Chili, Texas Style Chili for a full comfort-food meal that still fits your plan.โ
โ๏ธStorage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2โ3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps up to a week, tightly sealed.
- Freezer: Wrap each biscuit in plastic, then seal in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
โ Pro Tip: For the best texture, reheat in the oven or toaster oven. Microwaving softens the outside.
โFAQs
Yes. These are homemade low-fat biscuits with no butter or oilโabout 135 calories each and almost no fat. A simple, healthy option if you're watching fat or calories.
Theyโre soft and fluffy, but not flaky. You might notice a slight tang from the yogurtโespecially if using Greek yogurt.
Not quite. Bisquikโข is similar to self-rising flour but includes fats, making it a ready-to-use mix for quick biscuits, quick breads, and other baked goods. If youโre looking for low-fat options, itโs better to stick with self-rising flour.
Yes, in the DIY substitute version, but add extra yogurt or a splash of milk for more moisture. Expect a denser, less fluffy biscuit.
Not recommended. The leavening in self-rising flour begins to work as soon as it becomes wet. Bake immediately for the best rise.
๐The Recipe Card
Low Fat Biscuits (Fluffy, Easy, and Butter-Free)
Video Slideshow
Ingredients
- 1ยผ cup non-fat yogurt
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ยฐ convection or 425ยฐ regular. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicon mat, or a light coat of PAM cooking spray.
Mixing the Dough
- Use 2 cups of self-rising flour, or make your own by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ยฝ teaspoon of salt.
- Add 1ยผ cups of nonfat yogurt. Mix just until all the dry ingredients are incorporatedโdo not overmix. If you're using Greek yogurt, you may need to loosen the dough with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or additional yogurt.
Shaping the Biscuits
- For drop biscuits (the easiest method), scoop the dough into 8 equal portions and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- For cut biscuits, pat the dough out ยพ inch thick on a floured surface. Cut out 8 biscuits with a 2-inch cutter (or 6 with a 2ยฝ-inch cutter). Gather and re-roll the scraps once or twice to use all the dough. Larger biscuits may take 1โ2 minutes longer to bake.
Bake until Golden Brown
- Place your biscuits (dropped or cut) on the prepared baking pan. Make sure the oven is fully preheated. Bake the biscuits for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Recipe Notes
Pro Tips
- The exact nutrition values depend entirely on the ingredients you choose. Different yogurt brands have varying nutritional values and continually update their products over time.
- Greek yogurt works fine. However, it will have a stronger yogurt flavor and may require a touch of milk or an additional amount of yogurt. It may vary by brand, but 1-2 tablespoons of milk is the probable range.
- Store sealed at room temperature for 2-3 days, refrigerate for a week, or freeze for 3 months.
Your Own Private Notes
To adjust the recipe size:
You can adjust the number of servings above; however, only the amount in the ingredient list is adjusted, not the instructions.
Nutrition Estimate (may vary)
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on March 16, 2013. It has been updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help with navigation.
Gail says
Can you use this dough recipe to maje chicken pot pie?
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Gail,
Welcome to the blog.
Yes, if you are using it for a biscuit top. But it probably will not make a good bottom crust.
Dan
C Jenkins says
This is a great recipe and so easy. I sprinkle mine with a little Everything Bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
Rosie Taylor says
In the UK these are not biscuits , more of a scone texture. They are simple to make and tasty. I think I'll use this recipe for a fruit or minced meat topping. Back to the search for biscuits.