This homemade Bisquick without shortening works perfectly in all of your favorite recipes! Substitutes 1:1 for any recipe calling for store-bought baking mix.
Once you try this homemade Bisquick recipe, you won't want to go back to the store bought version! I sure don't at least... and I'm guessing you won't either after you get a taste.
I've always enjoyed cooking from scratch, so I can't believe it never occurred to me just how simple it would be to make some of my own mixes to keep on hand. Not only is it super convenient, but it also means I can control exactly what ingredients go into the mix. No more label reading!
How To Make Homemade Bisquick
This recipe is for homemade Bisquick without shortening. Instead, I prefer to use real butter because I like the added richness and flavor that it imparts.
PRO TIP: Feel free to substitute an equal amount of vegetable shortening or lard for the butter, as desired.
What To Make With Homemade Bisquick Mix
You're probably wondering just how well this homemade Bisquick recipe will work in traditional Bisquick recipes. I've successfully substituted it for store-bought baking mix in all of my favorite recipes, including:
- 15-Minute Homemade Biscuits
- Blackberry Shortcake
- Classic Sausage And Cheese Balls
- Bisquick Ultimate Pancakes
Printable Recipe ↓
Homemade Bisquick Mix Without Shortening
Ingredients
- 6 cups all-purpose flour - sifted
- 3 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter - cold
Instructions
- Measure the sifted flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Use a wire whisk to blend thoroughly.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until thoroughly incorporated.
- Transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container for storage.
Recipe Notes
What are your favorite homemade mixes to have on hand? I'm eager to try new varieties after being so successful with this one.
Route66Kicks says
Is there an organic wheat version, that does not include enriched wheat? Health restricts reduced iron/enriched wheat. I'm hoping there is - have been searching for awhile. Thank you.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Are you looking for a prepackaged mix with these qualities? I'm not sure if there's one available, but it seems like you could try substituting this flour in the recipe I've provided.
KateD says
Your website used to show the comments - I've tried on two different browsers (IE and Chrome) and can't see them. All I get is the option to add my own comment, so I am. Looking for the previous comment you provided on how to use this homemade bisquick to make waffles. I love this recipe and lost my notes on how to make waffles. Can you please provide??
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Sorry about that, Kate! A software update caused a glitch with the comments on my site, and I need to find someone to fix it. To make waffle batter, use 2 cups of the homemade Bisquick mix, 1 1/3 cups milk, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons of your favorite oil (vegetable, coconut, etc.) or butter. This should make about 12 waffles.
Andrea Vaughan says
There is only one picture that I can see (except for the ads) and it is loading fine for me on my pc
Nanny says
My husband was sure this was bisquick, that is the best proof that they are identical. Thanks for this recipe I will use it often.
Alastair says
Hi all, I am so happy to find this recipe. I live in Thailand so many ingredients and most prepared mixtures are not available and since I enjoy eating European food occasionally have had to start cooking and baking. Fortunately I enjoy the challenge since recipes from scratch are a must.
My first attempt with the mix, Mini Meat Loaves, which all the family enjoyed. A cross-culture success, thanks Tara.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
So glad I could help out, Alastair!
Johbru says
A one third recipe yields very nearly the amount required for breakfast biscuits. I recommend baking soda and cream of tartar substitution (1/4 and 1/2 to 1 of baking powder) to eliminate the slight metallic flavor. I find using butter flavor Crisco adds more "buttery taste" than does butter.
Corinne Walker says
I wanted a Bisquick mix that does not contain the aluminum baking powder which is in Bisquick. I can't wait to try this!
Thank you, Corinne
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Great — hope you like it, Corinne! I always use Rumford aluminum-free baking powder.
Jenn says
This was a great recipe! Used it for multiple things and they all turned out great. Pancakes were the best! Thanks so much.
Andrea Vaughan says
lol funny just this morning I was thinking of looking up the recipe again as my last batch is about done, and a notification popped in my mail about a new comment (bringing me right back to ther recipe) Karma me thinks :) btw I have been making scones using just the mix and flavoured yogurt, and nothing else....works great andd super easy
Barb says
I only use bisquick for Stew and Dumplings. Would this work for Dumplings? What about Impossible pie? Would love to have on hand come fall and winter.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Absolutely, Barb — it should work well in any recipe that calls for Bisquick. I can't remember the last time I've actually purchased Bisquick at the store!
Dee says
Instead of butter I used 1/2 cup minus 1 tsp Organic Coconut Oil, and 1 tsp of Grassfed Ghee Butter Oil to equal 1/2 Cup of Oil. I was worried that the coconut would flavor it too much but it was fine! It kept a wonderful rich butter flavor because of the Ghee. You can probably substitute with even more Ghee Oil to make it even more buttery if you want to, but I haven't tried it. Because all of the ingredients are shelf-stable I just store it in my pantry in an airtight container. I also used 1/2 tsp Sea Salt instead of table salt and unbleached flour. Turned out great on my chicken pot pie! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I love to cook with coconut oil but was also worried about the flavoring. Will try your workaround when I need to make another batch — thanks!
Andrea Vaughan says
I made up a batch of this a couple days ago..I used lard, and way less salt (just a touch) anyway I just made Banan Bread using a quick reg bisquick recipe and it turned out perfect...I added a mixture of cream cheese (I had a small bit left-over) and a few tbls of peanut butter and dropped by spoon into batter and swirled before baking...it came out amazing...
Kiera says
I came across your recipe and I was wondering if I could substitute coconut oil instead of the butter, and if I used coconut oil would I have to refrigerate it? Also wondering if you have tried it with the dumpling recipe on the Bisquick box?
Even if I have to use butter I am excited to try it. I am tired of store bought stuff with all those chemicals!
Julie says
I have tried it with coconut oil and it tastes great! Thats what I always make it with.
Sarah B says
I'm so excited to find this! I have a soy allergy so will use the butter. Yum! Anyone tried this with the 7-up biscuit recipe successfully?
Virginia says
Thank you for this recipe! I've made the switch to almost all from scratch cooking for the health of my young girls & was so pleased to find this recipe. I needed a bisquick substitute for a cheese biscuit recipe & this filled the bill!
Shuzzii says
Hi Thank you so much for the substitution for Bisquick Is it possible to mix the dry ingredience and then the butter when needed? I am loathe to mix butter and store, even in fridge for months. I live in Qld Australia .... It can be hot!
Could you suggest how much butter per cup perhaps.
Thanks again Sue
Rosie says
Yes, I would like to do this as well. Thank you.
amberlyz says
how many do they usually make and I have another question if I am making a bundt cake and it has 1/4cup of butter already how much do I need for the mix?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
It makes about 6 cups of mix. Does your bundt cake recipe call for Bisquick? If so, you'd just follow the recipe as written, substituting the same amount of this homemade mix for the Bisquick.
Chris says
Just checking. All the other recipes I looked at had 1 cup of oil or shortening, but yours has 1/2 cup butter... Is it correct that use 1/2 as much butter. I just want it to come out perfect. Thanks so much.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Yes, this is the mix as I make it. Thanks, Chris!
Chris says
Thanks. I made it & it worked perfectly. I made Ruby Tuesday Biscuits. Want to see the pictures? By the way...I made it with 1/2 White-Whole- wheat flour and 1/4 Regular Whole-wheat flour and 1/4 regular white flour. I love it and can hardly wait to make something else with it. Thanks again.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
So glad you liked it. I'd love to see a photo!
Callie says
Do I measure the flour before or after measuring? This always confuses me in recipes. :)
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Good question! You sift first and then measure.
Callie says
Thank you. Of course the question should have said before or after sifting. LOL. Glad you understood what I was asking.
Catherine says
Thank you for this tasty alternative to chemical-laden Bisquick! It not only saves money on the mix, but it's acceptable for my specific health issues. Keep up the great work.
Erin says
Question...if all I have on hand is salted butter would that be okay to substitute?
Thanks for your help! Hope I won't screw this up (as I'm still a newbie). :)
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Yes, you can substitute it. If you're concerned about the salt, you can reduce the amount in the mixture by about 1/8 of a teaspoon, but really it's such a small amount that it shouldn't make much of a difference.
Lorraine says
This was a life saver. Husband said to keep making this recipe. Thank you!
Saranah says
Can I use this mix for all the recipes on the bisquick box? Would I substitute it in equal amounts? I love cooking from scratch and I generally make all of my biscuits and breads at home. However, my boyfriend was raised on bisquick and prefers the taste. I'm hoping this recipe can satisfy both of us. Thank you so much. I can't wait to give it a try!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Yes, it should substitute well in equal amounts for any recipe calling for Bisquick.
Rhonda says
I was wondering...could I use almond or coconut four? And maybe butter flavored Cisco? Oh, and THANK YOU FOR THIS RECIPE!!!! I am HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY...LOL
:~>
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Rhonda! You can definitely substitute shortening for the butter. I've not tried substituting almond or coconut flour, and I don't bake with either enough to give an educated guess as to whether they would have any negative effects when substituted.
Jenny says
Thx.... I'm highly allergic to corn and soy and their byproducts so going back to my roots of from scratch cooking....this helps alot.
Meagan M says
How would you make waffles using homemade Bisquick substitute?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Meagan! Start with 2 cups of the homemade Bisquick mix. Add 1 1/2 cups milk (or buttermilk if you prefer), 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons of butter that has been melted and cooled. You could also add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract if you want. This should make between 10-12 waffles depending on your waffle maker. Thanks for reminding me that I haven't posted this recipe yet — will have to do so soon!
Laura says
Is the melted butter instead of the oil in the regular recipe? Could you use oil instead? Just as a time saver.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Yes, you could, Laura. One of the reasons I like to make my own mix is to avoid the shortening and oils, but you can absolutely substitute both in the actual homemade Bisquick recipe and the waffles recipe.
P Mibb says
What about substituting whole wheat flour for all or half of the flour?
Cassie says
I have made this using only whole wheat pastry flour and it turns out amazing!
Destiny says
If we use lard, do we still have to refridgerate it?
Thanks!
Cheryl says
I have been wondering if there was a recipe out there for Bisquick! This is fantastic! I love cooking & baking from scratch. I like the idea of using butter instead of shortening. I think I'll try to see if using whole wheat flour could be substituted or do half & half. Thanks so much for posting this!
Zilla says
Thanks Tara.
I live in the UK and have never come across Bisquick here. I searched the net because I wanted to try the quick chicken/veg pie and came across your site which helped to solved the mystery called Bisquick!!!
Once again, many thanks.
Tara says
I too live in the UK but originally from America, most of my cook books are from the states and I always skip over the bisquick ones until now. Thanks so much! Tara x
Edy says
Amazing! Thank you!
Melissa says
Thank you for this recipe!!! I'm a Bisquick snob. My family eats A LOT of pancakes. i tried this recipe today and I'm hooked!!!! The taste is even better than Bisquick. THANK YOU!!!!!
karen says
Thanks! You're a lifesaver. It's Christmas Day, and my daughter had a recipe she wanted to make for dinner at grandma's tonight, but forgot to buy Bisquick and of course all the stores are closed. I did an internet search for homemade Bisquick, and I found your recipe. Thank you for saving Christmas! LOL
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Glad I could help out. Merry Christmas!
addie says
addiehow do umake pancakes?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Addie! You can find my favorite pancake recipe here: https://unsophisticook.com/how-to-make-homemade-pancakes/
Trudy says
I haven't bought bisquick in years. The last 2 times it was full of bugs. After the mix what do you put in it to make biscuits?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Eek, that's awful! You can find a basic biscuit recipe here, Trudy: https://unsophisticook.com/15-minute-homemade-biscuits/
Kerrie says
Hi Tara - I recently tried the Red Lobster cheese biscuits and wanted to try and make them but we don't sell Bisquick in Australia - so when I googled a bisquick substitute, I ended up at your recipe! I've never made biscuits before, so just want to clarify with you - does the bisquick mix as purchased use a shortening ingredient in it? The Red Lob recipe says to use the bq mix then add more butter, so just want to clarify that I'm not adding too much butter. And one more thing, is all purpose flour self-raising flour or plain? Hope you can help with these questions as I really want them to turn out right on the first go :)
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Kerrie! Yes, store bought Bisquick has shortening already in it, but I prefer the butter in my homemade mix. You could substitute an equal amount of shortening in your homemade mix if you like.
All purpose flour would be equivalent to a plain flour. I haven't tried it, but you might be able to substitute an equal amount of self-rising flour in a pinch if you omit the salt and baking powder. Without trying it, I can't guarantee results though.
Hope it all works out for you!
Jozie says
Thank you for taking the time to make us all healthier and save us time too....one question, how long will this last if I keep it in the freezer rather than in the refrigerator? let me know....
loving your site!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Jozie! I'd think it should last at least 9 months in the freezer, and possibly up to a year.
Marcie says
I was looking for organic baking mix when I found your website. Thank you SO much! I can make this recipe using organic ingredients and save a ton of money ;)
Kristi @ My San Francisco Kitchen says
This is great to have on hand for busy mornings :) Thanks so much!