Low-fat biscuits can be really good—better than the commercial ones and a lot cheaper. Soft and tender, they’re healthy, low-calorie biscuits for most diets and easy enough to whip up anytime.
With just two ingredients—nonfat yogurt and self-rising flour (or a simple homemade substitute)—they’re on the table in under 25 minutes. Perfect for a lighter breakfast or an easy side for soups and chili.
🤔 Quick Answer: How many calories are in these low-fat biscuits?
Per biscuit: about 135 calories and roughly 0.3 grams of fat (the exact number can vary slightly with different yogurts and flour brands).
That makes them one of the lightest homemade biscuit options you can bake.
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Featured Comment by Linda in Boston:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"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... "
TL;DR (Recipe Summary)
What it is: A healthy, low-fat biscuit recipe made with just two ingredients. Very low-calorie and nearly fat-free—an easy option for most healthy diets.
Why you’ll love it: Soft, tender, and one of the lightest homemade biscuits you can bake—great for staying on track with a healthy diet.
How to make it: Mix yogurt with self-rising flour (or the homemade version), drop or cut into biscuits, and bake until golden.
Jump to the Recipe Card or keep reading for the details.
🥣 Nutrition Snapshot: Low-Calorie Biscuits vs. Traditional
These homemade biscuits are low-fat and low-calorie — about 135 calories and nearly fat-free — compared to the 200+ calories and 10–12g of fat in classic buttermilk biscuits.
| Per Biscuit (Approx.) | Low Calorie Biscuits | Traditional Buttermilk Biscuits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~135 | ~200–220 |
| Total Fat | 0–1g | 10–12g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 6–8g |
| Protein | 4–5g | 3g |
🥣 What You Need to Make These Low Fat Biscuits
These are simple two-ingredient biscuits made with nonfat yogurt and self-rising flour—store-bought or homemade.
Nonfat Yogurt
Use plain nonfat yogurt—regular or Greek both work. Greek yogurt is thicker, so you may need a splash of milk or extra yogurt to loosen the dough.
✅ Pro Tip: Don’t use flavored or sweetened yogurt—they’ll throw off the texture and taste.
Self-Rising Flour
If you don’t have self-rising flour (many home cooks don’t), you can make it with three pantry staples:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free suggested)
- ½ teaspoon salt
👨🍳 Quick 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.
✅ Pro Tip: Stir just until combined—don’t 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.
✅ Pro Tip: A quick spray of PAM or similar adds a tiny bit of oil for extra browning—but it’s optional.
2b. Optional: Want Cut Biscuits Instead?
Pat the dough ¾-inch thick on a floured surface. Cut out 8 biscuits with a 2-inch cutter. You’ll need to gather and re-roll the dough scraps one or two times to complete the full batch.
✅ Pro Tip: Press straight down—don’t twist—or you’ll seal the edges and reduce the rise.
3. Baking Until Golden
Bake in a fully preheated oven at 400°F convection (or 425°F conventional) for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown.
✅Pro tip: Always use a fully preheated oven for the best rise and texture.
👇For full step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card—or keep reading for flavor variations, serving ideas, and storage tips.
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🤔 Variations and Add-ins
Want sweet, low-fat 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 fat—but it’s worth it).
Looking for a fruity variation? Try my Low-Fat Blueberry Scones, a close cousin of this recipe.
✅ Pro Tip: For the lowest fat biscuits, stick to herbs or garlic instead of cheese — still flavorful, but keeps them low-calorie and diet-friendly.
Healthy Sausage Gravy and Biscuits ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
↕️ 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 only—the written instructions don’t scale.
- Baking time stays the same.
✅ Pro Tip: If you're making fewer biscuits, you can still use the full batch of self-rising flour mix—just store the extra dry mix in an airtight container for next time.
🍽️ Serving 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.
❄️ Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 3–4 days, tightly sealed.
- Freezer: Wrap each biscuit in plastic, then seal in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
✅ Pro Tip: For the best texture, reheat in the oven or toaster oven. Microwaving softens the outside.
❓FAQs
Yes. These are homemade low-fat biscuits with no butter or oil—about 135 calories each and almost no fat. A simple, healthy option if you're watching fat or calories.
They’re soft and fluffy, but not flaky. You might notice a slight tang from the yogurt—especially if using Greek yogurt.
Not quite. Bisquik™ 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 you’re looking for low-fat options, it’s 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 exactly. They’re made with no-fat yogurt instead of butter or oil, so they’re very low in fat — about 0.3 grams per biscuit. That’s still a fraction of the 10–12 grams in traditional buttermilk biscuits.
📖The Recipe Card
Low Fat Biscuits (Healthy, Low Calorie Recipe)
Video Slideshow
Ingredients
- 1¼ cup non-fat yogurt
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° convection or 425° 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 ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Add 1¼ cups of nonfat yogurt. Mix just until all the dry ingredients are incorporated—do 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 ¾ inch thick on a floured surface. Cut out 8 biscuits with a 2-inch cutter (or 6 with a 2½-inch cutter). Gather and re-roll the scraps once or twice to use all the dough. Larger biscuits may take 1–2 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.
Debbie D says
Tried these tonight. Used SR Flour (yes I'm lazy) and plain Greek yogurt. Other than needing a touch more salt they were very good. My new go to. 😊
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Debbie,
Welcome to the blog.
I have both in the recipe because most people don't have self-rising flour. I also find the salt a little light in SR flour.
Thanks for the note and rating.
Dan
Gpearl says
Hi. This was a nice simple healthy biscuit recipe to follow. I tried this using low fat Almond vanilla yogurt. It was a hit with my family who are picky about their biscuits. They are used to butter in the dough. They told me these were good and they didn't miss it. Thank you!
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Gpearl,
Welcome to the blog and thanks for the variations. Many readers enjoy them.
Thanks of the note and rating.
Dan
Mary Lou French says
I was trying to figure out the weight watchers point count for these biscuits! Do you know?
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Mary Lou,
Welcome to the blog.
I gave up on calculating WW points over 10 years ago. They kept changing the formula, then hid the formula, etc. It made it impossible to keep the posts up to date and accurate. I haven't even looked at them for 7-8 years now.
Sorry.
Dan
Linda in Boston says
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 but I cooked them long enough to get a bit of crisp on the outside. Nice.
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Linda,
Welcome to the blog and thanks for the note (and email) and the rating. Glad it was what you needed.
Dan
Timothy says
Hello! I'm interested in making these. If I wanted to add a bit of butter for more flavor (say... 4 tbsp max), would I sub out the equal amount of yogurt?
Thank you!
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Timothy,
Welcome to the blog.
Cut back the yogurt and see how the texture is, you may need to add some back to get to the right biscuit texture.
Dan
Nellie says
Interested in this recipe but could I swap out the white flour for whole wheat or oat flour instead?
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Nellie,
Welcome to the blog,
About alternative flour types. Most should probably work since the recipe does not depend on gluten formation. Whole wheat will need more liquid and probably won't rise as well. Oat flour... don't know but probably. If you try them, please come back and report the results for others.
Dan
Shar k says
Absolutely amazed that the biscuits turned out the way they did ! So… so… good :)
I found your recipe an within an hour had made the biscuits , I decided to double the recipe and made the biscuits and also made your biscuit crust pizza on your site using this crust instead of the one posted . Both turned out just amazing ,
I don’t miss the butter in this at all .
My husband has wanted sausage gravy and biscuits for a bit , but i stick to a 1,200 cal daily diet , so this fits perfectly for both of us .
The biscuits rose beautifully & the pizza looks like deep dish ~ I wish I could post a pic .
I used Greek yogurt so I did add milk , the batter was so sticky to work with so floured hands often , I like to cut my biscuits rather than drop ~ probably just for the beauty of it if I’m being honest;)
Thanks so much for posting such wonderful low fat / cal recipes that taste great . I’ve never seen this site before ~ but sure will come here often from now on !
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Shar,
Welcome to the blog and glad it worked well for you. For your husband, check out this recipe that is low cal and low fat biscuit and gravy. https://www.101cookingfortwo.com/healthier-sausage-gravy-biscuits/
Dan
Reina Alfonso says
Excellent recipe will make them this week, thank you
Linda says
These are wonderful. Thank you so much for this recipe. I used Greek yogurt and real buttermilk. Patted them out and cut with biscuit cutter handling the dough as little as possible I’m from the south and learned how to make biscuits as a child without a recipe. I am passing this one in to my friends and family. It’s a winner.
Laura says
I love this recipe. I like biscuits very much, but high fat foods don't agree with me - this recipe as listed is a winner for me. Often, I make the recipe as written, but I don't have to have them completely fat free, so sometimes I make them with a tablespoon of butter (in the whole recipe), the greek yogurt, and bit of milk so that all those ingredients combined equal 1 1/4 c. They are still light, with a little flakiness to them. I generally get 10 biscuits from the recipe, which means there's just over 1 g. added fat per biscuit. Thank you for this recipe!
Cheryl says
Hello
Has anyone use self rising flour instead of AP flour?
Thanks
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Cheryl,
Welcome to the blog.
Self-rising flour should be fine to replace the other ingredients except for the yogurt. Self-rising flour is flour, baking powder, and salt. It does not have baking soda but has more baking powder than the recipe. It will be fine.
Self-rising flour is very "old school," so I only have a few recipes that use it and I explain how to substitute. I don't keep it around most of the time so I usually list exactly what I use.
Dan
Karen says
Wow! I've made the 2 ingredient dough before, but this takes that to another level. I did them as drop biscuits and they were so flavorful and the texture was great. Thank You!
Vivian says
I was looking for a recipe for lower fat chicken pot pie and the recipes either sacrificed the crust(my favorite part), or we’re still high in calories. I found your almost no fat biscuit recipe and decided to try it for my topping. It worked beautifully. I adjusted for some previous comments by amping up the flavor with more salt, garlic powder and one finely chopped scallion. With the sauce, any dryness in the biscuits was overcome. My husband loved it too. Thanks for this new take on biscuits.
Angela Brumm says
Can I used vegan flour ? Which one?
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Angela,
Most flour is vegan, although the bleaching agents used in white flour (only used to make it whiter) is questioned by some. I always use unbleached flour anyways because is consider it is total stupid to bleach flour. I assume you have a vegan yogurt.
Dan
Peter says
Hi Vivian. Using this as a non-fat topping for pot pie is exactly the idea I was looking for. Did you simply float the biscuit dough on the pie filling? What baking temperature and time did you use? I’m making individual servings in ramekins. Thanks.
Marion says
Excellent recipe! I decided to use Nonfat plain Greek yogurt and added water instead of milk. I just added enough water to make the dough come together. I served with some margarine to offset the slight dry taste and the margarine added just enough flavor for the family. I imagine if the calories are not an issue you can add some blueberries or jam. We had them with a low fat chicken recipe that used light mayo.
Certainly made the dinner special!
Nicole says
Hi, I was wanting to use this biscuit recipe for a chicken and biscuits recipe where you drop canned biscuit dough into hot/boiling broth. Would this dough hold up for something like that? I would use fat free greek yogurt for this recipe.I really like your recipe because they're low calorie and low fat. Thank you!
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Nicole,
Welcome to the blog.
The answer is probably but I have never done it.
You know already to use small size, drop it is gently and don/t stir. If you try it, please report back.
Dan
Jen says
I only had vanilla Greek yogurt and sour cream in the fridge. I used 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt and 1 cup sour cream. They were very good.
Christine says
Hello,
I am allergic to dairy and was wondering if I could use coconut alternative yogurt instead?
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Christine,
Welcome to the blog.
The answer is I don't know but I'm 90% sure it will work. If you give it a try, please report back.
Dan