Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe brings all the warm, garlicky goodness of the classic with a plant-based spin that's just as comforting and absolutely delicious. These biscuits have that perfect flaky texture with just the right cheesy punch, making them a standout for any meal or snack time.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what hooked me the first time I tried making this vegan version was just how close it came to the original cheddar bay biscuits I grew up eating. The flavors hit all the right notes, and I love that it’s entirely plant-based, making it perfect for sharing with everyone.
- Unbelievable Flavor: The combination of garlic, vegan cheddar, and parsley creates a vibrant taste that feels indulgent yet fresh.
- Fluffy, Cheesy Texture: These biscuits have that soft, flaky crumb with melty vegan cheese pockets inside—exactly what you want.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find vegan products so you can whip them up anytime cravings hit.
- Versatile for Any Meal: Serve them as a side, snack, or even breakfast treat—they always steal the show.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe plays a part in creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor. I’ve learned that picking the right type of plant milk and vegan cheese really makes a difference, so here’s what you’ll want and why.
- Unsweetened soy milk: Perfect for mimicking buttermilk when mixed with apple cider vinegar, giving the biscuits that tender crumb and subtle tang.
- Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking powder to give your biscuits a light, fluffy rise.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the classic biscuit texture. Make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Baking powder: Your rise agent, so don’t skip it or use old baking powder which might weaken the lift.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the biscuits with that signature savory hint without overpowering the palate.
- Salt and cayenne pepper (optional): Salt balances flavors, while cayenne adds a subtle heat—don’t overdo it unless you like spicy biscuits!
- Melted vegan butter: Adds richness and helps create flaky layers—make sure it’s just cooled so it doesn’t cook the dough too early.
- Shredded vegan cheddar cheese: This is your cheesy jackpot—look for one that melts well to get those gooey pockets within your biscuits.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the topping with herbal freshness and color.
Make It Your Way
I’ve definitely played around with this Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe to suit different moods or diets. It’s super forgiving, so don’t hesitate to tweak it just a little to match your tastes or what you have on hand.
- Variation: I sometimes swap shredded vegan cheddar for nutritional yeast if I’m out of cheese, adding a nutty flavor without sacrificing cheesiness.
- Dairy-Free Milk Options: Unsweetened almond or oat milk works well too—just avoid anything flavored or sweetened.
- Mild Heat: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika alongside cayenne brings a subtle smokiness I really enjoy.
- Herbal Swaps: Fresh chives or dill instead of parsley provide a lovely twist for holiday brunches.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Buttermilk Ready
Start by mixing your unsweetened soy milk with apple cider vinegar in a measuring cup and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade “buttermilk” is crucial—it adds that tenderizing tang and helps your biscuits rise beautifully. I've found letting it curdle properly really makes the difference between dense and fluffy biscuits.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. I always give this a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed, which helps avoid flavor pockets and ensures consistent rise.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients & Form Dough
Add the buttermilk and cooled melted vegan butter to your dry mix. Stir until just combined—it’s important not to over-mix here to keep those biscuits tender and flaky. Then gently fold in the shredded vegan cheddar cheese. I like to use my hands at this point to make sure the cheese is evenly incorporated without beating the dough.
Step 4: Scoop and Bake
Lightly grease a ¼ cup measuring cup (trust me, this little trick prevents sticking!) and scoop the dough onto a greased baking sheet, spacing them just enough so they can expand without merging. Bake at 450°F for 12-15 minutes until golden and smelling irresistible.
Step 5: Garlic Butter Topping
While the biscuits are warm, brush generously with melted vegan butter mixed with garlic powder and chopped fresh parsley. This step seals in moisture and gives that classic flaky, herby finish we can’t get enough of. I've seen people skip this, but honestly, it’s the touch that brings everything together.
Top Tip
After making these biscuits multiple times, I've learned a few little hacks that really boost your success rate and flavor every time you bake Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe.
- Use Curdled Plant Milk: Let your milk and vinegar mixture sit for the full 5 minutes to ensure proper “buttermilk” effect, which gives your biscuits incredible texture.
- Don’t Over-Mix the Dough: Stir gently and stop when just combined to avoid tough biscuits — this makes all the difference.
- Grease Your Scoop: Lightly greasing your ¼ cup measuring cup stops dough from sticking, giving you perfect biscuit shapes with minimal mess.
- Brush the Topping Warm: Apply your garlic butter topping right after baking while the biscuits are hot, so the flavors melt in beautifully.
How to Serve Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley on top before serving to brighten the look and complement the rich flavors. A tiny dash of smoked paprika can also add a subtle pop of color and taste if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair beautifully with creamy tomato soup or a fresh green salad. They’re also fantastic alongside vegan chili or a hearty stew—anytime you want a comforting bite to sop up those savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve these biscuits stacked on a rustic wooden board, garnished with parsley sprigs and a small bowl of garlic butter on the side for extra dipping. It turns a humble biscuit into a charming appetizer centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature — they stay tender for about 3-4 days. Just reheat them gently before serving to bring back that fresh-baked feel.
Freezing
These freeze beautifully! Pop cooled biscuits in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When I want to enjoy them later, I thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. This refreshes the crispy exterior and melty inside without drying them out—just like fresh from the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you don’t have vegan cheddar on hand, you can substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or try vegan mozzarella-style shreds. Just keep in mind the texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be tasty.
I haven’t tested this Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe with gluten-free flour blends, but a high-quality all-purpose gluten-free mix might work. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to help with texture.
Look for unsalted vegan butter that melts smoothly and has a neutral or buttery flavor. Brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s work really well for baking and flavor.
You can mix the dough a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before scooping and baking to ensure even cooking and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen and among friends because it captures that nostalgic biscuit experience in a compassionate, plant-based way. I’m confident you’ll find these biscuits as comforting and addictive as I do—perfect for elevating any meal or just indulging in a little homemade goodness.
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Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits are fluffy, cheesy, and bursting with garlicky flavor, perfect as a savory snack or a side dish. Made with dairy-free ingredients and a moist vegan buttermilk, these biscuits bake up golden and delicious, topped with a rich garlic parsley butter.
Ingredients
Cheddar Biscuits
- 1 cup unsweetened soy milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ cup melted vegan butter, cooled for 5 minutes
- 1 ½ cups shredded vegan cheddar cheese
Topping
- 3 tablespoons melted vegan butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the buttermilk: In a glass measuring cup, pour in the unsweetened soy milk, stir in the apple cider vinegar, then set aside to curdle for a few minutes. This mixture acts as a vegan buttermilk substitute, adding moisture and tanginess to the biscuits.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix in wet ingredients: Add the vegan buttermilk and melted vegan butter to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a thick dough forms, taking care not to over mix which will toughen the biscuits. Fold in the shredded vegan cheddar cheese, using your hands if needed to incorporate evenly.
- Scoop dough: Lightly grease a ¼ cup measuring cup and scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each biscuit slightly apart to allow for rising.
- Bake: Place the biscuits in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted vegan butter, garlic powder, and chopped fresh parsley. Brush this flavorful mixture over the warm biscuits as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Serve: Serve the biscuits warm and enjoy. Leftovers can be stored in a covered container for 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.
Notes
- You may substitute unsweetened almond milk or other unsweetened plant-based milks, but avoid any with added sugars or flavorings.
- Gluten free flour blend might work as a substitute, but it hasn’t been tested with this recipe.
- If vegan cheese isn’t available, replace approximately ¼ cup of cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Do not over mix the dough to keep the biscuits tender and fluffy.
- For best results, allow the vegan butter to cool slightly before mixing into dough to prevent melting the plant-based cheese prematurely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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