If you’ve ever found yourself enchanted by the savory, cheesy goodness of Red Lobster’s beloved biscuits, I have fantastic news for you. This Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe captures that same irresistible flavor and fluffy texture right in your own kitchen. Crispy on the outside with a tender, buttery inside, and bursting with sharp cheddar and just the right hint of garlic and herbs, these biscuits are a show-stopper for any meal or snack time. Trust me, once you master this recipe, you’ll be making it again and again, impressing friends, family, or just indulging yourself with a warm, comforting bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a beautiful harmony that might seem simple, but each plays a crucial role in building the signature taste and texture of these biscuits. From the sharp cheddar that adds richness to the buttermilk that keeps them moist and tender, every element is essential for that authentic taste you expect.
- Sharp white cheddar cheese (4 ounces): Provides the creamy, tangy cheddar flavor that defines these biscuits.
- Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons plus 4 tablespoons): Used in dough and topping, gives a rich, golden finish and buttery aroma.
- Buttermilk (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and a slight tanginess, helping the biscuits stay soft and tender.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structural base of the biscuits, allowing them to rise and hold shape.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Leavens the biscuits, contributing to their fluffy height.
- Garlic powder (1 1/2 teaspoons plus 1/2 teaspoon): Delivers that classic garlic punch both inside the dough and in the butter topping.
- Kosher salt (1 1/2 teaspoons plus 1/8 teaspoon): Balances flavors in the dough and finishing butter for depth and seasoning.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with buttermilk acidity to help biscuits rise perfectly.
- Dried parsley (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of color and fresh herbal lift in the buttery glaze topping.
How to Make Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in 8 tablespoons of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded sharp white cheddar cheese. Next, pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until the dough just comes together—it should be soft and slightly sticky. Resist overmixing here to keep the biscuits tender and fluffy.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Lightly flour your hands or a surface and scoop out portions of dough about the size of a golf ball. Place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet to allow room for rising. For twelve biscuits, this will fill your pan nicely. Pop the biscuits into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top and cooked through. The smell of baking garlic-cheddar goodness is the best sign that it’s time to get ready for the final touch.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Butter and Glaze the Biscuits
While your biscuits bake, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small bowl. Stir in the garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of kosher salt until well combined. As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, use a pastry brush or spoon to generously slather each one with the garlic herb butter. This step is what transforms your biscuits from delicious to downright addicting, adding that signature shine and flavor that everyone loves at Red Lobster.
How to Serve Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
While these biscuits are perfect as is, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a tiny drizzle of honey butter can elevate the presentation and add a subtle pop of freshness or sweetness against that savory backdrop.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are versatile stars at the table. They pair beautifully with classic seafood dishes like shrimp scampi, crab cakes, or a simple bowl of clam chowder. But they’re also wonderful alongside hearty soups, fresh green salads, or roasted chicken for a comforting home-cooked meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these biscuits stacked on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of herb butter, spicy marmalade, or garlic aioli for dipping. For brunch, slice them in half and add a spread of cream cheese and smoked salmon or a fluffy scrambled egg for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover biscuits, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy without drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, let the biscuits cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or gently heat from frozen for best results.
Reheating
Reheat biscuits by warming them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. To bring back their fresh-baked crispness, avoid microwaving if possible. Brushing with a little melted butter before reheating adds a lovely shine and flavor boost.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk will work in a pinch, buttermilk’s acidity reacts with baking soda to give the biscuits that tender crumb and slight tang. To mimic buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Is sharp white cheddar necessary or can I use yellow cheddar?
Sharp white cheddar gives the biscuits their classic tangy flavor and the authentic look, but yellow cheddar can be substituted if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware the color and slight flavor notes will shift a bit.
How do I prevent my biscuits from being dry?
The key is not overmixing the dough and making sure you have fresh buttermilk and butter. Also, a quick glaze of garlic herb butter immediately out of the oven locks in moisture and adds richness.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best texture. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same and watch the baking time closely, as gluten-free dough can bake faster.
What’s the best way to shred cheese for this recipe?
Use freshly shredded sharp white cheddar rather than pre-shredded cheese from the store, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture. Fresh shredding melts more smoothly and blends better into the dough.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe at your fingertips, you’re just minutes away from savoring one of the most comforting treats ever. It’s a recipe that’s as rewarding to make as it is delicious to eat. So go on, bake a batch, share with someone special, or keep them all for yourself. These biscuits truly bring a little magic to the table, and I’m positive they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen as they are in mine.
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Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits 1x
Description
Enjoy a delicious copycat version of Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits, featuring sharp cheddar cheese and a flavorful garlic herb butter topping. These biscuits are fluffy, buttery, and packed with savory goodness, perfect as a side for any meal or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Biscuit Dough
- 4 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese (about 1 cup shredded)
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Garlic Herb Butter Topping
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the biscuit dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and baking soda. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded sharp white cheddar cheese. Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix with a spoon or spatula just until the dough comes together; do not overmix to keep the biscuits light and fluffy.
- Shape and bake the biscuits: Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop heaping mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Prepare the garlic herb butter topping: While the biscuits are baking, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small bowl. Stir in dried parsley, garlic powder, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Brush biscuits with topping: Once the biscuits come out of the oven, immediately brush the garlic herb butter generously over the tops to infuse them with rich, savory flavor.
- Serve warm: Serve the biscuits warm as a side dish or snack. They pair beautifully with seafood dishes, soups, salads, or any meal that could use a delicious, cheesy biscuit.
Notes
- For best results, make sure your butter is cold when mixing into the dough to create a flaky texture.
- You can substitute sharp yellow cheddar if you prefer a stronger flavor and more vibrant color.
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Garlic powder and salt amount in topping can be adjusted based on taste preference.
- Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
