If you’ve ever found yourself craving those irresistibly fluffy, cheesy biscuits from your favorite seafood restaurant, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this homemade version. This Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe captures all the garlicky, buttery goodness with sharp cheddar that melts perfectly in every bite. It’s a delightfully simple recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a warm, comforting treat that pairs beautifully with almost any meal. Prepare to wow your family or guests with biscuits that taste like they were pulled fresh from Red Lobster’s own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first key to nailing this biscuit recipe. Each component is simple yet essential, contributing to the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that iconic cheddar bay biscuit charm.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender but sturdy biscuit crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps give the biscuits their wonderful rise and fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A little extra lift and helps the biscuits brown beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the wonderful flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds that irresistible savory kick synonymous with cheddar bay biscuits.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The secret to flaky, buttery layers throughout each biscuit.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharpness and creaminess that provide cheese lovers their happy place.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more if needed): Adds richness and a slight tang that tenderizes the dough perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping): Garlic butter glaze that seals in moisture and flavor on top.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for topping): Enhances the topping’s bold, savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for topping): A fresh pop of color and subtle herbiness to finish each biscuit.
How to Make Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your biscuits bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. This combination of leavening agents and seasonings sets the stage for light, fluffy biscuits with that iconic garlicky flavor.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to your dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Keeping the butter cold is crucial here—these little pockets of butter create layers and that irresistible flaky texture when baked.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Buttermilk
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese for that signature cheesy richness. Then pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly shaggy dough ensures your biscuits stay tender and airy.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Using a heaping spoon, drop 10 to 12 biscuits onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow for rise. Pop them into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they transform into golden, puffed-up beauties.
Step 6: Prepare and Apply Garlic Butter Topping
While the biscuits bake, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, and fresh parsley. The moment the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with this luscious garlic butter to lock in flavor and give them a glossy, irresistible finish.
How to Serve Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a little more chopped fresh parsley or even a pinch of paprika on top of the biscuits after applying the garlic butter. This not only adds color but also a hint of fresh herbiness that complements the sharp cheddar beautifully.
Side Dishes
These biscuits shine as a rich accompaniment to seafood like shrimp scampi, crab legs, or a simple bowl of clam chowder. They also pair wonderfully with salads, roasted chicken, or even a hearty stew. Their buttery, cheesy profile makes them versatile for many meal occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve your biscuits in a rustic basket lined with a cozy kitchen towel to keep them warm. For gatherings, stack them high in a pyramid and place a small bowl of extra garlic butter nearby for dipping. You could even slice them horizontally and use as a base for mini sandwiches with ham and Dijon mustard or fresh tomato and basil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container so they stay moist and flavorful for up to 2 days at room temperature. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out but it’s best to enjoy them fresh for ultimate softness.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the biscuits on a baking sheet so they don’t touch and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. This is perfect for making these delicious biscuits ahead of time and enjoying them whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Thaw frozen biscuits at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then warm in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. For extra crispness, reheating in an air fryer for a few minutes does wonders. Brush with a little fresh garlic butter before serving to revive their fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to get that tangy buttermilk effect.
Why are my biscuits dense instead of fluffy?
Overmixing the dough or not using enough leavening agents like baking powder can cause dense biscuits. Also, keeping the butter cold and folding the dough gently helps keep the texture light and fluffy.
Is there a way to make the biscuits less garlicky?
Absolutely! You can reduce the garlic powder in both the dough and the topping according to your preference. Start with half the amount and adjust until you find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
While it’s best to bake biscuits fresh, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even rising and perfect texture.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
A sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast that cuts through the buttery richness. However, mild cheddar or a blend with Monterey Jack can also be delicious if you prefer a more subtle cheese taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like whipping up a batch of homemade Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe to brighten any meal. Their golden crust, garlicky butter, and cheesy heart make these biscuits an instant favorite for everyone at the table. I promise once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to comfort food that brings warm smiles and keeps them asking for more. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create some biscuit magic!
Print
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 biscuits
- Category: Side Dish, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits recipe delivers soft, cheesy, and garlicky biscuits that are perfect as a side dish or snack. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, buttermilk, and a flavorful garlic butter topping, these biscuits are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection, bringing the taste of a beloved restaurant favorite right to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Wet & Dairy Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more if needed)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the biscuits from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cut in Butter: Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which creates flaky layers in the biscuits.
- Add Cheese & Buttermilk: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Then add the buttermilk and mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the biscuits tender.
- Form Biscuits: Drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping the dough into 10–12 individual biscuits.
- Bake: Bake the biscuits for 12–15 minutes until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Topping: While biscuits bake, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl to create a flavorful topping.
- Brush Biscuits: As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, generously brush them with the garlic butter mixture for an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
- Serve Warm: Serve the cheddar bay biscuits warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with 3/4 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
- These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh from the oven but can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to regain a crisp texture.
