If you’ve ever found yourself craving that iconic, buttery, garlicky goodness from your favorite seafood spot, you’re in for a real treat with this Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. These golden, fluffy treasures are packed with sharp cheddar cheese, a whisper of garlic, and a fresh parsley finish that will have your kitchen smelling like a coastal eatery. They’re the perfect blend of tender biscuit and flavorful bite, easy enough to whip up at home but impressive enough to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe plays a crucial role, combining simple pantry staples into the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the sharpness of cheddar to the richness of cold butter, every component adds its special touch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the biscuits their tender yet structured crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures these biscuits rise to fluffy perfection.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Just a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, warm garlicky note throughout the dough.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with extra lift and lightness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 cup milk (more if needed): Adds moisture and richness to the batter, making for soft, tender biscuits.
- â…“ cup cold butter: Cut into the flour to create flaky layers and richness.
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, providing sharpness and gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Used for brushing on top, sealing in moisture and bringing out that irresistible golden-brown crust.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: For a fresh, herby brightness that beautifully offsets the richness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky flavor in the buttery brush-on topping.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional): Adds a subtle, fragrant herbal layer if you want to experiment with a little extra complexity.
How to Make Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F. Getting the oven nice and hot is key to getting that perfect golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. It also means your biscuits will bake evenly and get that signature fluffy rise that makes them so special.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend creates the foundation for flavor and texture, ensuring your biscuits have just the right amount of lift and savory seasoning in every bite.
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend it in until the mixture looks crumbly with pea-sized pieces of butter. This step is critical because those chunks of butter melt in the oven, creating flaky, tender layers that make these biscuits irresistible.
Step 4: Stir in Milk and Cheddar Cheese
Pour in the milk and gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese adds incredible sharpness and gooey pockets of flavor, while the milk brings everything together into a soft dough. If your dough feels too dry, a splash more milk can help you achieve the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Portion the Dough
Using a spoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keeping a bit of space between each biscuit gives them room to rise beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake your biscuits for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn lightly browned around the edges and have puffed up pleasingly. The smell at this point is incredible — cheesy, buttery, garlicky goodness filling your kitchen.
Step 7: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
While your biscuits are baking, mix the melted butter with dried parsley, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning if you’re using it. This buttery topping is what makes these biscuits so iconic, adding an extra burst of flavor and that shiny, irresistible finish.
Step 8: Brush and Serve
Once the biscuits come out of the oven, let them cool for about three minutes, then generously brush them with the garlic herb butter mixture. This step seals in the moisture and flavors, giving you that classic Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits experience at home.
How to Serve Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a little extra shredded cheddar on top right before serving can elevate the presentation and add a burst of fresh color. It’s simple, but those small touches make a big difference for guests and family alike.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are the perfect partner for seafood dishes like shrimp scampi or a hearty bowl of clam chowder. They also shine alongside a crisp green salad or buttery corn on the cob, rounding out any meal with their rich, cheesy warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or potluck, serve the biscuits on a wooden board with small bowls of flavored butters — think honey butter, basil pesto butter, or spicy garlic butter — so everyone can customize their bite. You can also slice the biscuits in half and use them for mini sandwiches stuffed with crab or lobster salad for a fun twist.
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 from drying out, place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking, and avoid refrigerating as it can toughen the texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these biscuits before or after baking. For unbaked dough, scoop onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. For baked biscuits, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat for best results.
Reheating
Reheat biscuits in a warm oven at about 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and refreshed. If frozen, allow to thaw first or warm a little longer. To revive that buttery finish, give them a quick brush with melted butter just after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for this recipe, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend for a different flavor profile. Just keep the cheese shredded for even melting.
Is it necessary to use cold butter?
Yes, cold butter is essential for creating flaky layers in the biscuits. When cold butter melts during baking, it releases steam which helps create pockets of air and tenderness.
Can I make dairy-free or vegan versions?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. Choose a dairy-free cheese substitute or omit the cheese for a lighter biscuit. The flavor will change slightly but will still be delicious.
Why does the recipe include baking soda and baking powder?
Both baking soda and baking powder help the biscuits rise, but baking powder is the primary leavening agent. The small amount of baking soda helps balance the acidity and improve the texture for a lighter biscuit.
How do I make sure my biscuits turn out soft on the inside?
Don’t overmix the dough once you add the milk; gentle folding keeps the texture tender. Also, brushing on the butter immediately after baking adds moisture and richness, helping keep the insides soft.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like biting into a warm, buttery biscuit that tastes just like the famous Red Lobster original. This Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe brings that restaurant magic right to your kitchen with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a side, or a party treat, these biscuits are guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Go ahead, give them a try, and watch them disappear fast!
Print
Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the classic taste of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits with this easy homemade copycat recipe. These savory biscuits are fluffy and buttery, loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and seasoned with garlic and herbs, perfect as a side for any meal or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (more if needed)
- â…“ cup cold butter
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Butter Topping
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the biscuits.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, garlic powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
- Cut in the butter: Add cold butter cubes to the dry mixture and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture is crumbly and the butter pieces are about the size of peas.
- Mix in wet ingredients: Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese gently until just combined to form the biscuit dough.
- Shape the biscuits: Drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden on top.
- Prepare butter topping: While the biscuits are baking, combine the melted butter with dried parsley, garlic powder, and optional Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
- Cool and brush: Remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool for 3 minutes. Then brush the warm biscuits generously with the prepared butter mixture.
- Serve warm: Serve the biscuits immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a more intense garlic flavor, increase the garlic powder in the butter topping.
- Use shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a richer taste.
- If the dough feels too dry, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time.
- These biscuits are best served fresh but can be gently reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Italian seasoning is optional; omit if you prefer a more traditional flavor.
