If you have ever wished you could recreate that perfect buttery, cheesy delight at home, this Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe) Recipe is your answer. These biscuits are fluffy on the inside with a golden crust, bursting with sharp cheddar flavor and a garlicky kick that makes every bite irresistible. They are the perfect comforting companion to any meal or an irresistible snack all on their own. Trust me, once you try this copycat recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them from anywhere else!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Each element plays a role in delivering that signature biscuit texture and flavor, whether it’s the tangy cheddar, the buttery base, or the hint of garlic that ties everything together.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the soft, tender crumb structure for the biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Provides the essential lift to give the biscuits their fluffy texture.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances the savoriness with a touch of subtle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Adds that unmistakable garlicky aroma and flavor.
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (1½ sticks), divided: Split between batter and topping for richness and that golden finish.
- 1 cup whole milk: Hydrates the dry ingredients and contributes to tender, moist biscuits.
- 8 ounces shredded mild cheddar cheese: The heart of the recipe, adding creamy, tangy cheesiness in every bite.
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley: A pop of color and mild herbaceous note for the finishing butter brush.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to a high temperature of 450°F, which is key for getting that golden, crisp exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to give you a smooth surface for baking.
Step 2: Melt Butter for the Dough
Melt half a cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter in the microwave just until it’s melted but still warm. This will mix easily with the other ingredients and build that signature buttery flavor throughout the dough.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and half of the kosher salt. This combination lays the flavorful foundation for the biscuits while ensuring they rise beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the melted butter and whole milk into the bowl with the dry mix. Stir just until the flour is moistened—overmixing can make the biscuits tough, so it’s important to keep it gentle here.
Step 5: Fold in the Cheese
Now for the cheesy goodness: fold in the shredded mild cheddar cheese with a spoon. This step makes sure every biscuit features beautiful pockets of gooey, melted cheddar.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, giving them enough room to rise and spread slightly. Bake the biscuits for 10 to 12 minutes, until their tops are a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 7: Prepare Garlic Butter Topping
While the biscuits bake, melt the remaining ¼ cup (½ stick) of butter. Stir in the remaining quarter teaspoon of salt and dried parsley to create a fragrant topping that is pure biscuit bliss.
Step 8: Brush and Serve
As soon as you remove the hot biscuits from the oven, generously brush them with the melted garlic-parsley butter. This final touch adds moisture, flavor, and that shiny, inviting finish that makes these biscuits unforgettable.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to take these biscuits over the top, sprinkle a bit of extra freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of garlic powder just before serving. These small touches elevate the presentation and highlight the key flavors.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are a perfect match for seafood dishes, like shrimp scampi or grilled salmon, just like at Red Lobster. They also work wonderfully alongside creamy soups, hearty chili, or your favorite barbecue mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the biscuits with a selection of flavored butters—think herb garlic butter, honey butter, or even a spicy jalapeño spread. You can also slice them in half and make mini cheddar biscuit sandwiches with ham or bacon for a delightful appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them tasting fresh, place a dry paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze these biscuits either baked or unbaked. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain that crispy exterior and tender inside texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mild cheddar is classic, you can try sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor or even a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier bite. Just avoid cheeses with high moisture content that might alter the texture.
Why should I not overmix the dough?
Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dense biscuits. Gently stirring just until the flour is moistened keeps the biscuits tender and fluffy—just like the original Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you should reduce the amount of added salt to prevent overly salty biscuits. Usually, cutting the recipe’s salt in half works well if you’re using salted butter.
Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Of course! Whole milk provides richness, but you can swap it with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Just be sure to choose unsweetened varieties to keep the biscuit’s flavor balanced.
What’s the secret to getting that perfect golden crust?
The high oven temperature combined with the butter brushed on after baking creates that signature golden crust. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 450°F and don’t skip the butter topping for the ideal finish.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this much-loved Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe) Recipe in your kitchen repertoire, get ready to impress your family and friends with homemade biscuits that rival the restaurant’s famous version. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy that irresistible cheesy, garlicky goodness any day. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and bake some magic today!
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Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe) Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delicious copycat recipe inspired by Red Lobster’s famous savory biscuits. These golden, cheesy biscuits are studded with mild cheddar cheese, seasoned with garlic powder and parsley, then brushed with a buttery garlic parsley glaze. Perfect as a side or snack, they are quick to prepare and bake to a soft, flaky texture with a flavorful crust.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (1½ sticks), divided
- 1 cup whole milk
Add-ins & Topping
- 8 ounces shredded mild cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Melt Butter: Melt ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of the kosher salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted butter and whole milk into the dry ingredients. Whisk gently and just until the flour is moistened, being careful not to overmix, to ensure tender biscuits.
- Fold in Cheese: Using a spoon, fold the shredded mild cheddar cheese into the batter until evenly distributed throughout.
- Shape and Bake Biscuits: Drop heaping spoonfuls of the biscuit batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown.
- Prepare Butter Glaze: While the biscuits bake, melt the remaining ¼ cup (½ stick) of butter in a small bowl. Stir in the remaining ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt and the dried parsley to create a flavorful glaze.
- Brush Biscuits: Remove the baked biscuits from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the melted butter, salt, and parsley mixture to add moisture and flavor.
- Serve Warm: Serve the cheddar bay biscuits warm for the best texture and flavor. They pair wonderfully with seafood, soup, or as a party snack.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough biscuits; mix just until ingredients are combined.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the biscuit batter.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and texture.
- You can freeze unbaked biscuits by shaping them on a baking sheet, freezing solid, then transferring to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time.
- Brush biscuits with the parsley butter while they are hot for maximum absorption.
