The Ultimate Vegan Biscuits and Gravy: A Creamy, Flavorful, and Easy Plant-Based Comfort Food Recipe
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this incredible vegan biscuits and gravy recipe! It’s the epitome of comfort food, bursting with rich, savory flavors, and boasting a delightfully creamy texture. Best of all, it’s 100% plant-based, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, without sacrificing an ounce of its classic appeal. This recipe is designed to be effortlessly delicious, ensuring a satisfying meal that will quickly become a household favorite.
Biscuits and gravy hold a special place in the hearts of comfort food enthusiasts. Traditionally, this hearty dish is renowned for its tender biscuits smothered in a thick, savory gravy, often featuring sausage or other meats. The combination is undeniably satisfying, offering warmth and a rich, meaty flavor profile that is deeply comforting.
However, traditional biscuits and gravy typically rely heavily on animal products. This inspired the creation of this plant-based version, which stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its conventional counterpart in terms of flavor and texture, yet is entirely vegan! You might wonder if going vegan compromises the experience, but rest assured, this recipe maintains every desirable quality: it’s incredibly creamy, surprisingly “meaty,” wonderfully juicy, and utterly comforting. You won’t miss a thing!
This versatile vegan biscuits and gravy can be enjoyed at any meal. While it makes a phenomenal breakfast or brunch, especially when served alongside a creamy tofu scramble, it’s equally delightful for a cozy dinner. Imagine a lazy Sunday morning or a brisk evening made brighter by a plate of these homemade vegan delights. Its ease of preparation also makes it perfect for feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to something special.
Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Gravy
Crafting the perfect vegan gravy starts with selecting the right plant-based ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that rich, savory, and creamy profile you crave. Below, we’ll delve into the key ingredients, offering insights and tips for the best results. For the precise quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Vegan Biscuits: The foundation of this dish! We highly recommend making a batch of homemade vegan biscuits to complement your gravy perfectly. Our signature recipe for fluffy vegan (and gluten-free!) biscuits is ideal. Preparing these ahead of time ensures they are ready to be warmed and topped with your freshly made gravy.
- Vegan Sausage: This is where the “meaty” heart of your gravy comes from. High-quality vegan sausage crumbles or ground vegan beef alternatives (such as Impossible™ or Beyond Meat™) work wonderfully. These products are designed to brown beautifully and infuse your gravy with a depth of savory flavor, mimicking traditional sausage gravy without any actual meat.
- Vegan Butter: Essential for sautéing the vegan sausage and creating a rich roux. Look for stick vegan butter that performs similarly to dairy butter in cooking. It contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel and flavor of the gravy.
- Unsweetened Vegan Milk: The key to a creamy, dairy-free gravy. It’s crucial to use unsweetened varieties, as sweetened milk would drastically alter the savory flavor profile. Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are excellent choices, with full-fat oat milk often providing the richest consistency.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a roux with the vegan butter, which is the thickening agent for the gravy. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though results may vary slightly.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples are vital for building a robust, aromatic flavor base in your gravy. They provide a foundational savory essence that complements the vegan sausage and other seasonings.
- Sea Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Fundamental for seasoning. Always taste and adjust as you go to achieve your preferred level of seasoning. Freshly ground black pepper offers the best aroma and flavor.
How to Make Vegan Biscuits and Gravy
Despite its rich and complex flavor, this vegan biscuits and gravy recipe is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any day of the week. Follow these simple steps to create a truly unforgettable plant-based meal:
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits. Before you even think about the gravy, get your biscuits sorted. We recommend baking a fresh batch of our fluffy vegan biscuits. You can bake them just before starting the gravy, or even make them ahead of time and gently warm them in the oven while you prepare the gravy. Serving warm biscuits is key to the ultimate comfort food experience!
Step 2: Cook the Vegan Sausage. Heat a large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your chosen vegan sausage or ground vegan beef. Sauté the meat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it browns and develops a nice color. If needed, you can add a tablespoon of vegan butter halfway through to help prevent sticking and encourage even browning, enhancing the “meaty” flavor depth.
Step 3: Create the Roux. Once the vegan sausage is browned, sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the meat in the pan. Stir vigorously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste and combine thoroughly with any remaining fats from the sausage and butter. This creates your roux, which is essential for thickening the gravy.
Step 4: Slowly Add Vegan Milk. Reduce the heat to medium. Begin slowly pouring in the unsweetened vegan milk, about ½ cup at a time, continuously stirring or whisking as you add it. This gradual addition is crucial for preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth, creamy emulsion. Continue stirring until all the milk is fully incorporated into the sausage and flour mixture. The mixture will start to thicken as it heats.
Step 5: Season the Gravy. Once the milk is fully incorporated, add the garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper to the pan. Stir vigorously to ensure all the seasonings are thoroughly combined and distributed throughout the gravy. This is also a good time to taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 6: Simmer to Thicken. Reduce the heat to low. Allow the gravy to gently simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. During this time, the sauce will continue to thicken to a luscious consistency. Keep an eye on it and continue stirring to prevent scorching. If it becomes too thick, you can whisk in a tablespoon or two of extra vegan milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7: Finish and Serve. Once your gravy has reached its ideal thickness and creaminess, remove the pan from the heat. Spoon generous amounts of the hot, savory gravy over your warm vegan biscuits. Garnish with fresh chives or a dash of hot sauce if desired, and serve immediately for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Tips for Achieving Perfect Vegan Biscuits and Gravy Every Time
While this recipe is straightforward, a few key techniques can elevate your vegan biscuits and gravy from good to absolutely outstanding. Pay attention to these tips for the best possible results:
- Achieve Golden Browning on the Vegan “Meat”: Don’t just cook the vegan sausage until it’s heated through. Take the time to sauté it until it gets a nice, golden-brown color on the edges. This browning isn’t just for aesthetics; it triggers the Maillard reaction, developing deeper, more complex savory flavors that are essential for a truly rich gravy.
- Add the Vegan Milk Gradually and with Patience: This is arguably the most crucial step for a smooth, lump-free, and creamy gravy. Resist the urge to dump all the milk in at once. Adding it slowly, about half a cup at a time, while continuously whisking, allows the flour particles to absorb the liquid evenly and prevent clumping. If you add the milk too quickly, the starch in the flour can seize up, making it difficult to achieve that desired creamy emulsion. Patience here will be greatly rewarded!
- Customize the Gravy’s Consistency to Your Liking: Gravy preference is personal – some enjoy a thick, hearty consistency, while others prefer something a bit looser. During the final simmering stage, you have full control. If your gravy seems too thin after 2-3 minutes, let it simmer for another minute or two, stirring, until it thickens to your preference. If it becomes too thick, simply whisk in a tablespoon or two of extra unsweetened vegan milk until you reach your ideal consistency.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your gravy before serving. Salt and pepper are foundational, but you might find it needs a pinch more garlic or onion powder, or even a dash of a secret ingredient like nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy, umami kick.
- Serve Immediately on Warm Biscuits: Biscuits and gravy are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Ensure your biscuits are warm, as cold biscuits will cool down the gravy too quickly and diminish the overall experience.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the gravy.
Serving Suggestions for Your Vegan Biscuits and Gravy
While vegan biscuits and gravy are a complete and satisfying meal on their own, they also pair beautifully with a variety of other dishes, making them versatile for any occasion. Consider these delicious serving ideas:
- Classic Breakfast Plate: Serve alongside creamy tofu scramble, crispy vegan bacon, and a side of fresh fruit for a hearty, traditional breakfast spread.
- Brunch Extravaganza: Elevate your brunch by including this dish with vegan hash browns, roasted vegetables, or even a light green salad to balance the richness.
- Savory Dinner Option: Don’t limit it to breakfast! This can be a comforting dinner, perhaps accompanied by steamed greens, roasted potatoes, or a simple side of grits.
- Creative Twists: Use the gravy as a filling for savory vegan crepes or combine it with leftover roasted vegetables for a deconstructed pot pie.
Storing Leftovers and Freezing Instructions
Batch cooking this delicious vegan gravy is a fantastic idea, as it stores and reheats beautifully, making future meals even easier. However, there are a few important considerations for proper storage to maintain its quality.
- Refrigeration: The prepared gravy can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave. Gravy tends to thicken further as it cools, so you may need to whisk in a splash of additional unsweetened vegan milk to achieve your desired consistency while reheating.
- Storing Biscuits Separately: It’s crucial to store biscuits and gravy separately. Biscuits, especially homemade ones, can become soggy if stored with the gravy. Keep biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
- Freezing Gravy: Yes, you can freeze this gravy! Transfer the cooled gravy to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating Frozen Gravy: To reheat, thaw the frozen gravy overnight in the refrigerator. Then, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave. Just like with refrigerated gravy, you will likely need to whisk in a small amount of vegan milk to bring it back to its creamy, original consistency. Do not refreeze thawed gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions you might have about making this delightful vegan biscuits and gravy:
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! The biscuits linked in this recipe are already gluten-free. For the gravy, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your vegan sausage is also gluten-free if you have sensitivities.
- What kind of vegan sausage works best? Many brands offer excellent vegan sausage crumbles or ground beef alternatives that work perfectly. Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods offer great options. Look for varieties with a savory, slightly peppery flavor profile to best replicate traditional sausage gravy.
- What if I don’t like vegan meat substitutes? Can I still make this? Yes! You can create a delicious mushroom-based gravy. Sauté finely chopped mushrooms (cremini or button work well) until deeply browned and much of their liquid has evaporated, then proceed with the flour and milk steps. This will yield a rich, umami-packed gravy without any mock meat.
- How can I add more spice to my gravy? For a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the gravy along with the other seasonings. Adjust to your desired level of spice.
- My gravy is lumpy, what went wrong? Lumps usually occur when the milk is added too quickly or not stirred consistently. If your gravy is lumpy, you can try whisking it vigorously to break up the lumps. For a perfectly smooth gravy, you can carefully strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking, though this isn’t usually necessary if the milk is added slowly with constant stirring.
Biscuits and Gravy
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Ingredients
- 1 pound vegan sausage , (or even vegan beef like Impossible burger or Beyond burger)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 3/4 – 3 cups vegan milk
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Start by preparing a batch of our delightful vegan biscuits. You can bake these just before you begin the gravy, or even make them in advance and gently warm them in the oven as you cook the gravy, ensuring they are perfectly hot and fresh when serving.
- In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat to medium-high. Add the vegan sausage (or vegan ground beef) and sauté, breaking it apart with a slotted wooden spoon. Cook until the ‘meat’ turns golden brown, typically around 5-7 minutes. Halfway through cooking, you can add 2 tablespoons of vegan butter to aid browning and prevent sticking, enhancing the savory flavor.
- Evenly sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegan ‘meat’. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated and cooked, forming a cohesive roux with any remaining fats. This step is crucial for thickening the gravy and eliminating a raw flour taste.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Slowly begin to pour in the unsweetened vegan milk, approximately ½ cup at a time, while continuously stirring or whisking the mixture. This gradual addition is key to preventing lumps and achieving a smooth, creamy texture. Continue stirring until all the milk is thoroughly combined into the sausage-flour mixture and begins to thicken.
- Now, add the garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Stir vigorously to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed and fully combined, building the deep savory flavor of the gravy.
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Continue to stir frequently and allow the gravy to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can whisk in an additional tablespoon or two of vegan milk until it reaches your preferred richness and flow.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Spoon the warm, luscious gravy generously over your hot vegan biscuits. Garnish with fresh chives, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra touch of flavor and color. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.