Imagine you’ve just gathered all the ingredients to make a delicious breakfast or bake some fluffy biscuits, only to realize you’ve run out of Bisquick. It’s a common scenario, but don’t worry—there are plenty of Bisquick substitutes that can save the day.
Bisquick, a well-known premade baking mix, is a kitchen staple for many home cooks because it simplifies a variety of recipes. With just a box of Bisquick, you can whip up pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and more in no time. But if you’re out of it, or maybe you’re looking for a more customizable alternative, there are several easy ways to create your own baking mix or use other pantry staples as substitutes.
Let’s dive into some excellent options for replacing Bisquick in your recipes and explore the best ways to use them.
Understanding Bisquick: What Is It Made Of?
Bisquick is essentially a dry mix of key baking ingredients, primarily consisting of:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder (a leavening agent)
- Shortening or butter (to add moisture and fat)
- Salt (for flavor)
The beauty of Bisquick lies in its versatility. Whether you’re making pancakes, biscuits, or even pizza dough, Bisquick simplifies the process by combining these essential ingredients into a single mix. Knowing what Bisquick contains makes it easier to replicate when you’re out of it, or even customize a substitute that suits your specific needs.
Why Would You Need a Bisquick Substitute?
There are several reasons you might find yourself needing a Bisquick substitute:
- Ran Out of Bisquick: The most obvious reason—you’re in the middle of making breakfast or baking, and your box of Bisquick is empty.
- Customization: Sometimes, you may want more control over the ingredients, whether that means adjusting the flavor or texture of your dish, or perhaps trying out a new twist on a classic recipe.
- Convenience: Instead of running to the store, you can easily make a homemade substitute with ingredients you already have in your pantry.
For more information on how the ingredients work together, check out this detailed guide on what makes Bisquick not rise.
Top 10 Bisquick Substitutes to Use in Your Recipes
There are numerous ways to replace Bisquick in your recipes, from making a simple homemade version to using other mixes that serve the same purpose. Below, we’ll go through some of the best options and how to use them effectively.
1. Homemade Bisquick Mix
A homemade Bisquick mix is one of the easiest and most versatile substitutes. It closely replicates the flavor and texture of the original mix and only requires a few pantry staples. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold butter or shortening
Instructions:
- Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. A food processor can make this process faster.
- Store in an airtight container and use as a 1:1 substitute for Bisquick in your favorite recipes.
This homemade mix works well for pancakes, biscuits, waffles, and even as a base for savory dishes like pot pies or dumplings. For a more detailed explanation of different flour types and how they’re used in baking, check out this article on different types of flour and how they’re used in baking
2. All-Purpose Flour and Baking Powder
One of the simplest and most accessible substitutes is using a combination of all-purpose flour and baking powder. Most households have these ingredients readily available, making it a convenient option when you’re out of Bisquick.
For each cup of Bisquick needed, use:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
If you want to replicate the fat component of Bisquick, you can add 1 tablespoon of butter or shortening to the mix. This works well for pancakes, biscuits, and other baked goods.
3. Self-Rising Flour
Another excellent substitute is self-rising flour, which already contains flour, baking powder, and salt. It’s almost an identical match to Bisquick in terms of its leavening properties, making it a great option for recipes that require a quick rise, such as biscuits and pancakes.
Simply replace the Bisquick with an equal amount of self-rising flour and proceed with the recipe as usual. Check out more ideas for using self-rising flour in this ultimate guide to Bisquick shortcake.
4. Pancake Mix
If you have pancake mix on hand, you’re in luck! Most pancake mixes have similar ingredients to Bisquick, including flour, baking powder, and sometimes sugar. While pancake mix can be a bit sweeter than Bisquick, it works well in many recipes.
To use pancake mix as a substitute for Bisquick, replace it in equal amounts. Keep in mind that the final dish may have a slightly sweeter taste, so adjust the sugar in the recipe if necessary.
5. Whole Wheat Flour Blend
For a healthier alternative to Bisquick, you can use whole wheat flour blended with leavening agents. This mix will add a nutty flavor and denser texture to your recipes, which works especially well in hearty dishes like pancakes, waffles, and biscuits.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold butter or shortening
Blend the ingredients in the same way as the homemade Bisquick mix, cutting in the butter until the mixture resembles crumbs.
6. Almond Flour Blend
Looking for a gluten-free alternative to Bisquick? Almond flour is a great option. Almond flour brings a slightly nutty flavor to your recipes and can be used in place of Bisquick, though it requires a bit of adjustment to the recipe.
Since almond flour doesn’t rise like wheat flour, you’ll need to add baking powder and perhaps a binder such as xanthan gum or an extra egg to help hold the mixture together.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional)
This almond flour blend is perfect for making gluten-free pancakes, waffles, and biscuits.
7. Gluten-Free Baking Mix
Several brands offer gluten-free baking mixes that work well as Bisquick substitutes. These mixes usually contain a blend of gluten-free flours, like rice flour, along with baking powder and salt. Some popular gluten-free mixes also include xanthan gum, which helps mimic the elasticity of gluten in baking.
Explore more creative uses for gluten-free mixes in this guide on quick sourdough discard recipes.
8. Scone or Muffin Mix
Scone or muffin mixes can also serve as substitutes for Bisquick. These mixes often contain similar ingredients, including flour and leavening agents, but may also have added sugar or flavors that make them more suited for sweet dishes.
Scone or muffin mixes work best in recipes where you want a sweeter flavor, such as pancakes, waffles, or scones.
9. Cornmeal Mix
Cornmeal mix, commonly used for making cornbread, can be an excellent Bisquick substitute, especially in savory dishes. The cornmeal adds a distinct texture and flavor that works beautifully in rustic recipes like dumplings, cornbread, or even biscuits.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold butter or shortening
Mix the ingredients in the same way as the other substitutes to make a cornmeal-based blend that can replace Bisquick in equal amounts.
10. Oat Flour Blend
For a more wholesome option, you can make a blend using oat flour. Oat flour, made from finely ground oats, gives a mild flavor and chewy texture to baked goods. However, oat flour doesn’t rise like regular flour, so you’ll need to add baking powder to your mix.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
This blend works best in pancakes, waffles, and biscuits, providing a heartier, more rustic feel to your recipes.
Recipes to Try Using Bisquick Substitutes
Now that you know some of the best Bisquick substitutes, here are a few recipes where these alternatives can shine.
Pancakes
Pancakes are one of the easiest recipes to make using any of the Bisquick substitutes above. Whether you opt for the almond flour blend or a whole wheat version, pancakes made from scratch are always a crowd-pleaser.
To make pancakes using your chosen substitute, follow the basic pancake recipe:
- 1 cup of your chosen Bisquick substitute
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup milk
Mix the ingredients until just combined, then cook on a hot griddle or skillet.
Biscuits
Light, fluffy biscuits are another recipe where Bisquick substitutes work well. Whether you’re using a DIY blend, pancake mix, or self-rising flour, homemade biscuits come together quickly with just a few ingredients.
For quick biscuits:
- 2 cups of your chosen Bisquick substitute
- ⅔ cup milk
Stir until a dough forms, then drop by spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 450°F for 8-10 minutes.
Waffles
Waffles are similar to pancakes but have a crispier exterior. Most Bisquick substitutes will work well in waffle recipes, particularly the gluten-free blends and almond flour mixtures.
To make waffles:
- 1 ½ cups of your Bisquick substitute
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons oil
Mix the ingredients and pour the batter into a heated waffle iron. Cook until crispy and golden.
Scones
If you’re using a scone or muffin mix as your Bisquick substitute, it’s perfect for making tender, flaky scones. Mix the scone dough with added flavorings like fruit, chocolate chips, or spices, and bake until golden.
Dumplings
Dumplings are a hearty, savory dish that benefits from the added texture of substitutes like cornmeal mix or whole wheat flour. These denser options pair beautifully with soups and stews. To try a different twist, you can explore this unique crab brulee recipe, which pairs beautifully with dumplings.
FAQs About Bisquick Substitutes
Here are some common questions people ask when they’re looking for a Bisquick alternative:
- What can I use if I don’t have Bisquick?
Homemade substitutes with flour, baking powder, salt, and butter are the closest match. - Can pancake mix be used as a Bisquick substitute?
Yes! Pancake mix contains similar ingredients and can be used as a 1:1 substitute, though it may add a little sweetness. - Is Jiffy mix the same as Bisquick?
No, Jiffy mix often contains additional sugar and is primarily designed for making cornbread. - What’s the best gluten-free substitute for Bisquick?
Gluten-free baking mixes or almond flour blends work wonderfully as gluten-free alternatives to Bisquick.
Conclusion
Bisquick might be a convenient staple in many kitchens, but it’s by no means irreplaceable. Whether you’re looking for a simple homemade mix or want to experiment with something new like cornmeal or almond flour, there are plenty of substitutes that will help you create delicious pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and more.
With these easy and versatile substitutes, you’ll never have to worry about running out of Bisquick again!
