Hearty Vegan Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: The Ultimate Plant-Based Comfort Food Brunch

If you’re a devoted fan of classic biscuits and gravy, prepare to be absolutely delighted by this incredible vegan biscuits and gravy casserole! It captures all the comforting warmth and savory goodness you adore, transformed into a crowd-pleasing, plant-based casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. This innovative dish takes a beloved comfort food and elevates it, making it accessible and delicious for everyone, whether they follow a vegan diet or simply appreciate a fantastic meal.

Biscuits and gravy is undeniably a quintessential comfort food, a dish cherished across generations for its hearty and satisfying nature. But what if you could take that beloved classic and make it even better, transforming it into a convenient, family-style meal? That’s precisely what this vegan biscuits and gravy casserole achieves. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience, bringing together all the familiar flavors in a format that’s perfect for feeding a gathering.

This exquisite vegan biscuits and gravy casserole is a masterful symphony of textures and tastes. It features tender, fluffy, and flaky vegan biscuits, providing the perfect base. Layered generously on top are savory sautéed mushrooms, which lend an umami depth and a delightful texture, perfectly mimicking the richness often found in traditional sausage gravy. A luscious, creamy homemade gravy ties all the elements together, while generous amounts of melty plant-based cheddar cheese add an irresistible gooey factor. While it makes for an absolutely sensational savory breakfast or brunch option, don’t let that limit your imagination! This versatile casserole is equally fantastic when served for a comforting dinner, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal any time of day.

To truly achieve the ultimate experience, I highly recommend using my homemade vegan biscuits. They bring an unmatched level of freshness and flakiness to the casserole. However, for those busy mornings or when time is of the essence, a convenient shortcut is to use store-bought biscuit dough. Just remember to carefully check the labels to ensure you select an option that is completely free from eggs and dairy, making it suitable for a plant-based diet. Many mainstream brands now offer accidentally vegan biscuit options, so keep an eye out!

Why This Vegan Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Will Become Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons why this vegan biscuits and gravy casserole isn’t just a recipe, but a guaranteed culinary triumph that will earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Here’s a closer look at what makes it so irresistible:

• Unrivaled Cozy Comfort: Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, fluffy biscuits drenched in a rich, savory gravy, all complemented by pockets of gooey, melted cheese. This casserole is the embodiment of comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly mornings, a weekend brunch, or a soul-satisfying dinner after a long day. The combination of textures and deep, savory flavors creates a truly heartwarming experience that feels like a big, delicious hug.
• Fantastic Prep-Ahead Options for Convenience: Life can be hectic, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a hearty, homemade meal. This casserole is incredibly versatile when it comes to prep-ahead strategies. You can prepare the sautéed mushrooms and the creamy gravy up to 2-3 days in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For ultimate convenience, assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. The next morning, simply pop it into the oven, allowing you to wake up to the delicious aroma of a freshly baked meal with minimal effort. This flexibility makes it ideal for entertaining or for ensuring a comforting breakfast is always within reach.
• A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser for Any Gathering: Whether you’re hosting a leisurely Sunday brunch, contributing to a potluck, or simply cooking for your family, this vegan biscuits and gravy casserole is an absolute hit. Its familiar flavors, combined with the exciting plant-based twist, appeal to a wide range of palates. Even those who typically enjoy traditional biscuits and gravy are often surprised and delighted by how satisfying and flavorful this vegan version is. It’s a dish that sparks conversation and encourages second helpings, making it a centerpiece that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Key Ingredients for Your Vegan Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Before you dive into the culinary magic, let’s go over the essential ingredients. You’ll find the precise quantities and detailed recipe instructions in the comprehensive recipe card located further down this page. Each component plays a crucial role in creating this magnificent dish.

• Vegan Biscuits – The foundation of our casserole! You can either double my highly recommended homemade vegan buttermilk biscuit recipe for the freshest, flakiest results, or opt for the convenience of store-bought biscuit dough. When choosing store-bought, always check labels to ensure they are free of dairy and eggs. Popular accidentally vegan brands include Pillsbury Grands! Southern Homestyle Original or Buttermilk Biscuits, Pillsbury Flaky Layers, Annie’s Organic Flaky Biscuits, Immaculate Organic Flaky Biscuits, and Great Value Buttermilk Biscuits.
• Vegan Butter – Essential for creating a rich, flavorful gravy and sautéing our mushrooms. Use your favorite store-bought vegan butter brand, or for an extra touch of homemade goodness, try my homemade vegan butter recipe.
• All-Purpose Flour – This common pantry staple is crucial for thickening our creamy gravy, ensuring it has that perfect, velvety consistency that coats every biscuit piece.
• Plain Unsweetened Plant Milk – The liquid base for our savory gravy. Any variety you prefer or have on hand will work beautifully. Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk are all excellent choices. Ensure it’s unsweetened and plain to avoid altering the savory flavor profile of the gravy.
• Salt – A fundamental seasoning that enhances all the other flavors in both the gravy and the mushrooms. We’ll divide it between the two components for balanced seasoning.
• Cracked Black Pepper – Adds a subtle warmth and a classic peppery bite to the gravy, elevating its overall flavor. Freshly cracked pepper provides the best aroma and taste.
• Olive Oil – Used for sautéing the mushrooms, helping them brown beautifully and absorb the delicious spices.
• Baby Bella/Cremini Mushrooms – These mushrooms are fantastic for adding a rich, earthy, umami flavor and a satisfying texture that stands in for meat in traditional gravies. While regular white button mushrooms can be used, cremini offer a more robust and deeper flavor profile that is truly recommended for this recipe.
• Fennel Seeds – This is the secret ingredient that truly transforms our mushroom mixture, imparting a distinct, aromatic flavor reminiscent of traditional breakfast sausage. It adds an authentic “sausage gravy” taste without any meat.
• Brown Sugar – An optional addition that helps to balance the savory and spicy notes in the mushroom mixture, adding a touch of subtle sweetness. I recommend using light brown sugar for a milder sweetness.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Allows you to customize the heat level of your casserole. Add as much or as little as you like to introduce a pleasant kick that complements the savory elements.
• Paprika – Contributes a beautiful color and a mild, slightly smoky flavor to the mushroom mixture, enhancing its overall appeal.
• Garlic Powder – A versatile seasoning that adds a pungent, savory depth to the mushrooms, rounding out the spice blend.
• Dried Sage – Another classic herb that brings an earthy, peppery, and slightly minty note, often associated with traditional sausage flavors, further enhancing the authenticity of our vegan “sausage” gravy.
• Vegan Egg Batter – This is key for creating a cohesive, custardy layer that binds the casserole together and adds moisture. For the best results, it’s crucial to use a high-quality store-bought vegan egg batter. I highly recommend brands like Just Egg, VeganEgg by Follow Your Heart, or Simply Eggless Plant Based Egg, as they provide the best texture and performance in this recipe. Homemade flax or tofu scrambles are not suitable for this specific binding purpose.
• Vegan Shredded Cheddar Cheese – For that undeniably delicious, melty, gooey layer that brings extra richness and flavor. Popular and effective store-bought brands that melt beautifully include Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds, So Delicious Plant-Based Cheddar Style Shreds, Follow Your Heart Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese, and Violife Just Like Cheddar Shreds.
• Green Onion or Fresh Chives – An optional but highly recommended garnish. Sliced green onions or fresh chives add a pop of color, a hint of fresh oniony flavor, and a vibrant finish to each serving, enhancing both presentation and taste.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Irresistible Vegan Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Crafting this delightful vegan biscuits and gravy casserole is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to bring this comforting meal to life in your kitchen:

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish and Biscuits: Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, lightly coat a large 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Next, take your vegan biscuits (whether homemade or store-bought) and cut each one into four equal pieces. Arrange these biscuit pieces in a single, even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms the essential fluffy base for your casserole.

2. Sauté the Flavorful Mushrooms: Place a medium skillet over medium-high heat on your stovetop. Add the olive oil and allow it to warm up. Once shimmering, add the sliced baby bella/cremini mushrooms and ½ teaspoon of the divided salt. Sauté the mushrooms for approximately 5 minutes, or until they have softened and released their moisture, developing a lovely golden hue. At this point, stir in the fennel seeds, optional brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, garlic powder, and dried sage. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant and coat the mushrooms beautifully. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the mushroom mixture aside; it’s packed with incredible savory flavors.

3. Craft the Creamy Gravy: In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Once completely melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Continue to whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste and form a smooth roux. This step is crucial for a lump-free gravy. Gradually, and very slowly, pour in the plain unsweetened plant milk, whisking continuously as you add it. This ensures the gravy remains smooth and thickens perfectly without lumps. Once all the milk is incorporated and the gravy reaches your desired consistency (it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon), remove it from the heat. Whisk in the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and the cracked black pepper. Set your creamy, savory gravy aside.

4. Assemble the Layers: Now, it’s time to bring all the delicious components together. Carefully spread the sautéed mushroom mixture evenly over the layer of biscuit pieces in your baking dish. Next, generously sprinkle the shredded vegan cheddar cheese over the mushrooms, ensuring good coverage for maximum meltiness. Pour the vegan egg batter evenly over the cheese layer; this will act as a binder, creating a delicious, custardy texture. Finally, gently pour the prepared creamy gravy mixture over everything, ensuring it seeps down and coats all the layers.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the assembled baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top, bubbly around the edges, and the biscuits are cooked through. The vegan egg layer should be set, and the cheese wonderfully melted. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve clean, hearty portions. Garnish with fresh green onions or chives for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Expert Tips for a Flawless Vegan Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Achieving a perfect vegan biscuits and gravy casserole is simple when you follow these helpful tips and tricks. These small details can make a big difference in the final outcome, ensuring your dish is nothing short of amazing:

• Master the Gravy: Pour the Milk in Slowly and Whisk Constantly: This is perhaps the most critical tip for achieving a smooth, velvety, and lump-free gravy. After you’ve melted the vegan butter and whisked in the flour to create a roux, begin adding the plant milk very gradually, a little at a time. Simultaneously, whisk continuously and vigorously. This slow addition and constant whisking prevent lumps from forming, ensuring your gravy is perfectly creamy and silky every time. Patience here will be rewarded with an impeccable gravy.
• Choose the Right “Egg”: Opt for Store-Bought Vegan Egg Batter: While I am a huge proponent of homemade vegan alternatives like flax egg for baking or a flavorful tofu scramble for breakfast, these are not suitable substitutes for the vegan egg layer in this specific casserole recipe. The texture and binding properties required here necessitate a store-bought liquid vegan egg batter (such as Just Egg, VeganEgg, or Simply Eggless). These products are formulated to set and create a custardy, cohesive layer that holds the casserole together beautifully, which traditional homemade alternatives cannot replicate in this context.
• Patience is a Virtue: Let the Casserole Cool Before Serving: It can be tempting to dive right into this delicious casserole the moment it comes out of the oven. However, allowing the casserole to rest for at least 5-10 minutes after baking is crucial. This resting period gives the various layers – particularly the gravy and the vegan egg batter – time to set properly. This means your casserole will hold its shape better when sliced, resulting in cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing portions that are easier to serve and enjoy.

Exciting Variations to Customize Your Casserole

One of the beauties of this vegan biscuits and gravy casserole is its adaptability. There are numerous ways to put your own spin on it and tailor it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few creative ideas to inspire you:

• Go for Vegan Sausage: If you’re craving that classic “sausage gravy” experience, you can easily skip the mushrooms and their specific seasonings (fennel, brown sugar, sage) and instead use crumbled vegan sausage. Simply brown your favorite vegan sausage (like those from Beyond Meat, Impossible, or Lightlife) in the skillet before incorporating it into the casserole. This variation delivers a heartier, more intensely savory flavor profile that truly mimics traditional meat-based versions.
• Experiment with Different Gravies: While the homemade gravy in this recipe is fantastic, you can certainly swap it out for another favorite. For a slightly different flavor or if you already have a go-to, consider using my versatile Vegan Gravy recipe. It’s rich, flavorful, and a wonderful alternative that will still complement the biscuits beautifully.
• Boost the Cheesy Flavor Without Shredded Cheese: If you want to reduce the amount of shredded vegan cheese or simply prefer a different cheesy undertone, nutritional yeast is your best friend. Stir 2-3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast directly into your gravy mixture while it’s still warm. This will infuse the gravy with a savory, umami-rich, and distinctly cheesy flavor, offering a wonderful alternative to a melted cheese topping.
• Add More Vegetables: Elevate the nutritional content and introduce more texture by adding other vegetables. Sauté chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach along with the mushrooms for a more robust veggie layer.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to play with the crushed red pepper flakes to achieve your preferred level of heat. For an extra kick, a dash of cayenne pepper can be added to the mushroom mixture. For a milder version, simply omit the red pepper flakes.

Storage Solutions for Your Leftovers

This vegan biscuits and gravy casserole is so delicious that you might not have many leftovers! However, if you do, it stores wonderfully. Place any remaining portions in an airtight, food-safe container. It will keep fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual servings in a 350ºF (175°C) oven until it’s warmed through and bubbly, or for quicker reheating, use the microwave until hot. Covering it with foil during oven reheating can help prevent it from drying out.

Can This Recipe Be Frozen for Future Enjoyment?

Absolutely! This vegan biscuits and gravy casserole freezes remarkably well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or having a comforting meal ready to go. To freeze, allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Then, transfer portions into an airtight, freezer-safe container or wrap the entire casserole dish tightly with multiple layers of plastic wrap and then foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to one month without significant loss of quality. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it following the instructions provided above for refrigerated leftovers.

More Delicious Vegan Breakfast and Brunch Ideas

• Irresistible Vegan Baked Oats
• Easy Vegan Breakfast Peach Cobbler (Gluten-Free)
• Refreshing 3-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Fluffy Gluten-Free Vegan Strawberry Pancakes

Enjoy, friends! There’s truly nothing quite like a warm, hearty casserole to bring comfort and joy to your table. If you decide to whip up this incredible vegan biscuits and gravy casserole, we would absolutely love to see your culinary creations! Please snap a photo and share it with us by tagging #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram. Your delicious photos inspire us! We’d also be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave a comment below and give the recipe a well-deserved rating. Your feedback is invaluable and helps other home cooks discover and enjoy this fantastic plant-based comfort food. Thanks so much for being a part of our community!

Vegan Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Servings:

12
servings

Prep Time:

15 minutes
mins

Cook Time:

35 minutes
mins

Total Time:

50 minutes
mins

If you love classic biscuits and gravy, you’re going to flip for this vegan biscuits and gravy casserole! All the comfort food goodness you love in a crowd-pleasing plant-based casserole.

5 (from 3 ratings)

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Ingredients

• 12 vegan biscuits, homemade or store-bought *see brand recommendations below
• ¼ cup vegan butter, 57 grams
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 31 grams
• ⅔ cup plain unsweetened plant milk, 165 grams
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided – see recipe (8 grams)
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper, 1 gram
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, 13 grams
• 1 8 ounce package baby bella/cremini mushrooms, rinsed and sliced (227 grams)
• 1 ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, 3 grams
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar, optional (4 grams)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 gram
• ½ teaspoon paprika, 0.5 grams
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, 0.5 grams
• ¼ teaspoon dried sage, 0.5 grams
• 1 ⅓ cup vegan egg batter, 12 ounces or 340 grams *see brand recommendations below
• 8 ounces vegan shredded cheddar cheese, 227 grams *see brand recommendations below
• handful of green onion or fresh chives for garnish, sliced (optional)

Instructions

• Prepare the biscuits: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a large 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
• Cut the biscuits into 4 pieces each and place all pieces in an even layer in the baking dish. Set aside.
• Cook the mushrooms: Place a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
• Once the oil is heated, add the mushrooms and 1⁄2 teaspoon (4 grams) of salt and saute for 5 minutes until softened. When the mushrooms have cooked down, add the fennel seeds, brown sugar (if using), crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, garlic powder, and dried sage and stir to combine. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
• Make the gravy: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the vegan butter and melt completely.
• Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 – 2 minutes, whisking occasionally, to cook out the raw flour taste.
• Slowly pour in a little of the plain unsweetened plant milk at a time while whisking constantly until it is fully combined and smooth. Continue until all milk is incorporated and gravy is thickened.
• Remove the gravy mixture from the heat and whisk in the remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon (4 grams) of salt and the cracked black pepper. Set the gravy aside.
• Put it all together: Layer the savory mushroom mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the baking dish.
• Sprinkle a generous layer of the vegan shredded cheddar cheese over the mushrooms.
• Pour the vegan egg batter evenly over the contents of the baking dish, ensuring it covers the cheese and mushrooms.
• Finally, pour the creamy gravy mixture over the vegan egg batter layer, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 – 40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly, and the egg layer is set. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in a food safe container in the fridge or freezer. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Notes

• Vegan Biscuits: If you prefer to use store-bought vegan biscuits, any of the following products will work beautifully and are often accidentally vegan:
  • Pillsbury Grands! Southern Homestyle Original Biscuits
  • Pillsbury Grands! Southern Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits
  • Pillsbury Flaky Layers Buttermilk Biscuits
  • Annie’s Organic Flaky Biscuits
  • Immaculate Organic Flaky Biscuits
  • Great Value Buttermilk Biscuits
• Vegan Egg Batter: For the best results in this recipe, it’s essential to use a high-quality store-bought vegan egg batter for the binding layer. The best products for this specific purpose are:
  • Just Egg by Eat Just (a 12-ounce bottle is the exact amount needed for this recipe)
  • VeganEgg by Follow Your Heart (You can use the entire 4-ounce package and follow recipe instructions on the label for this recipe, ensuring it’s prepared to a liquid consistency suitable for pouring.)
  • Simply Eggless Plant Based Egg by Simply Brand Foods (You can use an entire 16-ounce bottle for this recipe if preferred for a thicker egg layer, or stick to the 12 ounces as specified within the recipe.)
• Vegan Shredded Cheddar Cheese: To achieve that perfect melty, cheesy layer, these are some of the best vegan cheese brands that perform well in casseroles:
  • Cheddar Style Shreds by Daiya
  • Plant-Based Cheddar Style Shreds by So Delicious
  • Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese by Follow Your Heart
  • Just Like Cheddar Shreds by Violife
• To store leftovers: This vegan biscuits and gravy casserole can be stored in an airtight, food-safe container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in a 350ºF (175°C) oven until warmed through, or quickly in the microwave.
• To freeze for later: For longer storage, freeze the vegan biscuits and gravy casserole in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating according to the instructions above.

Calories: 254kcal,
Carbohydrates: 21g,
Protein: 7g,
Fat: 16g,
Saturated Fat: 4g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g,
Trans Fat: 0.03g,
Cholesterol: 101mg,
Sodium: 714mg,
Potassium: 137mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 2g,
Vitamin A: 444IU,
Vitamin C: 1mg,
Calcium: 65mg,
Iron: 2mg

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.

Cuisine:
American

Course:
Breakfast

Author:
Jessica Hylton