There’s something undeniably irresistible about Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits-the warm, cheesy aroma, the flaky texture, and that perfect hint of garlic that keeps you reaching for just one more. But what if you could bring that restaurant magic right into your own kitchen? making copycat Cheddar Bay Biscuits at home is not only surprisingly simple, it’s also a chance to enjoy that beloved comfort food anytime you crave it, without needing a trip out. In this article, we’ll uncover the secrets behind those tender, golden biscuits and guide you step-by-step through recreating this iconic recipe that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, as a batch of homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits is just a few ingredients away!
How to Make Copycat red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits at home
If you’ve ever craved that iconic, buttery, cheesy goodness from Red Lobster’s famous biscuits, this Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits recipe will have you baking up the same irresistible flavors right in your own kitchen. These biscuits are not just fluffy and golden,but they boast that perfect punch of garlic and sharp cheddar cheese,glazed with a rich garlic butter that makes every bite memorable. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty seafood stew or enjoying them warm with a pat of honeyed butter, these are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Prep and Cook Time
- prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rest Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield
Makes approximately 12 fluffy biscuits, perfect for 4-6 servings.
Difficulty Level
Easy – Ideal for bakers of all skill levels,no fancy equipment needed.
Ingredients That Capture the Signature Cheesy Garlic Flavor
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tablespoon baking powder, ensures fluffiness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, the garlic essence
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, subtle sweetness balance
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 3/4 cup buttermilk, adds tender moistness
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- For the Garlic Butter Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Baking Techniques for Fluffy, Golden Biscuits
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cut in the cold butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, gently work the cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.This step is crucial for tender,flaky layers.
- Fold in the cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded sharp white cheddar cheese,making sure it’s distributed evenly but avoiding over-mixing to prevent tough biscuits.
- Add the buttermilk: Pour the buttermilk in all at once, then gently fold the dough together with a spatula or wooden spoon just until it holds together-do not overwork the dough to maintain fluffiness.
- Shape the biscuits: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat or fold it a few times to bring it together. Use a 2.5-inch biscuit cutter to cut rounds, pressing straight down without twisting to keep edges sharp for better rise.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place biscuits close together but not touching; this encourages a tender, soft side crust.
- Bake: Bake for 15-17 minutes until the tops are beautifully golden and the cheese-scented aroma fills your kitchen.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Cheddar Melt and Garlic Butter Glaze
While the biscuits bake, prepare your garlic butter glaze. Combine the melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. As soon as the biscuits emerge from the oven, brush them generously with the warm garlic butter glaze. The heat will melt the cheese inside to its luscious peak and saturate each biscuit with that deeply savory garlic flavor. For an extra gourmet touch,finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Creative Variations to customize Your Copycat cheddar bay Biscuits
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients or sprinkle a little chili powder in your garlic butter glaze for warmth.
- herb Infusion: Mix fresh rosemary or chives into the dough for a fragrant, garden-inspired twist.
- Cheese Swap: Swap sharp white cheddar for smoked cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a diffrent dimension of flavor.
- Garlic Upgrade: Use freshly minced garlic while melting the butter for a more vibrant,pungent garlic flavor in the glaze.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and a plant-based buttermilk substitute (such as almond milk + lemon juice) to accommodate dietary needs.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups sifted flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp sugar, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt.
- Cut in butter. Use a pastry cutter to work in 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Fold in cheese. stir in 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar until distributed evenly.
- Add buttermilk. Pour in ¾ cup buttermilk, gently fold until dough just comes together.
- Shape and cut dough. Lightly flour your surface, pat dough to about 1-inch thickness, and cut 2.5-inch biscuits.
- Place biscuits on sheet. Arrange them close but not touching.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare garlic butter glaze. Mix melted 4 tbsp butter, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp dried parsley flakes, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush warm glaze. Immediately after removing biscuits, generously brush with garlic butter.
- Garnish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Chef’s Notes
- Keep butter cold! This helps create flaky layers that give the signature biscuit texture.
- Use fresh cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Do not twist cutters. Press biscuits straight down to encourage a better rise.
- Make-ahead tip: You can shape the biscuits,wrap tightly,and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Bake directly from frozen-add a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Butter variations: For a richer garlic aroma,try infusing melted butter with minced fresh garlic on low heat before brushing.
Serving suggestions
These biscuits pair beautifully with creamy soups, seafood dishes like shrimp scampi, or a crisp green salad. Serve warm with additional garlic butter or a dollop of tangy sour cream for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or finely grated cheddar for extra flair. For a brunch twist, split them open and fill with scrambled eggs and a slice of avocado.
| Nutrient | Per Biscuit (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 11g |
Explore our favorite seafood soup recipes to complement your scratch-made biscuits, or learn more about the science of perfect butter melting from an authoritative resource.
Q&A
Q&A: How to Make Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits at Home
Q1: What makes Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits so special?
A1: It’s the perfect harmony of fluffy,buttery biscuits infused with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of garlic. The light, tender crumb paired with that golden, garlicky crust is what keeps people coming back for more.Q2: Can I recreate the distinctive garlic butter topping at home?
A2: Absolutely! The secret is melting butter with garlic powder, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt. Brushing this flavorful mixture over the hot biscuits right after baking creates that signature glossy, aromatic finish.
Q3: Is it necessary to use self-rising flour for these biscuits?
A3: While self-rising flour works perfectly because it already contains leavening agents and salt, you can mix your own by combining all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This gives you control over the biscuit’s rise and texture.
Q4: How important is the cheddar cheese in the recipe?
A4: Cheddar is essential! Its sharp and tangy notes add depth to the biscuits. For the best flavor, use freshly shredded sharp cheddar rather than pre-packaged cheese, which can contain additives that affect melting.
Q5: Can I make these biscuits in advance?
A5: You can prepare the dough beforehand and keep it chilled for up to 24 hours, but they’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven. If you want to keep the biscuits warm and soft after baking, cover them lightly with foil.
Q6: What’s the best way to achieve that light, fluffy texture?
A6: Handling the dough gently is key. Overmixing can make the biscuits tough, so mix just until the ingredients come together. Also, using cold buttermilk and chilled butter helps create those tender layers.
Q7: Are there any easy substitutions for buttermilk?
A7: Yes! if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into a cup of milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This acidic mix mimics buttermilk’s tang and acidity, crucial for tender biscuits.
Q8: Can these biscuits be frozen for later?
A8: Definitely. Freeze the unbaked dough scoops on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw slightly and brush with garlic butter once warm from the oven.
Q9: How do I get the perfect golden brown finish?
A9: Baking at a hot temperature (around 425°F/220°C) is important-it quickly sets the outside while keeping the inside soft. Don’t forget that final brush of garlic butter to enhance color and flavor.
Q10: What kitchen tools will make this recipe easier?
A10: A mixing bowl, a grater for shredding cheddar, a spoon or cookie scoop to portion dough evenly, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper all simplify the process. A pastry brush is handy for applying that luscious garlic butter glaze.
In Conclusion
Recreating Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits at home is more than just a fun kitchen experiment-it’s a delicious journey into the heart of comfort food. With a handful of simple ingredients and a touch of culinary magic, you can bring that unmistakable buttery, cheesy, and garlicky goodness right to your own table. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply craving a nostalgic treat, these copycat biscuits prove that homemade can be just as irresistible as the original. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor every warm, fluffy bite-because sometimes, the best biscuits are the ones you make yourself.
