If you’ve ever been to Red Lobster, you know their Cheddar Bay Biscuits are legendary. I’ve cracked the code with my Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe, and I’m so excited to share it with you because it’s fan-freaking-tastic. These biscuits come out perfectly fluffy, cheesy, and packed with that signature garlicky, buttery goodness that’ll make you feel like you’re right there at the seafood joint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Taste: It captures the exact flavors that make Red Lobster’s biscuits so addictive.
- Easy to Make: The instructions are straightforward, ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
- Perfect Texture: These biscuits come out soft and tender on the inside, with a golden crust you’ll love.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for these, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture, so I recommend using the freshest ingredients you have on hand. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for these biscuits — using all-purpose keeps them light but sturdy.
- Cold unsalted butter: Cold butter is crucial for flaky, tender biscuits; cubing it helps it mix evenly.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Both are used to give the biscuits lift and just the right amount of rise.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: The key to that famous savory flavor you can’t get enough of.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, so don’t skimp here.
- Grated cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the biscuits their signature cheesy punch.
- Cold whole milk: Helps bind the dough with a creamy, rich touch.
- Dried parsley: Adds a little color and a subtle herbal note on top.
- Non-stick cooking spray (optional): To prep your baking sheet and keep the biscuits from sticking.
Variations
I love to stick close to the original with this Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe, but feel free to personalize it! A few tweaks here and there can really add an interesting twist if you’re in the mood to experiment.
- Herb Variations: Sometimes I swap out the dried parsley for fresh herbs like chives or rosemary to give it a bright, fresh flavor punch.
- Cheese Variations: Switching cheddar with a mix of sharp white cheddar and Parmesan gives a nice complexity that’s amazing.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the batter for a subtle spicy twist that my husband absolutely loves.
- Gluten-Free: I’ve had success swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate friends with sensitivities.
How to Make Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. I line my baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, but you can also use a Silpat mat or spray it with non-stick cooking spray if you prefer. A hot oven ensures the biscuits get that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
This is where the magic happens. I use a food processor because it’s faster and ensures the butter gets cut in evenly, making for flaky biscuits. Combine the flour and 6 tablespoons of cold butter, pulsing until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs — about 20 short pulses. Add baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt, then pulse a few times until mixed. Next, stir in the cheddar cheese with a few more pulses. Finally, add the cold milk and pulse just enough for the dough to come together. It’ll be a bit wet, but that’s exactly how it should look!
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Biscuits
Dump the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 10 equal portions. I like to use a 1/4-cup measuring cup to get consistent sizes. Space the biscuits 2 inches apart on your baking sheet so they have room to rise and brown. Bake for about 15 minutes until golden on top — you’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the tops look beautifully puffed.
Step 4: Garlic Butter Finish
While the biscuits bake, melt the remaining butter and stir in the dried parsley, onion powder, remaining garlic powder, and salt. When the biscuits come out of the oven, brush this garlicky butter all over immediately. This step seals in moisture and delivers that irresistible Red Lobster signature flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Cold Ingredients Matter: Keep your butter and milk cold to get the best flaky texture — this was a game changer for me.
- Don’t Overmix: When pulsing the dough with milk, stop as soon as it just comes together to avoid dense biscuits.
- Cheese Freshness: Use freshly grated cheddar for the best melting and flavor; pre-shredded can have additives that affect texture.
- Butter Brush Timing: Brush the seasoned butter on the biscuits right when they come out of the oven for maximum flavor absorption and shine.
How to Serve Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
I typically sprinkle a little extra dried parsley on top after brushing the garlic butter because it looks beautiful and gives that fresh pop of color. Sometimes, I add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky hint that’s just delicious.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are incredible alongside seafood meals, of course, but I also love pairing them with soups like creamy tomato basil or hearty clam chowder. They also work really well with simple green salads and roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange the biscuits on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper and surround them with small bowls of homemade herb butter and honey butter. They’re perfect finger food and look inviting at parties or holiday dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover biscuits store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I like to put a paper towel underneath to catch any condensation and keep the bottoms from getting soggy, which really helps preserve their delicate texture.
Freezing
I freeze these biscuits frequently. After baking and cooling, I wrap each biscuit tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a quick treat, I pull them out and warm them right from frozen — it’s so convenient!
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked taste, I reheat biscuits in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, uncovered. This crisps the outside while warming the interior nicely. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works but you’ll lose some crispness.
FAQs
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Can I make these biscuits without a food processor?
Absolutely! You can mix the dough by hand using a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the cold butter into the flour until you get pea-sized crumbs. Just be sure not to overwork the dough for the best texture.
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What cheese works best for this recipe?
Freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice and really brings out that savory flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses if possible since they often contain anti-caking agents that can impact melt and texture.
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Can I use low-fat or alternative milks instead of whole milk?
You can try, but whole milk gives the richest texture and flavor. If you choose alternatives like almond or skim milk, the biscuits may be slightly less tender or flavorful.
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How do I get the garlic butter flavor just right?
Using a mix of garlic powder and onion powder in the butter helps mimic the taste of Red Lobster’s biscuits. Brushing the seasoning on the biscuits immediately after baking ensures the butter gets absorbed fully for maximum flavor.
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Can these biscuits be made dairy-free?
It’s possible with some substitutions, like dairy-free butter and plant-based milk, but they won’t taste exactly like the original. The cheese flavor is key to this recipe, so using a dairy-free cheddar alternative is important if you need to go that route.
Final Thoughts
This Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is truly one of my all-time favorites to whip up at home. The first time I nailed it, I felt like I’d discovered a secret — it instantly became our weekend staple. These biscuits have a way of bringing everyone to the table, with their warm, cheesy, garlicky charm that’s impossible to resist. So go ahead, try this recipe like you’re sharing a special tip with a friend — I promise, your kitchen and your taste buds will thank you!
PrintRed Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits recipe recreates the famous cheesy, buttery biscuits served at Red Lobster. These fluffy, flavorful biscuits are loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, garlic, and a delicious seasoned butter topping, perfect as a side for seafood or any meal craving comfort food.
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
Optional
- Non-stick cooking spray (for baking sheet)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, a Silpat mat, or coat it lightly with non-stick cooking spray for easy biscuit removal.
- Make Biscuit 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 crumbs. Add baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Pulse 5 times to combine. Add grated cheddar cheese and pulse another 5 times. Pour in the cold milk and pulse just a few more times until the dough comes together but remains wet; avoid overmixing.
- Shape Biscuits: Turn the sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide evenly into 10 portions (about 1/4 cup each). Shape each portion into a biscuit and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow for rising.
- Bake Biscuits: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown on top.
- Prepare Seasoned Butter: While the biscuits bake, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl or a small pan over medium-low heat. Stir in dried parsley, onion powder, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder until combined.
- Brush Biscuits: Remove the hot biscuits from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the prepared seasoned butter mixture to infuse them with flavor and keep them moist.
- Serve: Serve the cheddar bay biscuits immediately while warm and enjoy as a savory side or snack.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve flaky, tender biscuits.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep biscuits light and fluffy.
- Grating your own cheese will melt better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Biscuits are best served fresh but can be reheated wrapped in foil at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- For a keto version, substitute flour with almond or coconut flour and omit milk or use cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 254
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg