Biscuits and gravy is a beloved breakfast staple in the Southern U.S., bringing together flaky, soft biscuits and a creamy, savory gravy. But what if you want to enjoy this comfort food without meat? That’s where a vegetarian biscuits and gravy recipe steps in, giving you all the rich, hearty flavors without the need for sausage. This vegetarian version proves that you don’t need meat to create a satisfying, indulgent meal.
In this recipe, we’ll be using plant-based ingredients to make a creamy, flavorful gravy, while the biscuits will still retain that perfect crumbly texture. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to cut back on meat, this dish will hit the spot. And don’t worry-it’s still packed with all the comforting, satisfying goodness you crave!
Vegetarian Biscuits Gravy Recipe
A vegetarian take on the classic biscuits and gravy is simple to make, and you’ll be amazed at how tasty and rich it can be without the meat. The key lies in creating a flavorful base for the gravy using mushrooms, onions, and plant-based milk to bring everything together in a creamy texture. Add a good dose of seasoning, and you’ll be in biscuit and gravy heaven.
Here’s the step-by-step process to create your own vegetarian version:
Ingredients Needed
For the biscuits (you can use store-bought or homemade):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (or vegan butter for a dairy-free version)
- 3/4 cup milk (or a non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for greasing)
For the gravy:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped (cremini, button, or shiitake work well)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth (make sure it’s a low-sodium option for a more controlled flavor)
- 1 cup plant-based milk (such as oat or almond milk for a richer taste)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the gravy)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for depth and flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional for a savory punch)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy, umami flavor)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the biscuits: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you’re making homemade biscuits, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut the cold butter into small cubes, then rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the milk (or plant-based milk), stirring until just combined. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface, knead it a few times, then pat it into a 1-inch thick disk. Cut out the biscuits using a round cutter or a glass and place them on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Cook the gravy: While the biscuits are baking, start preparing the gravy. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring often, until they become soft and translucent-about 5 minutes. Then, add the chopped mushrooms and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked mushrooms and onions, stirring constantly for about a minute to cook the flour out and form a roux (a thick paste). This helps thicken your gravy later.
- Add the liquids: Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to prevent any lumps. Once it’s fully incorporated, add the plant-based milk, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, and nutritional yeast. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Assemble: Once the biscuits are baked and golden, split them in half and ladle the vegetarian gravy over the top. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in this dish serves a purpose-whether it’s for texture, flavor, or thickening. Let’s break down some of the important ones:
- Mushrooms: These mushrooms are key to replicating the hearty, meaty flavor of traditional sausage gravy. Mushrooms have umami compounds (like glutamate) that naturally give a savory taste, which adds depth to the gravy and helps mimic the richness of meat.
- Plant-Based Milk: Using non-dairy milk, such as oat milk, contributes to the creamy texture without relying on animal products. Oat milk, in particular, has a natural sweetness and richness that works beautifully in savory dishes like this.
- Flour: The flour not only thickens the gravy but also helps bind all the flavors together. By creating a roux (flour and fat mixture), you ensure that the gravy has a smooth consistency that clings perfectly to the biscuits.
- Nutritional Yeast: This magical ingredient is packed with a cheesy, umami flavor that enhances the richness of the gravy. It’s a staple for many plant-based recipes, bringing depth and complexity without the need for dairy.
Expert Tips
- Use cold butter for biscuits: Cold butter helps the biscuits rise beautifully. It creates pockets of air when it melts in the oven, leading to that perfect flaky texture.
- Don’t skip the roux: The roux is essential for a thick, creamy gravy. If you’re in a rush, you might be tempted to skip this step, but trust me-taking the time to cook the flour with the mushrooms and onions creates the silky smooth texture you’re after.
- Adjust the seasoning: Vegetarian gravies can sometimes be a little bland without the deep flavors of meat. Don’t be afraid to play around with herbs and spices to elevate the flavor. Smoked paprika adds an extra smokiness, while thyme brings a fresh, earthy note.
- Make it ahead: You can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat it slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of plant-based milk if it thickens too much.
Recipe Variations
There are plenty of ways to personalize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter for vegan butter, and use a non-dairy milk (like oat milk) for the gravy. Ensure the biscuits are also dairy-free by using a plant-based milk and butter substitute.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make both the biscuits and the gravy. Just make sure the flour blend you choose has a good texture for baking.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to throw in additional vegetables to the gravy, like bell peppers, spinach, or kale for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the gravy. This will give it a zesty twist and a bit of extra warmth.
Final Words
Vegetarian biscuits and gravy is a meal that comforts and satisfies. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly hearty, making it the perfect start to your day. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re looking to avoid meat, trying to cut down on your environmental impact, or just craving a healthier alternative, this recipe doesn’t sacrifice any flavor or comfort.
FAQs
What Is Vegetarian Biscuits And Gravy?
Vegetarian biscuits and gravy is a plant-based variation of the classic Southern comfort food, replacing meat-based gravy with a vegetarian-friendly version. It typically uses a creamy sauce made from plant-based ingredients such as vegetable broth, plant milk, and flour, served over soft, flaky biscuits.
Can I Use Store-bought Biscuits For Vegetarian Biscuits And Gravy?
Yes, you can use store-bought biscuits to save time. Look for vegetarian or vegan options that don’t contain any animal products like dairy or eggs. Many brands now offer plant-based biscuit alternatives.
How Do I Make The Vegetarian Gravy Thick Enough?
To thicken the vegetarian gravy, you can use a roux (flour and fat mixture) or cornstarch slurry. Typically, equal parts flour and plant-based butter or oil are cooked together to create a base, then liquid (like vegetable broth or plant milk) is added slowly while stirring to reach the desired consistency.
What Are Some Good Substitutes For Sausage In Vegetarian Biscuits And Gravy?
For a sausage substitute, you can use plant-based sausage crumbles or crumble firm tofu seasoned with spices like sage, fennel, and black pepper to mimic the flavor and texture of sausage. Another option is using finely chopped mushrooms, which offer a meaty texture.
Can I Make Vegetarian Biscuits And Gravy Gluten-free?
Yes, you can make vegetarian biscuits and gravy gluten-free by using gluten-free biscuits and substituting the flour in the gravy with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Make sure all ingredients, like the vegetable broth, are also gluten-free.
What Type Of Milk Can I Use For The Vegetarian Gravy?
You can use any plant-based milk such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. Choose a milk with a neutral flavor (like oat milk) or one with a creamier texture (like coconut milk) for a richer gravy.
How Can I Add Flavor To The Vegetarian Gravy?
To enhance the flavor of the vegetarian gravy, you can add ingredients like nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, garlic and onion powder for depth, and soy sauce or tamari for umami. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage also help to deepen the flavor profile.
Is It Possible To Make The Gravy Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make the vegetarian gravy ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the gravy on low heat, adding a little extra plant-based milk if it has thickened too much.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes To Serve With Vegetarian Biscuits And Gravy?
Vegetarian biscuits and gravy pairs well with fresh fruit, sautéed greens (like spinach or kale), roasted potatoes, or a simple salad. For added protein, you can serve it alongside a tofu scramble or plant-based sausage patties.
Can I Make Vegetarian Biscuits And Gravy Vegan?
Yes, vegetarian biscuits and gravy is naturally vegan if you ensure all ingredients are plant-based. Use vegan biscuits (free from dairy and eggs) and plant-based butter, milk, and a vegan-friendly broth for the gravy. Be mindful of checking the label on store-bought products like broth and biscuits.