We're halfway through whipping up pancakes or casseroles, and then we realize there's no Bisquick in the cupboard (Bisquick is a branded pre-mixed baking mix of flour, shortening, leavening, and salt).
No need to stress, though-there are plenty of simple substitutes that work just as well.
We've tried different options when we've been in the same spot, and some swaps even surprised us with how well they worked. A few are pantry staples you probably already have, and others might take a bit of mixing but nothing complicated.
The best part? You can keep your recipe on track without missing a beat.
This guide is all about sharing those quick fixes to save your meal plans. Skip the overthinking-these swaps are easy, flexible, and get the job done.
7 Easy Substitutes for Bisquick
Here are seven of our go-to substitutes for Bisquick, all tried and tested in various recipes.
1 - Pancake Mix
You'll never believe how easy it is to use pancake mix as a Bisquick substitute. It's practically Bisquick's cousin.
Swap it using a 1:1 ratio (one cup pancake mix to one cup Bisquick). That means one cup of pancake mix for one cup of Bisquick. Simple.
Most pancake mixes already include flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. It works best in recipes for pancakes, waffles, or biscuits.
For savory dishes, check if the mix has added sugar; for savory seasoning alternatives see onion soup mix swaps for savory recipes.
Too much sweetness could change your results.
If it's not self-rising, just add a little baking powder. You might need to tweak the liquid a bit since some mixes are thinner.
Don't stress-adjust as you go. We've used this plenty of times, and it delivers solid results.
Pancake mix is a solid way to save your recipe with minimal effort.
2 - Self-Rising Flour
It all started when I ran out of Bisquick and reached for self-rising flour instead. This swap is simple-use a 1:1 ratio.
One cup of self-rising flour replaces one cup of Bisquick, and you're good to go.
Self-rising flour already has baking powder and salt mixed in, making it an easy option. You'll need to throw in some fat like butter or shortening to get that Bisquick-style texture.
Add about a tablespoon per cup of flour to keep your recipe on track.
This works best for things like pancakes, waffles, or even biscuits. Watch out if your recipe needs added sugar since self-rising flour doesn't include it.
For extra tips, check this guide on self-rising flour substitutes and related corn flour substitutes for baking.
3 - All-Purpose Flour with Baking Powder
Some recipes insist on all-purpose flour, and we've got a simple trick. Just mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder.
Boom, you're covered.
This combo works well for pancakes, muffins, and quick breads, yielding a lighter crumb and mild rise. Add a pinch of salt if needed since all-purpose flour has no flavor enhancers built in.
It's basic but versatile.
Keep in mind, you'll need to measure carefully to balance the texture. Too much baking powder and things get weird.
Too little, and you're stuck with flat results.
Want more tips on using pantry staples? Check this guide on all-purpose flour substitutes for some solid swaps and rice flour substitutes for gluten-free baking.
4 - Homemade Bisquick Mix
If you've ever been stuck without Bisquick, don't This one's a breeze to make. Mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of cold butter.
Cut the butter into the dry mix until it's crumbly. Done.
It works for pancakes, waffles, and biscuits. Use it right away or store it for later.
Just swap it 1-to-1 for Bisquick in recipes (one cup homemade mix to one cup Bisquick).
It's cheaper than store-bought; for other homemade sauce options see saucy demi-glace substitutions and recipes.
No mystery preservatives here.
The texture is nearly identical. The flavor works too.
Add sugar if you need a sweeter base.
Be mindful of storage. Keep it in an airtight container.
If you refrigerate, use within a week. Otherwise, it's a solid pantry addition.
5 - Whole Wheat Flour Blend
If you've ever been stuck without all-purpose flour, try a whole wheat flour blend. Mix half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour.
It's wholesome and balanced. Use it 1-to-1 for a milder, nutty flavor.
It's denser than regular flour. Add a touch more liquid if your batter feels stiff (about 1-2 tablespoons per cup of flour).
It works best in bread, muffins, and pancakes. Avoid it for light pastries-they'll end up heavier.
Keep this blend stored in an airtight container. It stays fresh longer if refrigerated.
This substitute is healthier with more fiber and nutrients than plain flour.
Want full tips on using whole wheat flour? Check out whole wheat flour substitutes for more ideas and ratios and whole milk substitutes for baking and texture.
6 - Almond Flour with a Rising Agent
This one substitute will save your recipe and keep things light. Almond flour with a rising agent works wonders for gluten-free baking.
Mix almond flour with baking powder or baking soda at a 1-to-1 ratio to replace all-purpose flour.
It's naturally dense, so expect a filling texture. Add an egg or two for structure if the batter feels off.
Almond flour (from the Prunus dulcis nut) is mild and slightly sweet, ideal for cakes, muffins, and cookies. Avoid fragile pastries-it's a bit too heavy.
Store it in an airtight container in a cool spot, or refrigerate to extend shelf life. It's healthier than regular flour, packed with protein and healthy fats.
7 - Gluten-Free Baking Mix
Last but not least, we have gluten-free baking mix. This option is perfect if you're out of Bisquick and all-purpose flour.
It usually includes flours like rice, potato, tapioca (from cassava root), or cornstarch. These are light and versatile options for gluten-free recipes.
Use it 1-to-1 for Bisquick in pancakes, waffles, muffins, and quick breads. Watch out for added sugars since some blends contain them.
This works best if your recipe already calls for a gluten-free flour blend.
Store it sealed in a cool spot to stay fresh longer. You can find this easily at any grocery store-it's pretty popular.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pancake mix can replace Bisquick in most recipes, but it may be a little sweeter. You can adjust by reducing sugar or adding extra seasoning.
Self-rising flour is a good Bisquick substitute. It already contains baking powder and salt, so you can just add fat (butter or oil) to make it work like Bisquick.
Yes, you can make Bisquick at home by mixing all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening. It's simple and lets you control the ingredients.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
