Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

If you’ve ever dined at Red Lobster, you know that the Cheddar Bay Biscuits are more than just a side dish—they’re a star attraction. These biscuits marry a tender, flaky texture with rich cheddar cheese, a punch of garlic, and a buttery topping that’s truly irresistible. The best part? You don’t have to visit the restaurant to enjoy them. With this recipe, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes and experience that familiar, comforting flavor right in your kitchen.

Why These Biscuits Are So Special

What makes Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits stand out? It’s the combination of several elements working in harmony:

Flaky biscuit texture: Soft but structured, with just enough crumb.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp, freshly grated for a balanced cheesy depth.
Garlic butter topping: The final brush-on layer infuses the tops with savory richness and a hint of fresh parsley.
Simple ingredients: No complicated steps or outlandish ingredients—just classic pantry staples treated with care.

Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need

Gathering quality ingredients impacts the flavor and texture profoundly. Here’s the list broken down:

Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Vertical Photo

Baking Mix: Use a trusted baking mix like Jiffy or Bisquick. These provide the right balance of leavening and flour, speeding up preparation. You can also make biscuit dough from scratch using flour, baking powder, and baking soda if you prefer.
Cheddar Cheese: Opt for a high-quality block cheese. Freshly shredding it ensures better melting and flavor release compared to pre-shredded varieties containing anti-caking agents.
Liquid: Water is standard and keeps the biscuit light. For richer flavor, extra tang, and tenderness, you can substitute water with buttermilk or milk combined with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Butter: Real butter, unsalted or lightly salted, is crucial for flavor and the all-important buttery topping.
Seasonings: Garlic powder leads here—it gives the biscuits their signature savory note. Onion powder, salt, and dried parsley round out the flavor profile while adding subtle complexity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Make sure to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before you start. Here’s a concise run-through of the method:

Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and shredded cheddar cheese. A separate whisking of dry spices helps to distribute the flavors evenly.
Add Liquid: Slowly pour in cold water or buttermilk while stirring gently to form a soft dough. Avoid over-mixing, which can toughen the biscuits.
Shape Biscuits: Using a spoon or your hands, scoop dough into small balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange these on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
Bake: Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the biscuits turn golden on top.
Prepare Butter Topping: While baking, melt butter and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt.
Brush Hot Biscuits: Immediately after removing biscuits from the oven, generously brush the tops with the prepared garlic butter. This locks in flavor and adds moisture.
Serve Warm: These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh and warm, right after brushing.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Biscuits

Use cold butter in scratch recipes: For biscuits made from scratch, the butter should stay cold and be cut into small chunks. This creates layers as it melts during baking, improving flakiness.
Avoid Old Bay seasoning: Some assume Old Bay is part of the flavor, but it’s not. The magic lies in the garlic butter and quality cheddar.
Choose your cheese: Cheddar is classic, but Swiss or pepper jack provide interesting twists if you want a new take.
Don’t skimp on the butter topping: The biscuits earn their signature taste from the buttery glaze. Brush thoroughly and even consider a second layer for extra richness.
Grate cheese yourself: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking additives that affect melting. Freshly shredding yields a better melt and flavor.
Use fresh spices: Old or stale garlic and onion powder can dull the flavor. Replace these spices regularly for a vibrant taste.

Storing and Reheating Biscuits

Leftovers can be kept fresh for a few days and frozen for longer storage:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place biscuits in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month.
Reheating: Warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Brush with a little melted butter before serving to refresh their softness and flavor.

What to Serve with Cheddar Bay Biscuits

These biscuits shine alongside a range of dishes. They are famous for complementing seafood plates but also fit well with:

Grilled or baked fish: Salmon, tilapia, or cod work well.
Shrimp scampi or crab cakes: The buttery biscuits balance the spiced seafood.
Stews or chowders: Dip into creamy soups for a hearty meal.
Salads or roasted vegetables: They make an indulgent, cheesy contrast to fresh greens or earthy sides.

Bringing It All Together

The charm of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits lies in their perfect balance between simplicity and rich flavor. By using easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can replicate the experience at home. Whether you pair them with seafood or enjoy them solo, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s satisfying every time. Try this recipe with your favorite cheese or seasoning tweaks and watch these biscuits become a staple in your recipe box.

Enjoy baking—and, more importantly, eating—the classic taste of these buttery, cheesy biscuits any day of the week.

Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
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