There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh-baked biscuits wafting through your kitchen, especially when they’re loaded with cheesy goodness! These Vegan Cheddar Biscuits prove that plant-based baking can be just as indulgent and satisfying as traditional recipes. With their golden, flaky layers and rich cheddar flavor, these biscuits will have everyone at your table asking for seconds – and they’ll never guess they’re completely dairy-free!
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner, preparing a special holiday meal, or simply craving some homemade comfort food, these vegan cheddar biscuits deliver all the warmth and satisfaction you’re looking for. The best part? They come together in just about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Cheddar Biscuits
Effortlessly Delicious: No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients needed. Just mix, cut, and bake for bakery-quality results every time.
Bold Cheddar Flavor: Sharp vegan cheddar cheese creates that irresistible savory taste that pairs perfectly with soups, stews, or enjoyed on their own with a pat of vegan butter.
Endlessly Adaptable: Add fresh herbs, garlic powder, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. These biscuits are your canvas for creativity!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or your holiday feast, these biscuits elevate every meal.
Ingredient Highlights & Notes
The magic of perfect vegan cheddar biscuits lies in using the right ingredients at the right temperature. Cold vegan butter is absolutely essential for creating those flaky, tender layers that make biscuits irresistible. The key is keeping everything cold until it hits the oven – this creates steam pockets that give you those beautiful, buttery layers.
For the cheese, opt for a high-quality sharp vegan cheddar that melts well. The sharper the flavor, the more pronounced your cheesy taste will be. Don’t be tempted to skimp on the cheese – it’s what makes these biscuits truly special!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (make sure it’s fresh for maximum lift)
- 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher salt work best)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (helps with browning and balances flavors)
Wet & Mix-ins:
- 6 tablespoons cold vegan butter (Earth Balance or Miyoko’s work wonderfully)
- 1 cup sharp vegan cheddar cheese, shredded (Violife or Follow Your Heart recommended)
- 3/4 cup cold unsweetened plant milk (oat or soy milk create the richest flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional, but adds lovely color and flavor)
For Brushing:
- 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter (for that golden, glossy top)
Equipment & Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or two knives (for cutting butter into flour)
- Round biscuit cutter or drinking glass (2.5-3 inch diameter)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl (for melted butter)
- Clean kitchen towel
Instructions & Method
1. Prep Your Oven & Pan (5 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The high heat is crucial for creating those flaky layers, so don’t skip the preheating!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients (2 minutes)
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined. This ensures even distribution and prevents any baking powder clumps.
3. Cut in the Cold Butter (3-4 minutes)
Add the cold vegan butter to your flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces. Tip: Those butter pieces are what create the flaky layers, so don’t overwork it!
4. Add the Cheese (1 minute)
Gently fold in the shredded vegan cheddar and fresh chives (if using). The cheese should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Create the Dough (2-3 minutes)
Pour in the cold plant milk and gently stir with a fork until the dough just comes together. It should look a bit shaggy – resist the urge to overmix! Overmixing leads to tough biscuits.
6. Shape & Cut (5 minutes)
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a rectangle about 3/4 inch thick. Using a round cutter, press straight down without twisting. Pro tip: Twisting the cutter seals the edges and prevents proper rising.
7. Arrange & Brush (2 minutes)
Place biscuits on your prepared baking sheet with sides barely touching – this helps them rise tall. Brush the tops with melted vegan butter for that gorgeous golden color.
8. Bake to Perfection (12-15 minutes)
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits have risen beautifully. You’ll know they’re done when they sound hollow when tapped gently.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Essential Tips for Success
- Keep it Cold: Cold ingredients are non-negotiable for flaky biscuits
- Don’t Overwork: Mix just until combined – lumpy dough is good dough!
- Sharp Cutter: Use a sharp-edged cutter and press straight down
- Close Placement: Biscuits should almost touch on the pan for tall, fluffy results
Delicious Variations
Herb Garden Biscuits: Add 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) along with the chives
Spicy Jalapeño: Fold in 2-3 finely diced jalapeños for a kick that pairs perfectly with hearty soups
Garlic Lover’s: Mix in 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sweet & Savory: Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup and reduce salt to 1/2 teaspoon
Smart Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum if not included)
- Oil Instead of Butter: Use 1/3 cup cold coconut oil, but expect slightly different texture
- Different Cheeses: Try vegan smoked gouda or pepper jack for variety
- Buttermilk Effect: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to your plant milk and let sit 5 minutes
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Biscuits Didn’t Rise: Check your baking powder expiration date and oven temperature
Too Dense: Likely overmixed – handle the dough as little as possible next time
Not Flaky: Butter wasn’t cold enough or was overworked into the flour
Serving Suggestions
These Vegan Cheddar Biscuits are incredibly versatile! Serve them warm alongside a steaming bowl of broccoli cheddar soup for the ultimate comfort meal. They’re also fantastic split open and topped with vegan butter and honey for a sweet-savory breakfast treat.
For holiday meals, these biscuits make an excellent addition to your Thanksgiving spread or Christmas dinner table. They pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, plant-based gravies, and festive cranberry sauce.
Perfect Pairings:
- Creamy tomato soup
- Hearty beef stew (made with plant-based protein)
- Fresh salads with vinaigrette
- Morning coffee or afternoon tea
- Vegan butter and jam for breakfast
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.
Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.
Freezer: These biscuits freeze beautifully for up to 3 months! Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
Make-Ahead Magic
Prep the Night Before: Mix your dry ingredients and store covered. Cut cold butter into small cubes and refrigerate. In the morning, just combine everything and bake!
Freeze Unbaked: Cut your biscuits and place on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes.
Dough Storage: Wrap shaped dough in plastic and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cutting and baking.
Reheating Methods
Oven (Best Method): Wrap in foil and warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes
Microwave: 10-15 seconds per biscuit, but they won’t be as crispy
Toaster: Split and toast cut-side down for crispy edges and warm centers
Nutrition & Dietary Information
Each vegan cheddar biscuit contains approximately:
- Calories: 185
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
Dietary Notes:
✅ Vegan & Dairy-Free
✅ Nut-Free (depending on plant milk choice)
✅ Soy-Free (with oat or rice milk)
⚠️ Contains Gluten (easily adaptable with GF flour)
These biscuits provide a good source of plant-based energy and pair well with protein-rich soups or salads for a balanced meal. The nutritional yeast in some vegan cheeses also adds beneficial B vitamins!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular all-purpose flour for these vegan cheddar biscuits?
A: Absolutely! All-purpose flour works perfectly and gives the best texture. If you prefer whole wheat, substitute up to half the amount, but expect denser biscuits.
Q: Why didn’t my biscuits rise properly?
A: The most common reasons are expired baking powder, overmixing the dough, or ingredients that weren’t cold enough. Make sure your baking powder is fresh and your vegan butter is straight from the fridge!
Q: Can I make these without vegan cheese?
A: While the cheese is what makes these special, you can make plain biscuits by omitting it and adding an extra 1/4 teaspoon salt. Consider adding herbs for extra flavor.
Q: What’s the best vegan cheese for this recipe?
A: Sharp vegan cheddar works best – brands like Violife, Follow Your Heart, or Miyoko’s melt beautifully and provide great flavor. Avoid very soft or spreadable vegan cheeses.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes! This recipe doubles perfectly. Just make sure you have enough oven space and baking sheets. You might need to bake in batches.
Q: How do I know when the biscuits are done?
A: They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when gently tapped. The internal temperature should reach 190°F if you want to be precise.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins to these vegan cheddar biscuits?
A: Definitely! Try adding cooked crumbled vegan bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs. Just don’t add more than 1/2 cup total mix-ins or the structure might suffer.
Conclusion
These Vegan Cheddar Biscuits prove that plant-based baking can be every bit as satisfying and delicious as traditional recipes. With their golden, flaky layers and rich cheesy flavor, they’re bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required.
Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to the incredible aroma of fresh-baked biscuits filling your kitchen. Whether you’re serving them alongside your favorite soup, enjoying them as part of a cozy holiday meal, or simply savoring them warm with a cup of coffee, these vegan cheddar biscuits are sure to bring comfort and joy to your table.
Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and make this recipe your own. Happy baking!
