Homemade Bisquick Substitute: Simple Recipe & Versatile Uses

Bisquick is a convenient baking mix that has been a pantry staple for generations. Its versatility allows for quick and easy preparation of pancakes, biscuits, waffles, and even some savory dishes. However, if you’re out of Bisquick or prefer a homemade alternative, this recipe for a Bisquick substitute is perfect. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier option for your family.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating your own Bisquick substitute, discuss its benefits, and explore numerous ways to use it in your favorite recipes. Let’s dive in!

Why Make a Bisquick Substitute?

Before we get into the recipe, let’s consider why you might want to make your own Bisquick substitute:

* **Cost-Effectiveness:** Pre-made baking mixes can be expensive. Making your own is significantly cheaper, especially if you bake frequently.
* **Ingredient Control:** Homemade versions allow you to choose high-quality ingredients and avoid unwanted additives, preservatives, or excessive sodium often found in store-bought mixes.
* **Healthier Option:** You can use whole wheat flour, reduce the amount of sodium, and opt for healthier fats, making it a more nutritious choice.
* **Allergen Considerations:** If you have allergies (e.g., gluten, dairy), making your own mix allows you to tailor the ingredients to your specific needs.
* **Convenience:** Once you have the ingredients on hand, whipping up a batch of this substitute is just as fast as using the pre-made mix.

The Ultimate Homemade Bisquick Substitute Recipe

This recipe creates a versatile baking mix that mimics the texture and functionality of Bisquick. It’s simple, straightforward, and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

**Yields:** Approximately 6 cups
**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** None

Ingredients:

* 6 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend, see notes below)
* 3 tablespoons baking powder
* 1 tablespoon salt
* 1 ½ cups solid shortening, chilled (or unsalted butter, chilled and cubed, or coconut oil, chilled)

Equipment:

* Large mixing bowl
* Pastry blender or food processor
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Airtight container for storage

Instructions:

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensure all ingredients are well combined to evenly distribute the leavening agent.

2. **Incorporate the Shortening:** Add the chilled shortening (or butter/coconut oil) to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If using a food processor, pulse the mixture until it reaches the same coarse crumb consistency. Be careful not to over-process, as this can melt the shortening.

3. **Check the Texture:** The mixture should have small, pea-sized lumps of shortening evenly distributed throughout the flour. This is crucial for creating a tender and flaky texture in your baked goods.

4. **Store Properly:** Transfer the Bisquick substitute to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place, such as your pantry, for up to 3 months. For longer storage (up to 6 months), you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Recipe Notes and Variations:

* **Gluten-Free Option:** To make this recipe gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
* **Whole Wheat Option:** You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. This will result in a slightly denser texture.
* **Vegan Option:** Use vegetable shortening or chilled coconut oil to replace the butter for a vegan version.
* **Salt Variation:** Adjust the amount of salt to your preference. If you are salt-sensitive, start with a smaller amount and taste the final product before adding more.
* **Herb Infusion:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dry ingredients for a savory twist. This works great for biscuits and savory bakes.
* **Sweet Variation:** Add 2-4 tablespoons of sugar to the dry ingredients for a sweeter mix, perfect for pancakes and waffles.

Tips for Success

* **Keep Ingredients Cold:** Using cold shortening or butter is essential for creating a flaky texture. Cold fat prevents the gluten in the flour from developing too much, resulting in a more tender crumb.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the dough develops the gluten, leading to tough baked goods. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
* **Proper Storage:** Store the mix in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture and becoming clumpy. Proper storage also extends the shelf life of the mix.
* **Adjust Liquid:** When using this substitute in recipes that call for Bisquick, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly. Start with the amount specified in the original recipe and add more gradually until the dough or batter reaches the desired consistency.
* **Experiment:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and additions to customize the mix to your liking.

How to Use Your Homemade Bisquick Substitute

Now that you have your homemade Bisquick substitute, let’s explore some delicious ways to use it:

1. Pancakes

Pancakes are a classic Bisquick recipe, and they’re just as easy to make with the homemade substitute.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 ½ cups Bisquick substitute
* 1 cup milk
* 1 large egg
* 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the Bisquick substitute, milk, and egg until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat.
3. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fruit, or whipped cream.

2. Biscuits

Flaky, homemade biscuits are a comforting treat, and this recipe makes them simple to prepare.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups Bisquick substitute
* ⅔ cup milk
* 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick substitute and milk until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a ¾-inch thick rectangle.
4. Use a biscuit cutter or knife to cut out biscuits.
5. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with butter, jam, or gravy.

3. Waffles

For a delightful breakfast or brunch, try making waffles with your homemade Bisquick substitute.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 ½ cups Bisquick substitute
* 1 cup milk
* 1 large egg
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the Bisquick substitute, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using) until just combined.
3. Pour the batter onto the preheated waffle iron.
4. Cook according to the waffle iron’s instructions, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as fruit, syrup, or whipped cream.

4. Coffee Cake

This easy coffee cake recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch or a sweet treat any time of day.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups Bisquick substitute
* ⅔ cup milk
* ½ cup sugar
* ¼ cup melted butter
* 1 large egg

**Streusel Topping:**

* ½ cup flour
* ⅓ cup brown sugar
* ¼ cup melted butter
* ½ teaspoon cinnamon

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick substitute, milk, sugar, melted butter, and egg until just combined.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Mix until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

5. Chicken Pot Pie

Use your Bisquick substitute to create a comforting and hearty chicken pot pie.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
* 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
* 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
* ½ cup milk
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* 1 ½ cups Bisquick substitute
* ½ cup milk

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, ½ cup milk, and black pepper.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the Bisquick substitute and the remaining ½ cup milk until just combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the Bisquick mixture over the chicken mixture to create a topping.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

6. Dumplings

Add fluffy dumplings to your soups and stews using the Bisquick substitute.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 ½ cups Bisquick substitute
* ½ cup milk

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare your favorite soup or stew and bring it to a simmer.
2. In a bowl, combine the Bisquick substitute and milk until just combined.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup or stew.
4. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
5. Serve hot.

7. Pizza Crust

Make a quick and easy pizza crust with your Bisquick substitute for a weeknight dinner.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups Bisquick substitute
* ⅔ cup warm water
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick substitute, warm water, and olive oil until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth.
4. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape.
5. Place the crust on a baking sheet.
6. Add your favorite toppings and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

8. Scones

Enjoy freshly baked scones for breakfast or afternoon tea using this simple recipe.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups Bisquick substitute
* ⅓ cup sugar
* ½ cup milk
* ¼ cup melted butter
* ½ cup dried cranberries or blueberries (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick substitute, sugar, and dried cranberries or blueberries (if using).
3. Add the milk and melted butter and mix until just combined.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle.
5. Use a biscuit cutter or knife to cut out scones.
6. Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream.

9. Quick Bread

Use the Bisquick substitute as a base for quick breads like banana bread or zucchini bread.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups Bisquick substitute
* ½ cup sugar
* ½ teaspoon cinnamon
* 2 ripe bananas, mashed (or 1 cup shredded zucchini)
* ½ cup milk
* ¼ cup melted butter
* 1 large egg

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick substitute, sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Add the mashed bananas (or shredded zucchini), milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Cobbler

Top your favorite fruit with a Bisquick substitute topping for a delicious cobbler.

**Ingredients:**

* 6 cups sliced fruit (peaches, berries, apples)
* ½ cup sugar
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 cup Bisquick substitute
* ½ cup milk
* ¼ cup melted butter

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced fruit, sugar, and cornstarch.
3. Pour the fruit mixture into a baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the Bisquick substitute, milk, and melted butter until just combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the Bisquick mixture over the fruit mixture.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Troubleshooting

* **Dry Mix is Clumpy:** This is usually due to moisture absorption. Ensure your container is airtight. You can break up the clumps by sifting the mix before using.
* **Baked Goods are Too Dense:** This can be caused by overmixing or using too much flour. Be gentle when mixing and measure ingredients accurately.
* **Baked Goods are Not Rising:** Ensure your baking powder is fresh and that you haven’t overworked the dough.
* **Baked Goods are Too Dry:** Adjust the liquid in the recipe slightly to compensate. The type of flour and the humidity can affect the amount of liquid needed.

Conclusion

Making your own Bisquick substitute is a simple and rewarding way to control the ingredients in your baked goods, save money, and cater to dietary needs. With this versatile mix, you can easily whip up a variety of delicious recipes, from pancakes and biscuits to coffee cake and chicken pot pie. So, ditch the store-bought mix and embrace the convenience and flexibility of homemade!