Delicious & Healthy Vegan Biscuits and Gravy: Your Go-To Plant-Based Comfort Food Recipe
Biscuits and Gravy is a quintessential American comfort food, a hearty and satisfying dish often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch. Traditionally, it’s known for its rich, savory flavor but can also be heavy and high in saturated fat and cholesterol. However, with a few thoughtful substitutions, you can easily transform this beloved classic into a vegan, healthier, and weight-loss-friendly version that sacrifices none of the deliciousness or satisfying texture. This plant-based take on biscuits and gravy proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on taste or comfort.
The secret to creating truly exceptional vegan biscuits and gravy lies in harnessing the power of plant-based ingredients. For the biscuits, we opt for non-dairy milk and cold vegan butter, ensuring a flaky and tender texture without any animal products. The gravy, the heart of this dish, gets its rich, umami depth from two kinds of mushrooms, creating a robust and flavorful sauce that rivals its meat-based counterpart. Additionally, this recipe champions whole-wheat flour for the biscuits, offering a significant nutritional upgrade. This means you can indulge in a healthier rendition of traditional biscuits, benefiting from increased fiber and nutrients without consuming excessive calories or unhealthy ingredients often found in conventional recipes.
Designed with mindful eating in mind, this vegan biscuits and gravy recipe is not only flavorful but also aligns with various dietary goals. Each serving of this plant-based delight is calculated at 7 WW points, making it an excellent choice for those tracking their intake while enjoying a wholesome and filling meal. If you’re passionate about exploring more plant-based culinary adventures that support a healthy lifestyle, be sure to check out our extensive collection of WW friendly vegan recipes, perfect for expanding your repertoire with nutritious and delicious options.
Why You Should Embrace This Vegan Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
Adopting this vegan biscuits and gravy recipe offers a multitude of benefits, extending beyond just a delicious meal. It’s a conscious choice that positively impacts your health, expands your culinary creativity, and can be a valuable ally in your weight management journey.
- For Health Reasons: Traditional biscuits and gravy are often laden with saturated fats and cholesterol due to ingredients like pork sausage and heavy cream. Our vegan version offers a significantly healthier alternative. Plant-based diets are widely recognized for their numerous health advantages, including a reduced risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. By choosing non-dairy milk and vegan butter, you cut down on unhealthy fats, while the whole-wheat flour adds essential fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health. The star of our gravy, mushrooms, are low in calories, rich in vitamins (like B vitamins and D), minerals, and antioxidants, further boosting the nutritional profile of this comforting dish.
- For Taste and Creativity: Far from being a bland substitute, this vegan biscuits and gravy recipe is incredibly delicious and deeply satisfying. The combination of tender, flaky whole-wheat biscuits with a rich, earthy mushroom gravy creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will surprise and delight even the most discerning palates. This recipe also serves as an exciting canvas for culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices—perhaps a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or a dash of cayenne for extra kick. You can easily incorporate other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the gravy, or boost the protein content with crumbled tempeh or lentils for an even heartier meal. It’s a fantastic opportunity to try something new and broaden your cooking horizons.
- A Nutritious Addition to a Weight Loss Diet: Incorporating this vegan biscuits and gravy recipe into a weight loss diet can be highly effective, provided it’s prepared with wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients and consumed mindfully as part of a balanced meal plan. The use of whole-grain flour in the biscuits provides sustained energy and fiber, which helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating. The minimal added fats in the biscuits (from low-fat vegan butter) keep the calorie count in check. The real magic for weight loss lies in the gravy. Unlike traditional gravies made with high-fat meats and heavy cream, our healthier vegan gravy utilizes two kinds of mushrooms for bulk and flavor, unsweetened plant-based milk for creaminess, and a vibrant blend of spices. This approach significantly reduces the calorie and fat content while boosting nutrients and fiber, making it a guilt-free pleasure that supports your weight loss goals.
Vegan Biscuits and Gravy Recipe Overview
Get ready to whip up a comforting and healthy breakfast in no time! This recipe is designed for efficiency and deliciousness, proving that homemade vegan comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Prep time: 15 min
Cooking time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Serves: 6
Ingredients for Vegan Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
Crafting these delectable vegan biscuits and a rich mushroom gravy requires a selection of fresh, plant-based ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor profile for this comforting dish.
Vegan Biscuits:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (to create vegan buttermilk)
- 2 cups whole-wheat flour (for a healthier, fiber-rich base)
- 4 tbsp cold vegan butter, unsalted (ensure it’s cold for flaky results)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds (for added texture and visual appeal)
- 1 tbsp raw sunflower seeds (for a nutty crunch)
Mushroom Gravy:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 spring onion (scallion), chopped (optional, for a milder onion flavor)
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 pound button mushrooms, chopped (for a classic mushroom flavor)
- 1/2 pound oyster mushrooms, cut into strips (adds a meatier texture and earthy taste)
- 1 tbsp flaxseed meal (acts as a natural thickener)
- 1 tsp chili pepper flakes (for a gentle warmth)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (for color and subtle earthy notes)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Vegan Biscuits and Gravy (Step by Step)
Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect batch of flaky vegan biscuits and savory mushroom gravy. Precision and a little patience will ensure a fantastic result!
- **Prepare the Vegan Buttermilk:** In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened almond milk and fresh lemon juice. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. This mixture will curdle slightly, creating a vegan buttermilk that is essential for tender, fluffy biscuits. Set aside.
- **Combine Dry Biscuit Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole-wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, poppy seeds, and sunflower seeds. Whisk them thoroughly to ensure all leavening agents and flavorings are evenly distributed.
- **Incorporate Cold Vegan Butter:** Add the cold vegan butter (cut into small cubes or grated for easier incorporation) to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, quickly work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand with some pea-sized crumbs remaining. It’s crucial for the butter to stay cold to achieve flaky biscuits.
- **Form the Biscuit Dough:** Make a well in the center of the flour-butter mixture. Gradually pour in the reserved vegan buttermilk, stirring continuously with a fork or rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overworking the dough develops gluten, leading to tough biscuits. If the dough is too sticky, add a very small amount of extra whole-wheat flour.
- **Shape and Cut Biscuits:** Lightly flour a clean, flat surface. Gently turn the dough out onto the surface and pat it into a disc about 1-inch thick. Avoid rolling too thin. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass (about 2-3 inches in diameter), cut out your biscuits. Rework any scraps gently once or twice to cut additional biscuits.
- **Bake the Biscuits:** Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Arrange the cut biscuits on the prepared baking pan, leaving a little space between each. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- **Start the Gravy – Sauté Onion:** While the biscuits are baking, begin preparing your mushroom gravy. Preheat a saucepan or a large skillet over moderately high heat. Add the chopped onion and a few tablespoons of water (instead of oil, to keep it lighter). Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- **Add Mushrooms and Garlic:** Stir in the chopped button mushrooms, oyster mushroom strips, and minced garlic cloves. Continue to sauté for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms have softened, released their moisture, and become fragrant. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- **Thicken and Season the Gravy:** Sprinkle the flaxseed meal, chili pepper flakes, ground cumin, turmeric powder, and dried thyme over the mushroom mixture. Stir well for about 1 minute to toast the spices and help the flaxseed meal begin to absorb moisture.
- **Add Milk and Simmer:** Slowly and gradually whisk in the unsweetened almond milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened to your desired gravy consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash more almond milk; if too thin, let it simmer a little longer or add a tiny bit more flaxseed meal. Taste the gravy and adjust seasonings with sea salt and ground black pepper as needed.
- **Serve and Enjoy:** Once the biscuits are ready and the gravy has reached perfection, split open the warm biscuits. Generously top them with the hot, savory mushroom gravy. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives, if desired, for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Devour immediately!
Nutrition Facts
Understanding the nutritional value of your meal is key to a balanced diet. Here’s a breakdown for one serving of this delicious vegan biscuits and gravy (optional ingredients like fresh herbs are not included in this calculation):
- Amount per 277g = 1 serving
- Calories: 285kcal
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 11.5g
- Fat: 9.3g
- Saturated Fat: 2.4g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Sodium: 489mg
- Potassium: 675mg
- Fiber: 7.5g
- Sugar: 8.5g
- Vitamin C: 24.6mg
- Calcium: 133mg
- Iron: 3.1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Vegan Biscuits and Gravy Variations and Substitutions
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic variations and substitutions to try:
- Swap out Mushrooms for Vegan Sausage: If you’re craving that classic “sausage gravy” flavor, ditch the mushrooms! Instead, use your favorite vegan sausage crumbles or thinly sliced vegan breakfast sausage patties. Simply brown them in the saucepan before adding the onions and garlic, then proceed with the gravy steps. For a homemade sausage-style seasoning blend, try combining paprika, fennel seeds (crushed), dried sage, a touch of red pepper flakes, and a pinch of maple syrup for sweetness, adding it directly to your sautéed vegetables or plant-based protein.
- Creamy White Bean Gravy: For a protein-packed and incredibly creamy alternative, create a gravy using cooked white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans). Blend cooked white beans with a bit of plant-based milk (oat milk or soy milk works well for extra creaminess), garlic powder, and onion powder until perfectly smooth. Transfer this mixture to a saucepan and gently simmer, stirring frequently, until it has thickened to your desired consistency. This variation offers a velvety texture and a milder, yet satisfying, flavor.
- Roasted Vegetable Gravy: Elevate your gravy with the deep, caramelized flavors of roasted vegetables. Roast hearty vegetables like carrots, parsnips, celery, onions, and garlic until tender and slightly browned. Once roasted, blend them with unsweetened plant-based milk and a good quality vegetable broth until smooth. This creates a rich, complex, and intensely flavorful gravy that is naturally sweet and full of nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Biscuits: For those with gluten sensitivities, substitute the whole-wheat flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking mix that contains xanthan gum. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly, so add the vegan buttermilk gradually until the dough reaches the right consistency.
- Spice It Up: Don’t be shy with your seasonings! For a smokier flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika to the gravy. A pinch of nutritional yeast can impart a cheesy, umami depth. For an extra kick, increase the chili pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Alternative Plant Milks: While almond milk is used here, feel free to experiment with other unsweetened plant-based milks. Soy milk or oat milk can provide an even creamier texture to the gravy, while cashew milk offers a rich, slightly sweet undertone.
Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Vegan Biscuits and Gravy
Achieving bakery-quality biscuits and a rich, velvety gravy is easier than you think with these expert tips and tricks. Pay attention to these details for the best possible results.
- Handling Biscuit Dough Gently: The key to light and fluffy biscuits is minimal handling of the dough. Overworking the dough develops the gluten, resulting in tough, dense biscuits. Once the wet and dry ingredients are just combined, resist the urge to knead extensively. The dough should look shaggy and slightly sticky. Because this recipe calls for cold vegan butter, work quickly when incorporating it and when shaping the dough to prevent the butter from getting too warm and melting, which can hinder the flakiness.
- Preventing Lumpy Gravy: When preparing the gravy, the secret to a smooth, lump-free sauce is to whisk in your non-dairy milk slowly and gradually. Start by adding a small amount of milk to the flaxseed meal and spices, whisking until a thick paste forms, then slowly incorporate the remaining milk while whisking continuously. This helps dissolve the thickening agent evenly before the sauce fully sets. For an extra layer of savory flavor and umami, consider adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the gravy along with the other spices – it provides a cheesy depth without any dairy.
- Enhancing Gravy Flavor: Beyond the specified herbs, feel free to deepen your gravy’s flavor profile. A splash of tamari or soy sauce can add a fantastic umami punch. A pinch of dried sage, rosemary, or even a touch of liquid smoke can enhance the savory notes. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings to your preference. Don’t forget a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper!
- Storage and Reheating: These homemade vegan biscuits are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the gravy, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat biscuits, a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes will help crisp them up again. Reheat gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of plant milk or water if it has thickened too much.
- Make-Ahead Options: The gravy can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making morning prep even faster. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop. You can also prepare the biscuit dough, cut out the biscuits, and then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Related Recipes:
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy these other comforting and delicious dishes:
- Spicy Potato Soft Taco
- Biscuits N’ Gravy Bake
- Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
Vegan Biscuits and Gravy
Ingredients
Vegan Biscuits
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 4 tbsp cold vegan butter, unsalted
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tbsp sunflower seeds, raw
Mushroom Gravy
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 1/2 lb button mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 lb oyster mushrooms, cut into strips
- 1 tbsp flaxseed meal
- 1 tsp chili pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- sea salt, to taste
- ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- parsley, optional
- chives, optional
Instructions
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Whisk the almond milk and lemon juice to make vegan buttermilk; reserve.
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In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine dry ingredients. Fold in cold butter and combine using your fingers until it looks like sand.
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Create a well in the mixture, and gradually add buttermilk, stirring continuously. Roll out your dough on a flat clean surface, adding some extra flour if the dough seems sticky.
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Use a glass to cut out your biscuits. Arrange the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking pan.
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Bake your biscuits at 400 degrees F for approximately 15 minutes.
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In the meantime, make your gravy. Preheat a saucepan over moderately high heat. Now sauté the onion, adding a few tablespoons of water, until tender and translucent.
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Add in mushrooms and garlic and continue sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes more until fragrant. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
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Add flaxseed meal and spices, and stir for a further 1 minute. Slowly and gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings.
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To serve, split biscuits and top with the warm mushroom gravy. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Devour!
Notes
- serving size: 1 biscuit generously sauced
- each biscuit with gravy is 6 ww points.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.