If you have ever found yourself craving those irresistibly flaky, buttery, and cheesy biscuits from Red Lobster, you’re in for a real treat. This Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe captures all the magic of that classic restaurant favorite, bringing it right into your own kitchen with ease. These biscuits boast a perfect balance of sharp cheddar, a hint of garlic, and a touch of herbaceous goodness that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you’re serving them as a side or a snack, they’re guaranteed to become a beloved staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe lies in how straightforward and simple the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering that iconic taste and texture. From the all-purpose flour giving structure to the sharp cheddar that injects bursts of cheesy flavor, every component is essential for the perfect biscuit.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure, ensuring a tender yet firm biscuit.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise beautifully and become fluffy inside.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle, aromatic garlic flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Enhances leavening and tenderness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1 cup milk (more if needed): Moistens the dough and creates a soft crumb.
- â…“ cup cold butter: Cut into the dry ingredients to make flaky layers throughout the biscuit.
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, lending that sharp, gooey, cheesy kick.
- ¼ cup melted butter: For brushing the tops, making them shiny, rich, and flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds fresh herbal aroma and color.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky goodness on top.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional): A little extra herbaceous flavor to elevate the coating.
How to Make Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F. A hot oven is key for these biscuits to develop their trademark golden crust while staying soft inside. Prep your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, garlic powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend ensures your biscuits have the perfect rise, flavor, and seasoning base.
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Grab your cold butter and, using a pastry cutter or fork, work it into the dry mix until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter scattered throughout. These small bits of butter create the flaky layers everyone loves.
Step 4: Stir in Milk and Cheddar Cheese
Pour in the milk and gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. The dough will be thick but slightly sticky – if too dry, add a splash more milk, but be careful not to overwork it as this can toughen the biscuits.
Step 5: Shape the Biscuits
Using a heaping spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for expansion. No need to fuss over shape here; rustic blobs make for a perfectly charming homemade look.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the biscuits turn a light golden brown on top. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel springy and smell heavenly.
Step 7: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
While the biscuits are baking, mix together the melted butter, dried parsley, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning if you choose to use it. This flavorful topping is what makes these biscuits truly unforgettable.
Step 8: Brush and Cool
As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, let them cool for about 3 minutes before brushing them generously with the garlic herb butter mixture. This final touch locks in moisture and infuses them with rich, garlicky flavor.
Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve your Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe warm for the best experience. The perfection of crisp edges and tender, cheesy centers with that buttery kick will leave you hooked from the very first bite.
How to Serve Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra shredded cheddar can elevate presentation and add a fresh pop of flavor. You might also drizzle a bit of honey butter for an indulgent twist.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair beautifully with classic seafood dishes like shrimp scampi or crab cakes but also complement hearty soups, salads, and even barbecued meats. They’re versatile enough to brighten up any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these biscuits alongside a ramekin of herbed cream cheese spread, or serve mini versions as party bites topped with smoked salmon or a dollop of spicy aioli. They’re always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
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 fresh, wrap them tightly or store with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooled biscuits in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap before bagging to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
Reheating
Reheat biscuits by warming them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, covered loosely with foil to avoid drying out. You can also microwave for about 20 seconds but the oven method better retains the original texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use plant-based milk to keep the same rich texture and flavor, though the cheddar cheese flavor will be more challenging to replicate exactly without dairy.
What type of cheddar cheese is best for these biscuits?
Sharp or extra sharp cheddar works best for a bold, cheesy flavor that cuts through the richness. Freshly shredded cheese also melts better than pre-shredded varieties that often contain anti-caking agents.
Can I add extra herbs or spices to customize the biscuits?
Definitely! While this recipe nails the classic flavor, feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of cayenne for heat, rosemary for earthiness, or smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
Why do the biscuits sometimes come out dense instead of fluffy?
Overmixing the dough or using too much liquid can lead to denser biscuits. Be gentle when combining ingredients and measure liquids carefully to maintain that light, airy texture.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but be cautious with the added salt in the recipe. If using salted butter, consider reducing or omitting the extra salt to keep the seasoning balanced.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and welcoming aromas. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these biscuits bring comfort and joy to any meal or gathering. Once you try them, expect to make them your go-to biscuit recipe for good. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these irresistible bites!
Print
Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits recipe replicates the iconic cheesy, garlicky biscuits known and loved from the famous seafood chain. Fluffy, buttery biscuits packed with sharp cheddar cheese and a perfect blend of garlic and herbs, baked to golden perfection and finished with a flavorful garlic butter glaze. Perfect as a comforting appetizer or side dish.
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 prepare for baking the biscuits.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, garlic powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or fork, mix until the texture becomes crumbly and the butter pieces are about the size of peas for flaky biscuits.
- Add milk and cheese: Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until the dough just comes together. If it feels too dry, add a little more milk as needed.
- Portion dough: Using a heaping spoonful, drop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing the biscuits evenly to allow room for rising.
- Bake the biscuits: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through.
- Prepare the butter topping: While the biscuits bake, combine the melted butter, dried parsley, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (if using) in a small bowl, mixing well.
- Cool slightly: Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool for 3 minutes to set.
- Brush with butter: Generously brush the warm biscuits with the prepared garlic-herb butter mixture to infuse extra flavor and moisture.
- Serve warm: Enjoy these biscuits warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve a flaky texture in the biscuits.
- Cheddar cheese provides the signature cheesy flavor, but you can experiment with sharper or milder cheeses.
- If you prefer, substitute milk with buttermilk for a slight tang and extra tenderness.
- The optional Italian seasoning adds a subtle herbaceous note but can be left out if not desired.
- Make sure not to overmix the dough to keep the biscuits light and fluffy.
- For extra garlic flavor, increase the garlic powder slightly in the dough or butter topping.
- Biscuits are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
