Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

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Cheddar Bay Biscuits have become an icon—a warm, cheesy, garlicky start to any meal that instantly conjures memories of visits to Red Lobster. But you don’t need a reservation or a seafood platter to enjoy these famous biscuits. You can bake the same crave-worthy treats right at home, with simple ingredients and easy steps.

This guide covers every detail: what makes the biscuits special, which ingredients work best, how to bake them, the role of the buttery topping, and expert tricks to get them perfect every time.

What Sets Cheddar Bay Biscuits Apart

Cheddar Bay Biscuits aren’t just ordinary drop biscuits. Their signature blend of cheddar cheese, garlic, and parsley, paired with an ultra-buttery finish, results in a savory treat with a tempting aroma and irresistible flavor. They’re soft inside, slightly crisp on top, and richly cheesy throughout.

The biscuits combine fundamental techniques from Southern comfort baking with flavors that elevate them above plain dinner rolls. Each bite offers flakiness, bold onion and garlic notes, and little pockets of gooey cheddar.

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor

Great biscuits start with the right ingredients. While a biscuit mix like Bisquick provides convenience, making them from scratch allows you to customize flavor and texture.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Biscuit base: Either a reliable baking mix (like Bisquick or Jiffy) or a homemade blend of flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly grated is best for optimal melt and robust taste.
• Butter: Both for the dough and the iconic, savory topping.
• Water or buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness.
• Garlic powder: Key to the classic flavor profile; no chopping required.
• Onion powder: Adds depth.
• Salt: Balances flavors.
• Dried parsley: For hints of herbaceousness and color.

Cheddar Bay Biscuit Ingredient Table

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and helps the biscuits brown evenly.

2. Mix the Dough

• In a large bowl, combine your baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
• Add the cold butter, cut into cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture looks crumbly.
• Stir in the freshly grated cheddar.
• Pour in the water or buttermilk. Mix gently just until the dough forms and cheese is evenly distributed.

Tip: Do not overwork the dough. The less mixing, the softer the biscuit.

3. Shape and Bake

• Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, drop mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
• Leave a couple of inches between each to allow for spreading.
• Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the tops turn golden and your kitchen smells delicious.

4. Prepare the Buttery Topping

As the biscuits bake, melt butter in a small bowl. Stir in additional garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of onion powder plus salt.

5. Finish and Serve

As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, generously brush the tops with your garlic-parsley butter. Serve warm for the full Red Lobster experience.

Helpful Tips for Biscuit Perfection

• Use cold butter. It creates steam as the biscuits bake, which leads to flakiness.
• Grate cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, so it won’t melt as smoothly.
• Swap buttermilk for water. It produces biscuits that are even lighter and more flavorful.
• Don’t over-mix. Minimal mixing keeps biscuits airy and tender instead of tough.
• Top with extra cheese. Sprinkle a little more cheddar over each biscuit just before baking for a gooey finish.
• Generously butter the tops. This step provides the biscuits’ signature glossy, garlicky finish.

Homemade Baking Mix (Optional)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Whisk together and store in an airtight container.

Variations and Customizations

• Cheese alternatives: Mix in Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or try a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
• Herb blend: Substitute fresh chives or thyme for parsley if you like more herbal notes.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free baking mix; results will still be light and delicious.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the dough for heat.

What Do Cheddar Bay Biscuits Pair With?

While these biscuits befriend nearly any savory dish, they especially shine alongside:

• Grilled or broiled seafood (shrimp, crab legs, fish)
• Hearty stews and creamy chowders
• Southern-style chicken or pork
• Crisp salads, especially Caesar or garden varieties
• Scrambled eggs and smoky bacon for brunch

Try using leftovers for biscuit breakfast sandwiches, or dunked into tomato soup.

Storing and Reheating

Cheddar Bay Biscuits taste best fresh from the oven, but they’re also easy to store:

• Room temperature: Store biscuits in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Arrange biscuits on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep their texture for a month.
• Reheating: Warm them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Always brush with more butter if you can—a warm, glossy topping restores them to bakery-fresh quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead?

Yes. You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate it, covered. When ready to bake, scoop and proceed as usual — add an extra minute to the baking time if needed.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not required, but a quick 10-minute chill makes biscuits higher and flakier, especially if your kitchen is warm.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just use two baking sheets or bake in batches.

Complete Recipe Card

Ingredients
– 2 cups biscuit mix or homemade mix (see above)
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, divided
– 2/3 cup cold water or buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon dried parsley

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, stir together biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
3. Cut in half the butter into the dry mix until crumbly. Add cheese, then water or buttermilk. Mix just until dough forms.
4. Drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet, spacing apart. Bake 12–14 minutes.
5. Melt the remaining butter and stir in parsley, extra garlic powder to taste, and a touch of salt.
6. Brush the biscuits with the buttery mixture as soon as they come out of the oven.

Serve and enjoy—no seafood dinner required.

This recipe brings Red Lobster’s iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits to your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a family meal or a special occasion, you’ll discover that their magic comes not just from butter and cheese, but from simple baking and a little extra care.