If you’re a fan of those irresistibly flaky, buttery biscuits from your favorite seafood spot, you’re going to flip for this homemade version. I’m talking about the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe—a total game-changer that I promise will become your go-to biscuit recipe. This one nails that perfect balance of cheesy, garlicky, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness that makes those biscuits so memorable. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never want to buy the boxed kind again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Captures that classic Red Lobster cheesy garlic goodness perfectly.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- Easy to Make: Step-by-step instructions that anyone can follow for perfect biscuits.
- Super Versatile: Perfect for dinners, snacks, or an impressive side for gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here works together to create that signature texture and flavor you crave in Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Plus, I’ll share a few tips on picking the right ones to get you the best results.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure; using fresh flour ensures fluffier biscuits.
- Cold unsalted butter: Key for flakiness, cold butter creates those lovely little pockets of fluff.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents make the biscuits rise beautifully and get light.
- Garlic powder and sea salt: They’re the subtle but essential seasoning that gives these biscuits their savory punch.
- Grated cheddar cheese: Sharp, freshly grated works best for a cheesy kick that melts just right.
- Cold whole milk: Adds moisture and tenderness; cold helps keep the dough from getting tough.
- Dried parsley and onion powder: These come alive when mixed with melted butter, adding that classic finishing touch on top.
Variations
I like to keep things classic, but you can totally switch it up to suit your mood or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative—these biscuits are pretty flexible!
- Herbed spin: I once added fresh rosemary and thyme for a woodland twist that my family adored.
- Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika spices things up without overpowering the cheesy flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use a mix of gluten-free baking flour and xanthan gum for a similar texture; just watch the baking time closely.
- Cheese swaps: Some days, I toss in pepper jack or smoked gouda instead of cheddar for a richer taste.
How to Make Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F. I like to line my baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—it helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. If you’re in a pinch, a light spray of non-stick cooking spray works fine too.
Step 2: Combine the Flour and Butter
Using a food processor, pulse the flour and 6 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter until you get crumbly, pea-sized bits. This technique is my secret to that tender, flaky texture. If you don’t have a processor, use a pastry cutter or your hands, but be careful not to overwork the dough.
Step 3: Add Leaveners and Seasonings
Next, toss in the baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 3/4 teaspoon sea salt. Pulse just until everything is evenly mixed—over-processing can toughen the dough.
Step 4: Mix in the Cheese
Add the grated cheddar and pulse a few more times until it’s just combined. Freshly grated cheese works best here because it melts smoother and blends in nicely.
Step 5: Bring it All Together with Milk
Pour in the cold whole milk and pulse only a few times to bring the dough together. This is key—the dough should be wet and just holding together. Overmixing will make the biscuits dense and tough, so resist that urge to overwork!
Step 6: Shape and Bake the Biscuits
Carefully turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 10 equal portions (about 1/4 cup each) and place spaced 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes until the tops are nicely golden brown.
Step 7: Make the Garlic-Parsley Butter
While the biscuits are baking, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir in dried parsley, onion powder, the remaining salt, and garlic powder. This fragrant mixture is what sets these biscuits apart—don’t skip this step!
Step 8: Brush and Serve Warm
As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic-parsley butter. This keeps them moist, buttery, and bursting with flavor. Serve immediately—you’ll love how the biscuits stay soft inside with a slightly crisp top.
Pro Tips for Making Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Keep Butter Cold: This trick is essential for light, flaky biscuits—warm butter melts too soon and ruins the texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the milk, pulse just a few times to avoid dense, tough biscuits.
- Freshly Grate Your Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that prevent proper melting.
- Brush Butter Immediately: Applying the garlic butter right out of the oven locks in moisture and flavor.
How to Serve Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling just a bit more dried parsley on top after brushing with butter—it brightens the color and adds freshness. Sometimes a tiny dash of flaky sea salt right before serving amps up the flavor even more!
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair beautifully with seafood dishes like shrimp scampi or crab cakes, but honestly, my family loves them just as much alongside a hearty soup or a crisp, green salad. They’re also addictive with a bowl of creamy clam chowder.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I’ve placed these biscuits in a rustic basket lined with a crisp linen napkin, garnished with fresh parsley sprigs. It’s such a welcoming touch that always impresses guests while keeping things cozy and casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay surprisingly tender if you reheat them properly. Just avoid the fridge—it tends to dry them out faster.
Freezing
These biscuits freeze wonderfully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you want some, thaw for about 30 minutes and reheat—they’re almost as good as fresh.
Reheating
I reheat biscuits in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to keep moisture in. You can also split and toast them in a skillet with a little butter—that extra step boosts that fresh-baked flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use a hand mixer instead of a food processor for this Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe?
Absolutely! While a food processor speeds things up and helps achieve perfect crumbles, you can use a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingers to cut cold butter into the flour mixture. Just be gentle to avoid warming the butter and overworking the dough, which could make your biscuits dense.
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Why are my biscuits not as fluffy as Red Lobster’s?
The fluffiness mainly depends on not overmixing the dough, using cold butter, and ensuring your baking powder is fresh. Also, don’t skip the baking soda—it reacts slightly with the acid in the dairy to give an extra lift. And make sure you bake immediately after mixing to keep that rise!
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Can I make these biscuits dairy-free?
You can try replacing butter with a dairy-free margarine and use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk. I recommend adding some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor substitute. However, keep in mind the texture and flavor might differ from the classic version.
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How do I make sure my Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe doesn’t dry out?
Brush the biscuits immediately with the garlic-parsley butter as soon as they come out of the oven—that’s what seals in moisture. Also, store them in an airtight container once cooled, and avoid refrigeration if possible, as cold storage dries biscuits quickly.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe brings that restaurant magic right into my home kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that everyone raves about, and I never stress about making it because the steps are straightforward and foolproof. If you’ve been craving those iconic cheesy garlic biscuits or want a warm, comforting side that feels special but is oh-so-easy, give this recipe a whirl. I’m betting you’ll find it’s way better than takeout—and your family will be asking for seconds in no time!
PrintRed Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a deliciously cheesy and garlicky treat, perfect as a side or snack. Soft, buttery, and bursting with cheddar cheese, these biscuits are inspired by the famous restaurant favorite and can be easily made at home using simple ingredients and a food processor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder (divided)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Wet Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed (divided: 6 tbsp for dough, 4 tbsp for topping)
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cold whole milk
Additional
- Non-stick cooking spray (optional, for baking sheet)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, Silpat, or lightly coat with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Dough: In a food processor, combine the flour and 6 tablespoons of cold cubed butter. Pulse about 20 times until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbles. Add baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Pulse 5 more times to combine. Add the grated cheddar cheese and pulse an additional 5 times. Finally, add the cold milk and pulse a few times just until the dough comes together, avoiding overmixing as the dough will be wet.
- Divide and Shape the Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it evenly into 10 portions (about 1/4 cup each). Place the dough portions spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Biscuits: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Seasoned Butter Topping: While the biscuits bake, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl or over medium-low heat in a saucepan. Stir in dried parsley, onion powder, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder until well combined.
- Brush Biscuits with Butter: Remove the hot biscuits from the oven and immediately spoon or brush the seasoned butter mixture generously over each biscuit to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Serve the biscuits warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep biscuits tender and flaky.
- Use cold butter and cold milk to ensure proper texture.
- For a sharper cheese flavor, use aged sharp cheddar.
- These biscuits are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
- To freeze, bake biscuits fully, cool, then freeze in an airtight container; reheat in the oven to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 254
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg