Biscuits are a popular and easy homemade bread that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. While biscuits are typically baked in the oven, there are several methods you can use to make canned biscuits if you don’t have access to an oven. With just a few simple ingredients and tools, you can make delicious baked biscuits using a skillet, microwave, grill, or even over an open campfire.
Can You Make Canned Biscuits Without an Oven?
Yes, you can absolutely make canned biscuits without using an oven. Canned biscuits from the refrigerator section of the grocery store are designed to be quick and convenient – simply pop open the can, separate the raw dough rounds, and bake. While oven baking gives biscuits the traditional texture, you can mimic the dry heat of an oven using other appliances and techniques. A skillet on the stovetop, microwave, grill, and campfire are all effective ways to bake canned biscuits when an oven is not available.
Skillet
One of the easiest and most effective ways to make canned biscuits without an oven is using a skillet on the stovetop. A cast iron or nonstick skillet works best. Simply preheat the skillet over medium-low heat. While heating, separate the biscuit dough rounds and place them in the skillet spaced apart. Allow the biscuits to cook for 14-16 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The skillet mimics the dry, enveloping heat of an oven. The biscuits will puff up and develop a crispy, golden brown crust.
Microwave
A microwave oven provides a quick and convenient way to make canned biscuits without a traditional oven. Separate the biscuit dough rounds and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave the biscuits in 30 second intervals until cooked through, about 1-2 minutes total. The cooking time may vary based on your microwave wattage. The biscuits will nearly double in size and become cooked through. While microwaved biscuits will be soft and bread-like rather than crisp, this is an easy biscuit-making option.
Grill
An outdoor grill can be used to bake canned biscuits when you don’t have access to a kitchen oven. This technique works best with a gas grill, as it provides more even heating than a charcoal grill. Lightly grease a cast iron skillet or metal baking sheet that can fit on your grill surface. Place the separated biscuit dough rounds in the skillet or baking sheet. Place the baking vessel directly on the grill grates. Cover and grill the biscuits over medium heat for 14-18 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The biscuits will puff up nicely and develop a lightly charred exterior.
Campfire
For baking on-the-go, you can make tasty canned biscuits over a campfire. This method does take some time and effort, but can be done. First, build a campfire and allow it to burn down to glowing coals; this provides even, consistent heat. Take a cast iron Dutch oven or skillet and place it upside down over top of the coals. Allow it to preheat for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the heated vessel, flip it over, and place the separated biscuit dough rounds inside. Cover and return the skillet to the coals. Bake the biscuits for 16-20 minutes. Rotate the skillet every 5 minutes and check that the coals remain glowing. The biscuits will cook up nicely for a rustic outdoor breakfast.
What You’ll Need
Canned biscuits can be made without an oven with just a few basic supplies you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
- Canned biscuit dough – Common brands like Pillsbury or store brands work great
- Cooking spray or butter (optional) – For greasing the cooking vessel
Equipment
- Skillet or baking sheet
- Microwave-safe plate
- Dutch oven or cast iron skillet (for campfire)
Utensils
- Knife – For opening biscuit can
- Spoon or spatula – For flipping biscuits
- Oven mitts or tongs – To handle hot cooking vessel
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for baking canned biscuits using four different oven-free cooking methods.
Skillet
- Preheat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-low heat on the stovetop.
- Open the canned biscuit dough using a knife or can opener. Separate the biscuits and place them spaced apart in the preheated skillet.
- Cook the biscuits for 7-8 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Then flip them over using a spoon or spatula.
- Cook for another 7-8 minutes until the second side is browned. The biscuits are done when they have puffed up and are cooked through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the biscuits to a plate. Serve the hot biscuits right away by spreading with butter, honey, or jam.
Microwave
- Open the can of biscuits using a knife or can opener. Separate the dough rounds.
- Place the biscuits spaced apart on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave the biscuits in 30 second intervals until cooked through, about 1-2 minutes total. The time may vary based on your microwave wattage.
- Carefully remove the plate from the microwave. The biscuits are ready to serve hot.
Grill
- Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium heat. Lightly grease a cast iron skillet or metal baking sheet that will fit on your grill grates.
- Open the canned biscuits and separate the dough onto the prepared baking vessel.
- Place the skillet or baking sheet with the biscuits directly onto the grill grates. Cover the grill.
- Grill for 7-9 minutes until the bottoms are browned. Flip the biscuits and grill for another 7-9 minutes with the lid closed.
- Check that the biscuits are puffed up and golden brown on both sides. Remove from the grill and serve.
Campfire
- Build a campfire and let it burn down to glowing coals. Place a cast iron Dutch oven or skillet upside down over top of the coals.
- Allow the Dutch oven to preheat for 10 minutes. Open the canned biscuits while heating.
- Remove the Dutch oven, flip it over, and carefully place the separated biscuit dough inside. Cover the Dutch oven.
- Return the Dutch oven to the coals. Bake for 16-20 minutes, rotating every 5 minutes. Check that the coals remain glowing.
- Remove the Dutch oven and check the biscuits are cooked through. Serve the hot biscuits.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Free Biscuits
Follow these helpful tips for achieving delicious homemade results when making canned biscuits without an oven.
- Use a cast iron or heavy stainless steel skillet when cooking on the stovetop or campfire. The material helps distribute heat evenly.
- Make sure to preheat the skillet before adding the biscuit dough for crispy edges.
- Space the biscuits apart on the cooking vessel with 1-2 inches between each to allow room for rising.
- Adjust the heat as needed to prevent scorching. Medium-low heat is ideal for even cooking.
- Flip the biscuits halfway through. This helps them cook evenly on both sides.
- Cook the biscuits until well-risen and golden brown on top and bottom.
- Let the cooked biscuits rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. The insides will finish cooking.
- Serve the hot biscuits right away for the best texture. Enjoy with butter, jam, honey, or gravy.
Common Questions
What is the best canned biscuit brand for baking without an oven?
Popular canned biscuit brands like Pillsbury, Ballard, Great Value, and Hungry Jack work great. Pillsbury is the top choice for making oven-free biscuits, as the dough is designed to rise well during baking.
Can you bake biscuits on a skillet on the stove?
Yes, using a skillet on the stovetop is an easy and effective way to bake canned biscuits without an oven. Simply preheat a cast iron or nonstick skillet to medium-low heat. Place the separated biscuit dough in the skillet and cook for 14-16 minutes, flipping once.
How long does it take to bake biscuits on a grill?
Grilling canned biscuits for 14-18 minutes over direct medium heat mimics oven baking. Cook the biscuits for 7-9 minutes per side with the grill covered until evenly browned and cooked through.
Do you need an oven to make biscuits from a can?
No oven is needed! There are several convenient ways to successfully bake canned biscuits without an oven, such as in a skillet, microwave, or on a grill or campfire. The dry, enveloping heat from these methods bakes the biscuits thoroughly.
Why did my oven-free biscuits turn out flat?
Biscuits that don’t rise properly may have been overcrowded, cooked at too high of heat, or baked too long. Make sure the biscuits have room to expand and adjust the heat as needed to prevent scorching. They should be golden brown, not dark brown.
Conclusion
Canned biscuits can easily be made without an oven using simple appliances like a skillet, microwave, grill or campfire. Separate the chilled dough rounds, place in a heated vessel, and cook over medium-low heat until risen and browned on both sides. Allowing enough space between biscuits and adjusting the heat as needed will result in tender, flaky baked biscuits ready to smother with toppings. With the right techniques, you can enjoy hot homemade biscuits using items you already have in your kitchen or campsite.