Irresistibly Flaky & Garlicky: Your Guide to Perfect Homemade Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Mastering the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Recipe at Home
These biscuits are truly divine, and while any cheddar cheese works, the flavor reaches new heights when you **grate your own cheese**. The difference in melt and richness is palpable. Fortunately, I’ve shared a super easy guide that walks you through the simple process of grating your own cheese, unlocking a new level of deliciousness for all your cheesy creations. There’s genuinely nothing quite as satisfying as warm, **cheesy biscuits** generously infused with fragrant **garlic**. This is precisely why this **homemade Red Lobster biscuit recipe** has become such a beloved staple in my family’s meal rotation.
Our homemade rendition is a faithful tribute to the iconic **Cheddar Bay Biscuits** first introduced by Red Lobster. If you’re familiar with that basket of warm, buttery goodness, often wrapped in linen and served immediately upon seating, then you know exactly the unparalleled “perfection” I’m referring to. Red Lobster’s original Cheddar Bay Biscuits have been a sensation since their debut in the early 90s, and their popularity has only continued to soar, making them a timeless favorite for countless diners. Now, you can capture that magic right in your own kitchen!
Why Make Your Own Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
Beyond the sheer joy of baking, there are numerous compelling reasons to craft these iconic biscuits at home. Firstly, it’s incredibly **cost-effective**. Restaurant prices can add up, but making your own batch is budget-friendly and yields more biscuits for your buck. Secondly, you have **complete control over the ingredients**. This means choosing high-quality cheddar, fresh dairy, and premium butter, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful outcome possible. You can even adjust the amount of garlic or cheese to perfectly suit your taste preferences. Thirdly, there’s an immense sense of satisfaction that comes with creating something so delicious from scratch. The aroma filling your kitchen, the warmth of the fresh biscuits, and the proud feeling of serving them to your loved ones truly enhance the dining experience. And finally, these homemade treasures are always at your fingertips, ready to be whipped up whenever a craving strikes, without needing to leave your home.
What Foods Pair Perfectly with Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
Honestly, these versatile Cheddar Bay Biscuits are an ideal complement to ALMOST any meal. Their rich, savory, and slightly sweet profile makes them incredibly adaptable. They shine alongside hearty **soups** and fresh **salads**, where their fluffy texture provides a delightful contrast. Imagine dipping these buttery biscuits into a rich bisque or a chunky minestrone – pure heaven! For main courses, they are exceptional with robust protein dishes like a succulent **giant steak**, tender **roasted chicken**, baked salmon, or even pork chops. They also beautifully enhance any seafood platter, obviously, nodding to their Red Lobster origins. Consider serving them with my cabbage roll soup – they’re perfect for soaking up every last drop of flavorful broth! They’re even fantastic for breakfast or brunch alongside eggs and bacon, or as a stand-alone snack. The possibilities truly are infinite, making them an indispensable side dish for any occasion.
Essential Ingredients for Your Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits (with Bisquick)
As I mentioned earlier, for those who prefer not to use a store-bought mix or don’t have it on hand, you can very easily make your own Bisquick! This ensures you can enjoy these biscuits anytime. Let’s delve into the role each ingredient plays:
**Bisquick (Baking Mix):** This classic yellow box, known and loved by many, is the foundation of this incredibly easy recipe. Bisquick provides the perfect blend of flour, leavening, and shortening, making it effortless to achieve the incredibly flaky and tender biscuits you crave. It’s the secret to simplifying the baking process without compromising on texture.
**Butter (Cold):** The key to truly flaky and buttery biscuits lies in using **cold butter**. The colder, the better! When small pieces of cold butter melt in the hot oven, they release steam, which creates pockets of air, resulting in those desirable layers. You can achieve this by grating the cold butter with a cheese grater, incorporating it into the mix with a pastry cutter, or simply using two butter knives to cut it in. Avoid using softened or melted butter in the dough itself, as this will lead to a denser, less flaky biscuit.
**Cheddar Cheese:** What would a Cheddar Bay Biscuit be without the “cheddar”? For the most robust flavor and the creamiest melt, we highly recommend **grating your own cheddar cheese**. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can slightly alter the texture and melt. However, if convenience is paramount, pre-shredded cheddar will certainly still yield delicious results. Feel free to experiment with sharp, medium, or even mild cheddar based on your preference.
**Sugar (Granulated):** A small amount of granulated sugar is used in this recipe. While these are savory biscuits, the sugar doesn’t make them sweet; rather, it balances the rich savory flavors, enhances browning, and contributes to the overall tender texture. You can use any sweetener you prefer, such as a touch of maple syrup or honey, but granulated sugar is the most common and effective choice here.
**Milk (Dairy or Plant-Based):** Milk is essential for forming the biscuit dough, providing moisture and helping to bind all the ingredients together. It also adds a subtle richness. You can use any type of dairy milk (whole, 2%, or skim) or easily substitute it with your favorite plant-based milk alternatives, such as oat, hemp, cashew, or almond milk, without significantly altering the outcome.
**Garlic Powder:** This humble pantry ingredient is the undisputed star that gives the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits their signature, irresistible flavor. Garlic powder provides a concentrated, savory garlic essence that permeates every bite of the biscuit. It’s an easy and effective way to infuse that beloved garlicky taste throughout the dough.
**Parsley (Dried or Fresh):** Parsley is incorporated into the melted butter topping that is brushed over the hot biscuits after baking. We typically use dried parsley here for convenience, but fresh, finely chopped parsley will work beautifully and add an even brighter, fresher note. Beyond its subtle herbaceous flavor, parsley adds a pop of vibrant green color, making these already delicious biscuits visually appealing. Yum!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Making these iconic biscuits is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:
**Step 1: Prepare Your Oven.** Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 400° Fahrenheit (200°C). A properly preheated oven is crucial for achieving that characteristic rise and golden-brown exterior.
**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter.** In a large mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick mix (or your homemade Bisquick substitute) with the very cold butter. The key here is to “cut in” the butter. Using a **pastry blender or two butter knives**, work the cold butter into the Bisquick until it forms small, pea-sized crumbs. It’s perfectly normal, and even desirable, to still see distinct bits of butter distributed throughout the mix – these will create the flaky layers as they melt during baking.
**Step 3: Mix in Wet and Flavorful Ingredients.** With your clean hands, gently mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, granulated sugar, milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix everything until just combined. The most important tip here is: **do not overmix the dough!** Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense biscuits instead of the light, tender, and crumbly texture you desire. Mix until just moistened and barely holding together.
**Step 4: Form and Place Biscuits.** Using a rounded spoonful (a standard tablespoon or a small cookie scoop works well), drop portions of the dough onto an un-greased cookie or baking sheet. Leave a little space between each biscuit to allow for even baking and rising. The rustic, drop-biscuit appearance is part of their charm!
**Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection.** Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and **bake for 15-17 minutes**, or until the tops of the biscuits are beautifully **golden brown** and puffed up. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your specific oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end.
**Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping.** While the biscuits are baking, prepare your signature garlic butter topping. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and the dried parsley. Stir well to ensure the flavors are thoroughly blended.
**Step 7: Brush and Serve.** Immediately after removing the warm, golden biscuits from the oven, generously brush the tops with the prepared **melted butter herb mix**. This final step adds an incredible burst of garlicky, buttery flavor and a beautiful sheen.
**Step 8: Enjoy!** Serve these amazing biscuits warm, straight from the oven, for the ultimate experience.
Tips for Success & Troubleshooting Your Biscuits
Achieving the perfect Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit is easier with a few extra tips:
**Avoid Overmixing:** This is the most critical rule for tender biscuits. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. A shaggy, slightly lumpy dough is good; a smooth, elastic dough means you’ve gone too far.
**Keep Butter Cold:** As mentioned, cold butter is essential for flakiness. If your kitchen is warm, you can even chill your Bisquick mix and tools (like the pastry blender) beforehand.
**Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Give your biscuits space to breathe and expand on the baking sheet to ensure even browning and rising.
**Adjust Baking Time:** Ovens vary. Start checking your biscuits at 14 minutes. They should be golden on top and cooked through.
**Grate Your Own Cheese:** While pre-shredded works, freshly grated cheddar melts more smoothly and offers a more intense flavor.
**Optional Flavor Boosts:** A pinch of onion powder alongside the garlic powder can add another layer of savory depth. A dash of cayenne pepper can introduce a subtle, warm kick.
Can You Freeze Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
Absolutely! These biscuits freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead option for busy days or unexpected cravings. To freeze cooked biscuits, simply allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer them to an **airtight storage container or a freezer-safe bag**, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. They will stay **fresh and delicious for up to three months** in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there’s no need to thaw. Simply **reheat them in a preheated oven** (around 300-350°F or 150-175°C for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through) to restore their crisp exterior, or quickly **warm them up in the microwave** for a softer texture. And don’t forget that final touch of melted butter for ultimate flavor!
LOVE IT? PIN IT!
Don’t let this incredible recipe get lost! Be sure to pin this **copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits recipe** to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily save it and come back to it whenever you’re ready to bake a fresh, warm batch. Share the deliciousness with your friends and family!
Other Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of delicious baked goods and comforting sides, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipes. They’re perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire!
- **Poppyseed Rolls** (pictured above) – A classic, slightly sweet roll perfect for any meal.
- **Cheesy Cornbread Drop Biscuits** – A delightful fusion of cornbread and biscuit, packed with cheesy goodness.
- **Corndog Mini Muffins** – A fun, bite-sized twist on a classic, ideal for snacks or parties.
- **Crescent Knots** – Easy-to-make, buttery knots that are perfect as a quick bread side.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, let’s get baking and create some truly unforgettable Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits! 
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Print Recipe
Copy Cat – Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 Tablespoons cold butter
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 sugar
- 2 Tablespoons butter melted
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup of sugar
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
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Combine Bisquick with cold butter, using a pastry blender or two butter knives. There will be bits of butter showing.
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With your hands, mix in cheese, sugar, milk and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, until combined, but don’t over mix.
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Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
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Bake for 15-17 minutes or until tops of the biscuits are golden brown.
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Combine melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and parsley and brush the tops of the warm biscuits when they come out of the oven.
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Serve warm.