Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe) Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself craving those warm, cheesy, perfectly buttery biscuits from your favorite seafood spot, you’re in for a real treat! This Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe) brings that same irresistible combination of flaky layers, sharp cheddar, and aromatic garlic straight to your kitchen—no reservations or waitlists required. With a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a basket of melt-in-your-mouth biscuits that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe the recipe, too). Warm from the oven and brushed with a generous slathering of garlic-parsley butter, these biscuits could easily steal the spotlight from any main course!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of these Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe) is just how simple the ingredients are, yet each one makes a huge impact on the final flavor! Every ingredient has a role—adding structure, flavor, or that irresistibly golden biscuit color, so don’t skip or skimp.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for light, tender biscuits; measure carefully for the best texture.
- Baking powder: Gives the biscuits their impressive lift and fluffiness.
- Sugar: Just a touch brings out the fullness of the cheddar and balances the savory flavors.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dough and topping with that signature garlicky kick.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and keeps the biscuits from being bland.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle heat that’s subtle but a bit addictive—you decide how spicy to go!
- Cold unsalted butter (cubed): The secret to flaky layers and rich flavor; cold butter is essential, so work quickly.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings that beloved cheesiness and a pop of color; sharper is better for big flavor.
- Whole milk: Binds the dough and adds moisture, making each bite perfectly soft and tender.
- Melted butter (for topping): A finishing touch that soaks into every crevice for ultimate richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, bright note that complements the cheesiness and garlic beautifully.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe)
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
Begin by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C), allowing it to fully preheat while you prepare the dough. Grab a sturdy baking sheet and line it with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also helps the biscuits bake up with golden, crisp bottoms. Gathering your tools and laying out ingredients now will make the process relaxed and enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). This step is more important than it sounds: an even mix ensures your biscuits rise properly, and the spices are distributed in every bite. The cayenne is optional, but even a pinch can bring just the right element of surprise.
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Add the cubed cold butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter (or your fingertips, if you want to feel a bit rustic), work it in just until the mixture has a crumbly, coarse texture—like damp sand with a few pea-sized bits. This is the secret to flaky, tender biscuits, so keep the butter as cold as possible and resist overmixing.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Milk
Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar, tossing gently so the pieces are distributed throughout the flour mixture. Next, pour in the milk and stir just until a soft, shaggy dough forms. The key here is to mix softly: overmixing can turn those dreamy, delicate biscuits tough.
Step 5: Portion and Bake
Drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a couple of inches between each biscuit. There’s no need for perfection—they’re rustic and charming with a free-form shape. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 12–14 minutes. When the tops are golden and the kitchen smells irresistible, they’re ready!
Step 6: Finish with Garlic Butter
While the biscuits bake, stir together melted butter, more garlic powder, and freshly chopped parsley. The moment those biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. This last step transforms every bite into true Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe) perfection—rich, fragrant, and impossible to resist.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe)
Garnishes
Give your freshly baked biscuits a final shower of chopped parsley for color and freshness, or dust with extra cheddar while they’re piping hot! The vivid green and molten cheese add mouthwatering appeal and a finishing touch worthy of a restaurant.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair beautifully with classic seafood favorites—think creamy clam chowder, garlicky shrimp scampi, or even a simple tomato soup. They’re also perfect alongside roasted chicken, holiday ham, or a leafy green salad for a comforting and complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try splitting the biscuits and using them as the base for breakfast sandwiches, or slice them in half and fill with egg salad or barbecued pulled pork for a mouthwatering twist. Serving the biscuits in a lined basket with extra garlic butter on the side makes any gathering feel festive and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if) you have any biscuits left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them at their freshest, let the biscuits cool completely before sealing, and consider putting a paper towel inside the container to absorb any extra moisture.
Freezing
For longer storage, Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe) freeze beautifully! Once baked and completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to an airtight bag or container for up to three months. Thaw at room temp or warm in the oven for the ultimate make-ahead treat.
Reheating
To bring the biscuits back to that fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes. A quick trip in the toaster oven works just as well and helps restore their crisp edges and fluffy centers. Finish with an extra brush of melted butter to boost their aroma and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese besides cheddar?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe), feel free to try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked gouda for a fun twist—just be sure to use a flavorful cheese for that signature taste.
What’s the best way to get flaky biscuits?
The trick is cold butter and minimal handling. Cut in the butter until the dough is crumbly and don’t overmix once you add the milk—this preserves those buttery pockets that create perfectly flaky biscuits every time.
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and drop it onto a parchment-lined tray, then freeze the unbaked biscuits. When ready to bake, place them straight from the freezer into a preheated oven, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.
How spicy are they with the cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper adds just a hint of background warmth—it won’t overpower the biscuits, but it does give them a little extra zip. If you prefer a completely mild version, just leave it out; or, for spicier biscuits, add a pinch more!
Do I need a pastry cutter to make these?
No pastry cutter? No problem! Just use your fingertips to work the butter into the flour, or try two forks. The key is to work quickly so the butter stays cool and creates those lovely layers in your Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe).
Final Thoughts
If you adore those unforgettable restaurant biscuits, you owe it to yourself to try this Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe) at home. It’s so easy, incredibly delicious, and totally impressive whether served at a family dinner or brought along to a potluck. Give them a try—you just might start making them for every special occasion (and plenty of ordinary ones, too)!
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Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat Recipe) Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Cheddar Bay Biscuits at home with this Red Lobster copycat recipe. These cheesy, garlic-infused biscuits are a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Biscuit Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup whole milk
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cheddar cheese. Add milk and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Bake the biscuits: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet. Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the garlic butter: Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush the hot biscuits with the mixture.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle more cheddar on top before baking.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a warm oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
