There’s just something about the flaky, buttery edges and that garlic-cheddar jazz that makes these so irresistible. This Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe brings all those comforting flavors you love, but totally plant-based and easy to whip up anytime.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made these biscuits for friends and family—everyone asks for the recipe! The best part? They’re perfectly fluffy with just the right kick of garlic, minus any dairy or weird substitutes. Plus, they come together fast, which is a total win on busy nights.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples with an easy vegan swap for cheddar that melts beautifully.
- Quick to Prepare: You’ll have them from mixing bowl to baking sheet in under 20 minutes.
- Deliciously Flavorful: Garlic, parsley, and vegan butter topping make these biscuits pop with classic Cheddar Bay Biscuit taste.
- Kid- and Crowd-Friendly: Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a family gathering, these vegan biscuits always impress.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe strikes a perfect balance between gooey cheesiness and tender crumb thanks to just the right mix of plant-based ingredients. Every element has a simple job but comes together effortlessly to create that iconic biscuit flavor and texture.
- Unsweetened soy milk: Acts as liquid to bring dough together and reacts with vinegar to create buttermilk acidity.
- Apple cider vinegar: Curds the soy milk, mimicking traditional buttermilk’s tang and helping the rise.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of these biscuits—makes them tender yet sturdy.
- Baking powder: Key for fluffiness and rise; don’t skip it!
- Garlic powder: Adds that savory Garlic Bay seasoning in every bite.
- Salt and cayenne pepper: Salt enhances flavors while cayenne adds subtle warmth, which you can skip if you prefer mild.
- Melted vegan butter: Gives richness and that buttery biscuit feel.
- Shredded vegan cheddar cheese: Melts into pockets of cheesy goodness—watch it transform as they bake.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the topping with fresh herbal notes and color.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with the herbs and heat level in this Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. Sometimes I swap parsley for chives or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a little twist. The beauty is it’s very forgiving, so you can tweak things based on what you have or prefer.
- Variation: Once, I tossed in some finely diced jalapeños for a spicy version that wowed all my spicy-food-loving guests.
- Dairy-Free Cheese Swap: If you want to skip vegan cheese, nutritional yeast works as a tasty alternative, though you’ll miss those melty gooey bits.
- Milk Alternatives: I’ve used unsweetened almond and oat milk with good results, just be sure they’re plain and unsweetened.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up That Vegan Buttermilk
Start by pouring your unsweetened soy milk into a measuring cup and stirring in apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle—it’s the vegan magic that makes these biscuits rise beautifully with a hint of tang.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and a pinch of cayenne if you want some heat. This mix packs in that classic Cheddar Bay flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour in your vegan buttermilk and melted butter to the dry mix. Stir gently until a thick dough forms—don’t overdo it or the biscuits might turn tough. Once combined, fold in the shredded vegan cheddar cheese using a spatula or your hands for even distribution.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Lightly grease a ¼ cup measuring cup (this prevents sticking) and scoop out dough onto a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each biscuit—they’ll bloom as they bake. Pop them in a 450°F oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and irresistible.
Step 5: Brush on That Garlic Herb Goodness
While the biscuits bake, whisk melted vegan butter with garlic powder and freshly chopped parsley. When the biscuits come out piping hot, brush this fragrant topping on immediately—this step elevates these from great to showstopper.
Top Tip
After making these Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe a bunch of times, I learned a few tricks that make them foolproof and even more delicious:
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until the dough comes together keeps the biscuits tender and fluffy, not dense.
- Use Fresh Vegan Butter: I find that melted vegan butter that’s been cooled for 5 minutes incorporates best and makes for a buttery bite without greasiness.
- Grease Your Scoop: To scoop the dough smoothly and avoid sticky mess, light grease on your measuring cup works wonders.
- Brush Butter While Warm: Brushing the garlic parsley butter while biscuits are hot helps it soak in perfectly, giving that moist and flavorful crust.
How to Serve Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for a sprinkle of extra chopped fresh parsley right before serving—it adds a vibrant pop of color and herbaceous freshness that balances the rich cheese and garlic perfectly.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are the perfect sidekick to vegan chili, hearty soups, or a crisp garden salad. One of my favorites is pairing them with smoky roasted veggies or a vegan “clam chowder”—they soak up every bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner party, I love placing the biscuits in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin, surrounded by small bowls of jams, vegan cheese spreads, or garlic herb dips—makes guests feel like they’re at a cozy seaside feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days—this keeps them tender and fresh without turning soggy. Just reheat like I do below and they’re as good as new!
Freezing
If I’m making a double batch, I freeze extras on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a ziplock bag. That way they don’t stick together, and I can pull out just what I need—super convenient!
Reheating
I reheat biscuits in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes—this revives their crusty edges and melty interior far better than a microwave, which can make them rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Unsweetened almond, oat, or cashew milk work great. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and unflavored for best results.
You can substitute with about ¼ cup of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or try finely chopped vegan mozzarella for melty texture. The flavor won’t be exactly the same but still tasty!
I haven’t tested gluten-free flours with this recipe, but a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose blend might work. Just be aware texture and rise might differ slightly.
Make sure not to overmix the dough and brush the biscuits with the garlic butter topping while still warm—that adds moisture and keeps them tender. Baking just until golden also prevents dryness.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it captures all those nostalgic flavors I missed since going plant-based. Each fluffy, garlicky bite reminds me why cooking vegan can be just as comforting and indulgent as the traditional version. I hope you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you need a warm hug in food form—trust me, these biscuits won’t disappoint!
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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: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delicious dairy-free twist on the classic. Fluffy and flavorful, they feature a savory garlic butter topping and melty vegan cheddar cheese baked within a tender biscuit dough. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or accompaniment to your favorite meals, these biscuits are easy to prepare and bring a comforting plant-based delight to your table.
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 the oven: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Make the buttermilk: In a glass measuring cup, pour unsweetened soy milk and stir in apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle, creating a plant-based buttermilk.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix in wet ingredients: Add the prepared buttermilk and cooled melted vegan butter to the dry ingredient mixture. Stir gently until a thick dough forms, being careful not to over mix. Fold in shredded vegan cheddar cheese using a spatula or your hands to ensure even distribution.
- Scoop dough: Lightly grease a ¼ cup measuring cup and scoop portions of dough, placing them onto the prepared baking sheet with a small space between each biscuit.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the biscuits turn golden brown on top.
- Prepare the topping: While the biscuits bake, mix melted vegan butter, garlic powder, and chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl.
- Brush topping: Remove the warm biscuits from the oven and generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops for added flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Enjoy the biscuits warm. Store leftovers in a covered container for 3 to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- You can substitute unsweetened almond milk or another unsweetened plant milk for soy milk but avoid any versions with added sugar or flavors.
- Gluten free flour may be used as an alternative but has not been tested in this recipe; a quality gluten free mix is recommended for best results.
- If vegan cheese is unavailable or not preferred, replace about ¼ cup of cheese with nutritional yeast to maintain a cheesy flavor.
- Do not over mix the biscuit dough to retain a tender texture.
- Ensure vegan butter used is melted and cooled before mixing to prevent melting the cheese prematurely and affecting texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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