If you use baking mix regularly for biscuits, pancakes, waffles, dumplings, or quick casseroles, learning how to make a homemade Bisquick recipe is one of those simple kitchen tricks worth keeping around.

Homemade baking mix requires only a handful of basic pantry ingredients, takes just a few minutes to prepare, and can replace store-bought Bisquick in many of your favorite recipes. Better yet, you control exactly what goes into the mix.

This easy homemade Bisquick mix combines flour, baking powder, salt, a little sugar, and butter or shortening. Make a large batch, store it in the refrigerator or freezer, and scoop out what you need whenever a recipe calls for baking mix.

Once you have a container ready to go, homemade biscuits or pancakes can be on the table almost as quickly as when using the boxed version.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Bisquick Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to make your own baking mix.

It’s incredibly easy. You can prepare an entire batch in about 10 minutes.

It uses basic ingredients. There’s a good chance you already have everything you need.

It’s versatile. Use homemade Bisquick for biscuits, pancakes, waffles, dumplings, cobblers, casseroles, pot pies, and many other recipes.

You control the ingredients. There are no mystery ingredients, and you can choose between real butter and shortening.

It’s convenient. Make one large batch and keep it ready for busy mornings or quick weeknight meals.

It can save money. Buying flour, baking powder, and shortening in larger quantities can be more economical than repeatedly purchasing boxes of prepared baking mix.

What Is Bisquick?

Bisquick is a prepared baking mix traditionally made from flour, leavening, fat, salt, and other ingredients. Instead of measuring the individual dry ingredients and cutting fat into the flour every time you make biscuits or pancakes, the mixture is already prepared.

That’s what makes baking mix so convenient.

A homemade version follows the same basic idea. By combining flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and fat ahead of time, you create an all-purpose baking mix that’s ready whenever you need it.

While this recipe isn’t the manufacturer’s proprietary formula, it works as a practical homemade Bisquick substitute in many everyday recipes.

Homemade Bisquick Ingredients

You only need five simple ingredients.

All-Purpose Flour

Regular all-purpose flour provides the structure for the baking mix. There’s no need to use self-rising flour because we’re adding the baking powder and salt separately.

Baking Powder

Baking powder is essential because it gives biscuits, pancakes, and other baked goods their rise.

Make sure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder can result in flat biscuits and dense pancakes.

Sugar

A small amount of granulated sugar adds a touch of flavor without making the baking mix noticeably sweet.

If you plan to use the mix primarily in savory recipes, you can reduce or omit the sugar.

Salt

Salt balances the flavor of the flour and helps make everything from biscuits to pancakes taste better.

Butter or Shortening

This is where you have a choice.

Butter provides excellent homemade flavor, but a butter-based mix should be kept refrigerated or frozen.

Vegetable shortening creates a convenient baking mix and is a good choice if you want something closer to a traditional all-purpose baking mix.

For the best flavor, I usually prefer butter. For convenience and longer storage, shortening is hard to beat.

Homemade Bisquick Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter or vegetable shortening

Instructions

1. Add the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl.
2. Whisk thoroughly so the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Cut the cold butter into small cubes if you’re using butter.
4. Add the butter or shortening to the flour mixture.
5. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to work the fat into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Alternatively, add the dry ingredients and fat to a food processor and pulse briefly until evenly combined. Don’t over-process the mixture into a paste.
7. Transfer the homemade baking mix to an airtight container.
8. Label the container with the name and date.
9. Store a butter-based mix in the refrigerator or freezer.

How Much Homemade Bisquick Does This Recipe Make?

This recipe makes approximately 7 cups of homemade baking mix, depending on how tightly it is measured.

That gives you enough for several batches of pancakes, biscuits, waffles, or other recipes.

If you don’t use baking mix very often, the recipe can easily be cut in half.

Can You Substitute Homemade Bisquick for Regular Bisquick?

For many everyday recipes, yes.

Start by replacing the amount of commercial baking mix called for in the recipe with an equal amount of homemade baking mix.

For example:

If your recipe calls for:

2 cups Bisquick

use:

2 cups homemade Bisquick mix.

Because commercial baking mixes contain their own particular blend of ingredients, there may be slight differences in texture or browning. However, this homemade mix works very well for common recipes such as pancakes, biscuits, waffles, dumplings, cobblers, and casseroles.

How to Make Homemade Bisquick in a Food Processor

A food processor makes this recipe particularly easy.

Add the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt to the food processor.

Pulse a few times to combine.

Add the cold cubed butter or shortening.

Pulse several more times until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

That’s it.

Be careful not to continuously run the food processor. Pulsing helps distribute the fat without turning the mixture into dough.

If your food processor is small, prepare the recipe in two batches.

How to Make Homemade Bisquick Without a Food Processor

You absolutely don’t need special equipment.

Combine your dry ingredients in a large bowl and add the butter or shortening.

Then use a pastry blender to cut the fat into the flour.

No pastry blender?

Two regular dinner forks work too.

Continue cutting the fat into the flour until there are no large pieces remaining and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Butter vs. Shortening in Homemade Bisquick

Both work, but there are some important differences.

Homemade Bisquick With Butter

Butter provides a rich flavor that’s especially good in biscuits.

Because butter is perishable, the finished mix needs refrigeration.

Keep your butter cold while making the mixture. Cold butter also helps produce flaky baked goods.

Homemade Bisquick With Shortening

Shortening has a more neutral flavor and is convenient for preparing a large batch of baking mix.

It also tends to distribute very evenly throughout the flour.

If you’re primarily interested in convenience, shortening is an excellent option.

Always follow the storage guidance for the particular shortening you’re using, especially after it has been mixed with other ingredients.

How to Store Homemade Bisquick

Proper storage is important because this recipe contains fat.

Transfer the finished mix to an airtight container or resealable food-storage bag.

Refrigerator

For a butter-based homemade Bisquick mix, refrigeration is the easiest storage method.

For best quality, try to use it within about 2 to 3 months.

Freezer

Homemade baking mix also freezes beautifully.

Store it in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to approximately 6 months for best quality.

The great thing about freezing baking mix is that you don’t have to freeze it in a solid block. You can scoop out the amount you need and return the container to the freezer.

Pantry

If you’re making the recipe with shortening specifically because you want pantry storage, check the manufacturer’s storage recommendations for your shortening and use your judgment based on your kitchen temperature.

For maximum freshness and simplicity, refrigeration is still an excellent option.

How to Make Biscuits With Homemade Bisquick

One of the best reasons to keep homemade baking mix around is biscuits.

Easy Homemade Bisquick Biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 cups homemade Bisquick mix
• 2/3 cup milk

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Place the homemade baking mix in a mixing bowl.

Pour in the milk and stir just until a soft dough forms.

Don’t overmix the dough.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it to approximately 3/4-inch thick.

Cut the dough into biscuits using a biscuit cutter or drinking glass.

Place the biscuits on a baking sheet.

Bake for approximately 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown.

Brush the warm biscuits with melted butter if desired.

Homemade Bisquick Pancakes

This baking mix also makes incredibly easy pancakes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups homemade Bisquick mix
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs

Directions

Place the baking mix in a bowl.

Add the milk and eggs.

Whisk just until combined. A few small lumps are fine.

Heat a lightly greased skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Pour approximately 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle for each pancake.

Cook until bubbles appear across the surface and the edges begin to set.

Flip and cook the second side until golden brown.

Serve immediately with butter and maple syrup.

Homemade Bisquick Waffles

You can easily turn the same baking mix into waffles.

Ingredients

• 2 cups homemade Bisquick
• 1 1/3 cups milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter

Whisk everything together until just combined.

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it if required by the manufacturer.

Pour in the appropriate amount of batter for your waffle maker and cook until golden and crisp.

Homemade Bisquick Dumplings

Fluffy dumplings are another great use for homemade baking mix.

Ingredients

• 2 cups homemade Bisquick mix
• About 2/3 cup milk

Stir the milk into the baking mix just until a thick, soft dough forms.

Drop spoonfuls of dough over simmering chicken and broth, stew, or soup.

Cook according to your dumpling recipe, typically beginning uncovered and then covering the pot so the dumplings can steam and cook through.

Avoid constantly lifting the lid while they cook.

Other Ways to Use Homemade Bisquick

Once you have a batch in the refrigerator, you’ll probably discover more uses for it than you expected.

Try it for:

• Drop biscuits
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Pancakes
• Blueberry pancakes
• Chocolate chip pancakes
• Waffles
• Chicken and dumplings
• Sausage balls
• Breakfast casseroles
• Impossible-style pies
• Chicken pot pie
• Peach cobbler
• Berry cobbler
• Shortcakes
• Coffee cake
• Muffins
• Cheesy biscuits
• Garlic biscuits
• Dumpling-topped casseroles
• Breakfast bakes

It’s essentially a shortcut ingredient you can make yourself.

Tips for the Best Homemade Baking Mix

Measure Your Flour Correctly

Too much flour can make biscuits and pancakes dry.

For the most accurate results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it with the back of a knife instead of packing the flour into the cup.

Use Fresh Baking Powder

Baking powder loses its effectiveness over time.

If you’ve had the same container sitting in the cabinet for several years, replacing it can make a noticeable difference.

Mix the Dry Ingredients Thoroughly

You want the baking powder and salt evenly distributed.

Spend an extra 30 seconds whisking everything together before adding the butter or shortening.

Keep Butter Cold

When making the butter version, use cold butter directly from the refrigerator.

Cut it into cubes before adding it to the flour.

Don’t Over-Process

Whether you’re using a food processor or pastry cutter, stop when the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

You aren’t trying to make dough yet.

Label Your Container

Once several homemade mixes start appearing in your refrigerator or freezer, white powders can become difficult to identify!

Write Homemade Bisquick and the preparation date directly on the container or label.

Can I Double This Recipe?

Absolutely.

If your family regularly eats pancakes and biscuits, doubling the recipe can be convenient.

For a double batch, use:

• 12 cups all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 cups butter or shortening

You’ll need a very large mixing bowl or may find it easier to prepare two individual batches.

Can I Make a Smaller Batch?

Yes.

For approximately half a batch, use:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter or shortening

A smaller batch is a good way to try the recipe before committing refrigerator space to a larger container.

Can I Leave Out the Sugar?

Yes.

The sugar adds a subtle sweetness but isn’t necessary for the basic function of the mix.

If you’re primarily making savory biscuits, casseroles, or dumplings, feel free to omit it.

If you’re making pancakes, waffles, and sweet breakfast recipes, I recommend keeping it.

Can I Use Salted Butter?

Yes, although unsalted butter gives you better control over the amount of salt.

If salted butter is all you have, use it and consider slightly reducing the added salt.

Can I Use Self-Rising Flour?

I don’t recommend simply substituting self-rising flour in this particular recipe.

Self-rising flour already contains leavening and salt, so using it along with the listed baking powder and salt could throw off the balance.

All-purpose flour gives you much better control.

Why Are My Homemade Bisquick Biscuits Tough?

Usually, tough biscuits are caused by overworking the dough rather than the baking mix itself.

Once liquid is added to the mix, stir only until everything comes together.

The same principle applies when shaping biscuit dough. Pat and fold it gently rather than kneading it aggressively like bread dough.

Why Didn’t My Biscuits Rise?

The first thing to check is your baking powder.

Old or improperly stored baking powder may not provide enough lift.

Other possible causes include:

• Overworking the dough
• Rolling the dough too thin
• Using an oven that wasn’t fully preheated
• Twisting the biscuit cutter while cutting
• Incorrectly measuring the baking powder

For tall biscuits, keep the dough fairly thick and cut straight down with your biscuit cutter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is homemade Bisquick made from?

A simple homemade Bisquick-style mix can be made from all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and butter or vegetable shortening.

Can homemade Bisquick replace regular Bisquick?

For many common recipes, homemade baking mix can be substituted in approximately equal amounts for commercial Bisquick. Slight differences in flavor and texture are possible because the formulas aren’t identical.

Does homemade Bisquick need to be refrigerated?

If your homemade baking mix contains butter, yes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

How long does homemade Bisquick last?

A butter-based mix is best used within approximately 2–3 months when refrigerated or about 6 months when frozen for best quality.

Can you freeze homemade Bisquick?

Yes. Freezing is an excellent way to store homemade baking mix, especially when it’s made with real butter.

Can I make pancakes with homemade Bisquick?

Absolutely. Combine 2 cups homemade baking mix with 1 cup milk and 2 eggs for a simple pancake batter.

Can you make dumplings with homemade Bisquick?

Yes. Mix approximately 2 cups homemade baking mix with 2/3 cup milk to create a soft dumpling dough, then drop spoonfuls over simmering soup or stew.

Is homemade Bisquick cheaper?

It can be, particularly if you buy flour, baking powder, butter, or shortening in larger quantities. The exact savings depend on ingredient prices in your area.

What’s the difference between Bisquick and pancake mix?

Both can contain flour, leavening, salt, and other ingredients, but pancake mixes are formulated specifically for pancakes and may contain additional sugar or powdered dairy ingredients. An all-purpose baking mix is intended for a wider range of recipes.

Make-Ahead Baking Mix for Busy Kitchens

The real advantage of this homemade Bisquick recipe isn’t simply that you can recreate a familiar baking mix at home. It’s that you’re doing part of your future cooking ahead of time.

Instead of measuring flour, baking powder, salt, and fat every Saturday morning, you measure everything once.

When you’re ready for pancakes, scoop out the mix.

Need quick biscuits with dinner? Scoop out the mix.

Making chicken and dumplings? The dry ingredients are already waiting.

It’s a simple form of meal prep that doesn’t require cooking an entire week’s worth of meals.

If you enjoy making pantry staples and favorite recipes from scratch, there are plenty of other homemade recipes to try on Recipes Mania. Serve this easy homemade Bisquick mix with your favorite breakfast recipes, use it to make fluffy homemade biscuits, or keep a batch ready for quick pancakes and waffles. You can also use homemade baking mix as a shortcut for comforting chicken and dumplings, easy casseroles, cobblers, and other family-friendly recipes. Be sure to browse our breakfast recipes, bread recipes, and homemade recipes for even more easy ideas to make from scratch.

Final Thoughts

A good homemade Bisquick recipe deserves a permanent spot in your collection of homemade kitchen staples.

With just flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and your choice of butter or shortening, you can prepare a versatile baking mix in about 10 minutes.

Keep it refrigerated or frozen and you’ll always have a shortcut for homemade biscuits, pancakes, waffles, dumplings, cobblers, and casseroles.

Once you realize how simple homemade baking mix is to make, you may find yourself reaching for the homemade version instead of the box.

WP Recipe Maker Information

Recipe Name: Homemade Bisquick Recipe

Summary: Make your own easy homemade Bisquick-style baking mix with just five basic ingredients. Keep it on hand for quick biscuits, pancakes, waffles, dumplings, casseroles, and more.

Course: Pantry Staple

Cuisine: American

Keyword: homemade Bisquick recipe, homemade Bisquick mix, homemade baking mix

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: Approximately 7 cups

Estimated Calories: Approximately 470 calories per cup, depending on the fat used

Ingredients

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter or vegetable shortening

Instructions

1. Add the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly.
2. Cut cold butter into small cubes if using butter.
3. Add the butter or shortening to the flour mixture.
4. Cut the fat into the flour with a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Alternatively, pulse the ingredients briefly in a food processor until evenly combined.
6. Transfer to an airtight container.
7. Refrigerate a butter-based mix and use within approximately 2–3 months for best quality, or freeze for up to approximately 6 months.
8. Use approximately 1:1 in recipes calling for all-purpose baking mix.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter, two forks, or food processor
• Airtight storage container

Recipe Notes

Butter: Produces a richer flavor but requires refrigerated or frozen storage.

Shortening: Provides a more neutral flavor and works well for an all-purpose baking mix.

Baking powder: Make sure it is fresh for the best rise.

Storage: Label the container with the preparation date.

Using the mix: Start with a 1:1 substitution when replacing commercial baking mix in common recipes.

Estimated Nutrition Per 1/4 Cup

• Calories: 115–125
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2–3g
• Sodium: 150–200mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: Less than 1g

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the ingredients and brand of butter or shortening used.

Homemade Bisquick Recipe

Make your own easy homemade Bisquick-style baking mix with just five basic ingredients. Keep it on hand for quick biscuits, pancakes, waffles, dumplings, casseroles, and more

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 7 Cups

Course: Pantry Staple

Cuisine: American

Calories: 125

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter or vegetable shortening

Get ingredients with

Get Recipe Ingredients

Equipment

• 1 Large mixing bowl
• 1 Measuring cups and spoons
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Pastry cutter, two forks, or food processor
• 1 Airtight storage container

Method

 

1. Add the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly.
2. Cut cold butter into small cubes if using butter.
3. Add the butter or shortening to the flour mixture.
4. Cut the fat into the flour with a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Alternatively, pulse the ingredients briefly in a food processor until evenly combined.
6. Transfer to an airtight container.
7. Refrigerate a butter-based mix and use within approximately 2–3 months for best quality, or freeze for up to approximately 6 months.
8. Use approximately 1:1 in recipes calling for all-purpose baking mix

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Notes

Butter: Produces a richer flavor but requires refrigerated or frozen storage.

Shortening: Provides a more neutral flavor and works well for an all-purpose baking mix.

Baking powder: Make sure it is fresh for the best rise.

Storage: Label the container with the preparation date.

Using the mix: Start with a 1:1 substitution when replacing commercial baking mix in common recipes

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

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