Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is one of those cozy comfort foods that just melt your stress away with every bite. Crisp golden tops, soft fluffy insides, and that garlicky, buttery finish make it impossible to have just one. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep a batch ready for all your mealtime cravings.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is a game changer for anyone avoiding dairy but missing those classic buttery biscuits. It’s so satisfying to whip these up at home — tastes just like the real thing but plant-based and easy to make anytime you want that warm, comforting side.
- Authentic Flavor: The garlicky, cheesy vegan butter topping perfectly mimics the beloved Red Lobster biscuits without any dairy.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry, and the method is straightforward.
- Great Texture: Tender, fluffy insides with just the right golden crust — no weird gums or fillers needed.
- Customizable: Add extra herbs or spices to make them your own, and they still turn out perfect every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here plays a key role in nailing the texture and flavor of these biscuits. Using unsweetened soy milk with apple cider vinegar creates a vegan “buttermilk” that adds tang and tenderness, while vegan cheddar cheese brings the savory richness that makes these biscuits so addictive.
- Unsweetened soy milk: Ideal for making vegan buttermilk; its neutral flavor won’t interfere with the biscuits’ savory taste.
- Apple cider vinegar: The acid that curdles the soy milk to mimic classic buttermilk’s tang.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect crumb when combined with the leavening.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives these biscuits their fluff and rise.
- Garlic powder: Adds that signature gentle garlic flavor throughout.
- Salt: Crucial to balance and bring out flavors.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Just a pinch to add a subtle kick, but you can skip if you prefer mild.
- Melted vegan butter: Makes the dough tender and rich, plus it’s used for the delicious topping.
- Shredded vegan cheddar cheese: The star ingredient for that classic cheesy goodness.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the topping with a fresh aroma and color contrast.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Sometimes, I love tossing in a bit of smoked paprika or fresh chopped rosemary to give it a new twist. Feel free to make it your own—you can’t go wrong here.
- Cheese Variation: I’ve experimented with different vegan cheddar brands; some melt better, so it’s worth trying a few to find your favorite gooey factors.
- Spicy kick: If you like heat, add more cayenne or a pinch of chili flakes into the dough for a little surprise.
- Garlic Lovers: Double up the garlic powder in the topping for that bold garlic buttery finish I can’t get enough of.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prep & Make Vegan Buttermilk
First things first—preheat your oven to a toasty 450°F and lightly grease your baking sheet. Then mix the unsweetened soy milk with the apple cider vinegar in a glass measuring cup. Set it aside—it will start to curdle and thicken into the perfect vegan “buttermilk” texture. This takes just a few minutes but sets the foundation for fluffy biscuits.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). This is where your biscuits get all their flavor and lift, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry to Form the Dough
Pour your vegan buttermilk and melted vegan butter into the dry mix and stir with a spoon until just combined — don’t overwork the dough or the biscuits might turn out dense. Then gently fold in the shredded vegan cheddar cheese. I sometimes use my hands here to fold it in evenly without squishing the dough.
Step 4: Scoop & Bake to Golden Perfection
Lightly grease a ¼ cup measuring cup (it makes scooping easier) and portion out the dough onto your baking sheet, leaving a little space between each biscuit. Into the oven they go for 12-15 minutes until golden brown on top. That’s when you know they’re ready!
Step 5: Brush With Garlic Butter Topping & Serve
While the biscuits are still warm, mix the melted vegan butter, garlic powder, and fresh parsley. Brush this fragrant topping over the tops of the biscuits, coating them in deliciousness. Serve them warm—it’s the best way to enjoy those melty, garlicky flavors.
Top Tip
I’ve baked a lot of vegan biscuits, and the secret to my success with this Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe always comes down to how I treat the dough and the vegan cheese.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing until just combined keeps your biscuits tender; overworking makes them tough.
- Chill the Dough if Needed: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough slightly helps keep the butter from melting before baking, which improves texture.
- Even Cheese Distribution: Folding the cheese in by hand ensures every biscuit has just the right cheesy pockets.
- Brush Immediately: Don’t wait to brush the garlic butter topping—warm biscuits absorb it better and it adds to that irresistible aroma.
How to Serve Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a bit of finely chopped fresh parsley on top after brushing with garlic butter—it brightens up the look and adds a fresh pop of flavor. Sometimes, I’ll add a pinch of smoked paprika or some red pepper flakes for color and a slight smoky twist. Simple but effective!
Side Dishes
These biscuits are fantastic alongside vegan chili or any hearty stew. I’ve also paired them with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal. Honestly, they’re the perfect savory companion to lots of dishes, especially when you want something warm and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving them in a cute basket lined with a patterned cloth napkin. You could also top each biscuit with a little fresh herb sprig or even vegan cream cheese mixed with chives for an extra drip of luxury. They’re perfect finger foods that impress but need zero fancy plating skills.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover biscuits taste great reheated and stay soft for about 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature. I usually keep mine covered on the counter if I plan to eat them soon, but if your kitchen is warm, the fridge also works.
Freezing
Freezing is a lifesaver for this Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. Just wrap each cooled biscuit in foil or parchment paper and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want one, thaw a few at room temperature, then reheat gently in the oven. They freeze and reheat really well without losing texture.
Reheating
I prefer reheating these biscuits in the oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. It crisps up the edges nicely while keeping the inside soft and melty. Avoid microwaving if you can since it makes them chewy or soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While I use unsweetened soy milk because it curdles well and has a neutral taste, almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk will also work. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and unsweetened varieties tend to curdle better when combined with vinegar.
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour blend. I recommend one with xanthan gum included for binding. Keep in mind that texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
Yes! You can prepare the biscuit dough up to the scooping step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can actually help develop the flavors. Just bring the dough back to room temperature before scooping and baking.
Different vegan cheeses melt differently; I find shredded vegan cheddar with a high-fat content melts best in this recipe. Also, folding it gently into the dough and baking at a hot 450°F helps melt it into those gooey pockets you’re aiming for.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen rotation. It’s the little joy that makes any meal feel like a celebration. I hope you find just as much comfort and fun in making these biscuits as I do. Grab your vegan butter and cheese, warm up the oven, and prepare to impress yourself and everyone at your table. You’re going to love how easy and tasty this recipe is—happy baking!
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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: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits are soft, fluffy, and bursting with cheesy, garlicky flavor. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, they mimic the beloved Red Lobster biscuits but are 100% plant-based, made with vegan cheese and butter.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened soy milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup melted vegan butter (cooled for 5 minutes)
- 3 tablespoons melted vegan butter (for topping)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shredded vegan cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Make the buttermilk: Combine the unsweetened soy milk and apple cider vinegar in a glass measuring cup, stir, and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to curdle, creating vegan buttermilk.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper thoroughly.
- Mix in wet ingredients: Add the vegan buttermilk and cooled melted vegan butter to the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender. Gently fold in the shredded vegan cheddar cheese by hand if needed.
- Scoop dough: Lightly grease a ¼ cup measuring cup and scoop biscuit dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the biscuits apart.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, stir together the melted vegan butter, garlic powder, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Brush and serve: Brush the warm biscuits with the garlic butter topping, then serve immediately for best flavor and texture. Leftover biscuits can be stored covered for 3-4 days or frozen.
Notes
- Use a light hand when mixing the dough to keep biscuits tender and fluffy.
- The cayenne pepper is optional, but it adds a subtle heat that complements the cheese and garlic flavors.
- Brushing the biscuits with the garlic butter immediately after baking enhances their flavor and moisture.
- Vegan cheddar cheese can be substituted with other plant-based cheeses if desired.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, adjusting liquid as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 206 kcal
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 281 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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