Vegan Biscuits and Gravy: A Southern Comfort Classic Made Easy

The aroma of biscuits baking, mingling with the savory scent of gravy simmering on the stovetop, instantly transports me back to Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s house. She wasn’t vegan, of course, but her biscuits and gravy were the epitome of comfort food. I yearned to recreate that feeling, that warmth, without compromising my plant-based values. After much experimentation, I’ve landed on a recipe that captures the essence of that classic dish, making it accessible and delicious for everyone, and yes, even using Bisquick as a shortcut for those busy mornings!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups Bisquick Heart Smart mix
• ½ cup soymilk
• 2 teaspoons Earth Balance butter
• 2 tablespoons onions, diced
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup water, warmed
• 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon vegetable stock base
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• Bragg’s liquid aminos, to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Whisk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick Heart Smart mix and soymilk. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix!
3. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough onto a baking sheet.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, or until golden brown. While the biscuits are baking, begin the gravy.
5. In a small saucepan, melt the Earth Balance butter over medium heat.
6. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
7. While the onions are cooking, prepare the gravy base. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the Better Than Bouillon vegetable stock base in the warm water. Add garlic powder and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Add Bragg’s liquid aminos to taste. (Start with a teaspoon and adjust as needed, as it is salty.) Set aside.
8. Once the onions are translucent, sprinkle the flour over them in the saucepan. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This helps to thicken the gravy.
9. Slowly pour the water mixture (the vegetable stock mixture) into the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
10. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a little bit of cold water to create a slurry.
11. Once the gravy begins to simmer and thicken slightly, add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan. Continue to whisk until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more warm water. If it’s not thick enough, cook a bit longer, stirring constantly.
12. Once the biscuits are golden brown and the gravy is thick and savory, it’s time to assemble!
13. Split the warm biscuits in half and ladle the gravy generously over them. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overmix the biscuit dough! Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in tough biscuits. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• For extra fluffy biscuits, try using cold soymilk. Some people even use sparkling water for added lift.
• If you don’t have Better Than Bouillon, you can use vegetable broth instead of water, but you may need to adjust the seasoning.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning of the gravy as you go. The amount of garlic powder, pepper, and Bragg’s liquid aminos you need will depend on your personal preference.
• For a richer gravy, try adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast. This will give it a cheesy, savory flavor.
• If your gravy ends up with lumps, you can use an immersion blender to smooth it out. Just be careful not to over-blend, or it will become too thin.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your vegan biscuits and gravy immediately while the biscuits are warm and the gravy is creamy. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reheat the biscuits in a toaster oven or microwave. Be aware that the biscuits may become slightly softer upon reheating. I don’t recommend freezing either the biscuits or the gravy, as the texture will change significantly.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	20g	31%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	800mg	35%
Total Carbohydrate	60g	20%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	5g	10%
Protein	8g	16%

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix instead of Bisquick. Be sure to also use a gluten-free flour for the gravy.
• Soy-Free: Substitute the soymilk with another plant-based milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the biscuits may be slightly different.
• Spicy Gravy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a little heat.
• Mushroom Gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions for a heartier, more flavorful gravy.
• Herby Biscuits: Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the biscuit dough for a savory twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the biscuits ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I use regular Bisquick instead of Bisquick Heart Smart?
A: Yes, you can use regular Bisquick, but the nutritional information will be different.

Q: What if I don’t have Earth Balance butter?
A: You can use any vegan butter substitute you like. Coconut oil can also work in a pinch.

Q: How do I know when the gravy is thick enough?
A: The gravy should coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, continue cooking it until it thickens.

Q: Can I add vegan sausage to the gravy?
A: Absolutely! Crumble up some vegan sausage and add it to the gravy along with the onions. This will make it even more hearty and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Biscuits and Gravy recipe using Bisquick is a testament to the fact that comfort food can be both delicious and plant-based. It’s quick, easy, and sure to satisfy your cravings for a taste of home. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to make it your own. Now, go on and create some cozy memories with this heartwarming dish. I’d love to hear what you think! Enjoy with a side of fresh fruit or a cup of coffee for the perfect vegan brunch.