Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe

Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits are legendary for a reason. There’s something truly magical about those warm, buttery, garlic-infused clouds of deliciousness that arrive at your table before you even order your meal. They are the perfect start to any seafood feast, and honestly, sometimes I find myself looking forward to them more than the main course! My family is absolutely obsessed, and whenever we dine at Red Lobster, there’s always a mini-battle over who gets the last biscuit. So, when I stumbled upon this copycat recipe, I knew I had to try it. Let me tell you, the results were phenomenal! These homemade biscuits are incredibly easy to make, require just a handful of pantry staples, and taste almost identical to the real deal. In fact, dare I say, they might even be better because they are fresh out of your oven, piping hot, and bursting with flavor. If you’ve ever dreamt of recreating that Red Lobster biscuit magic at home, look no further. This recipe is your golden ticket to biscuit bliss. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistibly buttery, flaky, and garlicky Cheddar Bay Biscuits!

Ingredients

To embark on your Cheddar Bay Biscuit adventure, you’ll need to gather these simple yet crucial ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature flavor and texture that we all crave. Let’s break down each ingredient and understand why it’s essential for biscuit perfection:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our biscuits! All-purpose flour provides the structure and creates the light and airy texture we’re aiming for. It’s important to measure your flour correctly – spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Avoid scooping directly from the bag as this can pack the flour and lead to denser biscuits. For the best results, ensure your flour is fresh and hasn’t been sitting in your pantry for too long. Older flour can sometimes affect the rise and texture of baked goods. While all-purpose flour is ideal, in a pinch, you could use bread flour for a slightly chewier texture or cake flour for an even more tender crumb, although all-purpose is truly the sweet spot for these biscuits.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Don’t underestimate the power of a little sugar in savory biscuits! While these aren’t sweet biscuits, the sugar isn’t there for sweetness primarily. Instead, it plays a crucial role in browning, contributing to that beautiful golden-brown crust we all love. It also tenderizes the dough slightly and enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing the savory elements and adding a subtle touch of complexity. Granulated sugar is perfect for this recipe; no need for anything fancy.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: The magic ingredient that makes our biscuits rise to fluffy perfection! Baking powder is a chemical leavening agent that releases carbon dioxide gas when combined with moisture and heat. This gas creates air pockets within the dough, resulting in light and airy biscuits. Make sure your baking powder is fresh – test its potency by adding a teaspoon to hot water; it should bubble vigorously. Double-acting baking powder is commonly used and works wonderfully in this recipe. Using the correct amount of baking powder is critical; too little, and your biscuits will be flat and dense; too much, and they might taste slightly bitter.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder: This is where the signature Cheddar Bay Biscuit flavor really shines through! Garlic powder provides that unmistakable savory, garlicky aroma and taste that we associate with these biscuits. Garlic powder is made from dehydrated garlic and offers a more mellow and consistent garlic flavor compared to fresh garlic, which can be overpowering or unevenly distributed in biscuit dough. Ensure your garlic powder is fresh and fragrant for the best flavor. If you’re a true garlic lover, you could even consider adding a touch more, but 2 teaspoons is the perfect starting point for a balanced garlic flavor.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Salt is a flavor enhancer and crucial for balancing the sweetness and savory notes in these biscuits. Kosher salt, with its larger crystals, is preferred by many bakers as it’s easier to measure accurately and dissolve. However, regular table salt can also be used; just be sure to use slightly less as it’s more densely packed. Salt not only seasons the biscuits but also controls yeast activity (in yeast-based doughs, but still important in baking powder recipes to control gluten development) and enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients, particularly the cheese and garlic.
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional: This is the secret ingredient for a subtle kick! Cayenne pepper adds a touch of warmth and complexity without making the biscuits spicy. It’s entirely optional, but a tiny pinch of cayenne beautifully complements the garlic and cheese flavors, adding a subtle depth that elevates the overall taste. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit it altogether, but for a truly authentic Cheddar Bay Biscuit experience, I highly recommend including just a quarter teaspoon.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Buttermilk is the key to incredibly tender and flavorful biscuits. Its acidity tenderizes the gluten in the flour, resulting in a soft and moist crumb. Buttermilk also adds a slight tanginess that complements the richness of the cheese and butter. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly. While this substitute works, real buttermilk will provide the best flavor and texture.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter is the soul of these biscuits, contributing to their rich flavor, tender texture, and flaky layers. Unsalted butter is preferred in baking as it allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. Melting the butter before adding it to the dough helps to distribute it evenly and creates a more tender crumb. Using cold butter, cut into cubes, is another method for biscuit making, resulting in flakier layers, but melted butter is simpler and works wonderfully for this copycat recipe, delivering a wonderfully moist and buttery biscuit. High-quality butter will always result in better flavor.
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese is the star of the show, providing that cheesy, savory goodness that defines Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor that stands up well to the other ingredients. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly and have a better flavor as it doesn’t contain cellulose to prevent clumping. For the best results, use a good quality sharp cheddar cheese. You could also experiment with other cheddar varieties like extra sharp or even a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a slightly different flavor profile. Ensure the cheese is shredded into relatively small pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the dough and melts beautifully.

For the Topping:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: More butter! This melted butter is for brushing over the hot biscuits right out of the oven, adding extra richness, flavor, and that beautiful glistening sheen. Just like the butter in the dough, using high-quality unsalted butter will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color, freshness, and a subtle herbaceous note to the topping. It balances the richness of the butter and garlic and makes the biscuits visually appealing. Italian flat-leaf parsley is generally preferred for its stronger flavor and sturdier leaves compared to curly parsley. Be sure to chop the parsley finely so it distributes evenly in the topping and adheres nicely to the biscuits. If fresh parsley isn’t available, you can use dried parsley, but fresh is definitely recommended for the best flavor and visual appeal.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A final touch of garlic to amplify that signature flavor in the topping! This garlic powder in the topping, combined with the garlic powder in the dough, ensures a truly garlicky and irresistible biscuit experience. It intensifies the garlic aroma and flavor, creating that classic Cheddar Bay Biscuit scent that fills your kitchen and makes everyone eager to dig in.

Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions to create these mouthwatering Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Follow these directions carefully for perfect biscuits every time:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to a relatively high temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). This high heat is crucial for creating those tall, fluffy biscuits with a golden-brown crust. While the oven is preheating, prepare your baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, while a silicone mat provides even heat distribution and prevents the biscuit bottoms from over-browning. Set the prepared baking sheet aside for later use.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients. This includes 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using). Whisking ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and that there are no clumps of baking powder or salt, which could affect the texture and flavor of the biscuits. Make sure to use a large enough bowl to allow for easy mixing and to prevent flour from spilling out.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large glass measuring cup or another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. This includes 1 cup of buttermilk and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Whisking the buttermilk and melted butter together helps to emulsify them slightly, ensuring they incorporate smoothly into the dry ingredients. Using a glass measuring cup makes it easy to pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients in the next step.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients and Fold in Cheese: Pour the wet ingredients (buttermilk and melted butter mixture) over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir the mixture just until it is moistened. It’s crucial not to overmix at this stage. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough and dense biscuits. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and the dough is starting to come together. It’s okay if there are still some streaks of flour visible at this point. Next, gently fold in 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Again, be gentle and avoid overmixing. Distribute the cheese evenly throughout the dough while being careful not to work the dough too much.
5. Knead and Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the biscuit dough out onto the floured surface. Gently knead the dough 3-4 times, just until it comes together into a cohesive mass. The dough will be slightly sticky, but resist the urge to add too much extra flour, as this can make the biscuits dry. Kneading helps to bring the dough together and smooth it out slightly. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle that is approximately 1 ¼ inches thick. Don’t roll the dough too thin, as thicker biscuits will be fluffier and more tender. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even baking.
6. Cut Out Biscuits: Use a 2 ½-inch biscuit cutter or cookie cutter to cut out 10-12 rounds from the rolled-out dough. Press straight down with the cutter without twisting, as twisting can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly. If you don’t have biscuit cutters, you can use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut square or rectangular biscuits. Reroll any dough scraps gently and cut out more biscuits until all the dough is used. You may get slightly fewer biscuits from the rerolled dough, and they might not be as tender as the first batch, but it’s still worth using up all the dough.
7. Bake the Biscuits: Carefully place the cut-out biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. This allows for even heat circulation and prevents them from sticking together while baking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and cooked through. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. They should be lightly browned and feel firm to the touch when done. Avoid overbaking, as this can make them dry.
8. Prepare the Topping: While the biscuits are baking, prepare the garlic butter topping. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley leaves, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Whisk until well combined. Have this topping ready to go as soon as the biscuits come out of the oven.
9. Brush with Topping and Serve: Once the biscuits are baked and golden brown, remove them from the oven. Working quickly, while the biscuits are still hot, brush the tops generously with the prepared garlic butter topping. Use a pastry brush to ensure even coverage and get into all the nooks and crannies. The heat from the biscuits will melt the butter and allow the garlic and parsley flavors to infuse beautifully. Serve the Cheddar Bay Biscuits immediately while they are warm, buttery, and at their absolute best. They are perfect alongside seafood, soups, salads, or simply enjoyed on their own as a delightful snack.

Nutrition Facts

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Servings: 10 biscuits

Approximate Nutrition per Serving (1 biscuit):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 18-22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12-15g
• Cholesterol: 60-75mg
• Sodium: 400-500mg
• Carbohydrates: 18-22g
  • Fiber: 1-2g
  • Sugar: 2-3g
• Protein: 6-8g

Key Nutritional Considerations:

• High in Fat: These biscuits are rich in fat, primarily due to the butter and cheese content. While delicious, they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
• Moderate in Calories: Each biscuit contains a moderate amount of calories, making them a satisfying but potentially calorie-dense side dish.
• Source of Sodium: The salt and cheese contribute to a moderate sodium content. Individuals watching their sodium intake should be mindful of portion sizes.
• Good Source of Protein: The cheese provides a decent amount of protein per biscuit.
• Carbohydrates: The flour contributes to the carbohydrate content, primarily from refined carbohydrates.
• Not a Significant Source of Fiber: These biscuits are not a high-fiber food.

Disclaimer: This nutritional information is an estimate only. For precise nutritional values, you can use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. Always consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.

Preparation Time

Let’s break down the time commitment for making these delectable Cheddar Bay Biscuits:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes This includes:
  • Gathering ingredients (5 minutes)
  • Preheating the oven and preparing baking sheet (2 minutes)
  • Combining dry ingredients (3 minutes)
  • Combining wet ingredients (2 minutes)
  • Mixing wet and dry ingredients and folding in cheese (3 minutes)
  • Kneading and rolling out dough (3 minutes)
  • Cutting out biscuits (2 minutes)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes This is the time it takes for the biscuits to bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven.
• Total Time: 30 minutes This is the sum of the prep time and cook time, representing the total time from start to finish to have freshly baked Cheddar Bay Biscuits ready to enjoy.

As you can see, these biscuits are incredibly quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight side dish or a weekend treat when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The 30-minute total time makes them a fantastic option for satisfying those sudden biscuit cravings!

How to Serve

Cheddar Bay Biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be served in countless delicious ways. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to elevate your biscuit experience:

• Classic Seafood Companion: Just like at Red Lobster, these biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to any seafood dish. Serve them alongside:
  • Shrimp Scampi: The buttery garlic flavor of the biscuits complements the garlicky shrimp scampi beautifully.
  • Baked Salmon: The flaky biscuits are a delightful contrast to the richness of baked salmon.
  • Crab Legs: Dip the biscuits in melted butter and enjoy them with succulent crab legs.
  • Lobster Mac and Cheese: Elevate your lobster mac and cheese with a side of warm, cheesy biscuits.
  • Fish and Chips: Add a touch of indulgence to your fish and chips with these buttery biscuits.
• Soup and Salad Side: These biscuits are not just for seafood! They are also wonderful alongside:
  • Creamy Tomato Soup: The savory biscuits are perfect for dipping into a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup.
  • Clam Chowder: Pair them with a hearty clam chowder for a comforting and satisfying meal.
  • Chicken Noodle Soup: Add some cheesy garlic goodness to your classic chicken noodle soup.
  • Garden Salad: Serve them with a fresh garden salad for a light and flavorful lunch or dinner.
  • Chili: The biscuits are great for soaking up the flavorful broth of a hearty chili.
• Breakfast or Brunch Treat: Don’t limit these biscuits to dinner! They are also delicious for breakfast or brunch:
  • Breakfast Sandwiches: Split them open and fill them with eggs, bacon, sausage, and cheese for a savory breakfast sandwich.
  • Biscuits and Gravy: While not traditional, you can certainly enjoy them with sausage gravy for a cheesy twist on biscuits and gravy.
  • Alongside Scrambled Eggs: Serve them with scrambled eggs and a side of fruit for a satisfying brunch.
  • With Jam or Honey: Enjoy them warm with a smear of your favorite jam, honey, or butter for a simple yet delicious breakfast.
• Appetizer or Snack: These biscuits are irresistible on their own as an appetizer or snack:
  • Party Appetizer: Serve them warm at your next party or gathering. They are always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Game Day Snack: Perfect for game day alongside dips, wings, or other appetizers.
  • Afternoon Treat: Enjoy one or two warm biscuits with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Leftover Makeover: Even leftover biscuits are delicious!
  • Biscuit Breadcrumbs: Crumble leftover biscuits to make flavorful breadcrumbs for topping casseroles or stuffing.
  • Biscuit Croutons: Cube leftover biscuits, toss them with olive oil and seasonings, and bake them for delicious croutons for salads or soups.
  • Biscuit French Toast: Slice leftover biscuits and dip them in French toast batter for a unique and flavorful French toast.

No matter how you choose to serve them, Cheddar Bay Biscuits are guaranteed to be a hit. Their buttery, garlicky, cheesy goodness makes them a welcome addition to any meal or occasion!

Additional Tips for Perfect Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Want to ensure your Cheddar Bay Biscuits are absolutely perfect every time? Here are five essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overmix the Dough: This is the golden rule of biscuit making! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense biscuits instead of light and fluffy ones. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until moistened. It’s okay if the dough is still slightly shaggy and not perfectly smooth. Gentle handling is key. Think of it as “just enough” mixing, not “thorough” mixing. The less you work the dough, the more tender your biscuits will be.
2. Use Cold Ingredients (Especially Buttermilk and Butter): While this recipe calls for melted butter, using cold buttermilk is still beneficial. Cold ingredients help to keep the butter from melting too quickly during mixing and rolling, which contributes to flakier layers. Cold buttermilk also helps to inhibit gluten development. For an even flakier biscuit, you could even chill the melted butter slightly before adding it to the buttermilk, but ensuring the buttermilk is cold is the most important factor here.
3. Handle the Dough Gently: Biscuits are delicate! When you turn the dough out onto the floured surface, knead it very gently and minimally, just enough to bring it together. When rolling out the dough, use a light touch and avoid pressing down too hard. Similarly, when cutting out the biscuits, press straight down with the cutter without twisting. Rough handling can toughen the dough and prevent the biscuits from rising properly. Treat the dough with care, and it will reward you with tender, fluffy biscuits.
4. Bake at a High Temperature: The high oven temperature of 450°F (232°C) is crucial for creating that signature golden-brown crust and light, airy interior. The high heat helps the baking powder to react quickly and create steam, which lifts the biscuits and gives them their characteristic rise. Make sure your oven is properly preheated before placing the biscuits in to bake. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure your oven temperature is accurate.
5. Brush with Garlic Butter Immediately After Baking: Don’t skip the garlic butter topping! It’s what truly makes these biscuits taste like Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Brush the melted garlic butter mixture over the hot biscuits immediately after they come out of the oven. The heat from the biscuits will melt the butter and allow the garlic and parsley flavors to penetrate deeply. Generously brush the tops and sides for maximum flavor and that irresistible glistening sheen. This final step is essential for achieving that authentic Cheddar Bay Biscuit experience.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking perfect, restaurant-quality Cheddar Bay Biscuits right in your own kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions about making Cheddar Bay Biscuits? Here are answers to some common queries to help you bake with confidence:

Q1: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

A: While buttermilk is highly recommended for its tenderizing and flavor-enhancing properties, you can substitute it in a pinch. To make a buttermilk substitute, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly. This will mimic some of the acidity of buttermilk. However, for the best texture and flavor, using real buttermilk is always preferred. If you bake biscuits often, consider keeping powdered buttermilk on hand, which has a longer shelf life than liquid buttermilk and can be easily reconstituted with water.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for Cheddar Bay Biscuits, providing that bold cheesy flavor. However, you can experiment with other cheeses to customize your biscuits. Good alternatives include:

• Medium Cheddar: For a milder cheddar flavor.
• Extra Sharp Cheddar: For an even more intense cheddar taste.
• Monterey Jack: For a milder, meltier cheese with a subtle tang.
• Pepper Jack: For a spicy kick.
• A blend of cheddar and Gruyere or Parmesan: For a more complex and nutty flavor.

Feel free to get creative and use your favorite cheeses or a combination of cheeses to create your own signature biscuit variation!

Q3: Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?

A: For the best results, Cheddar Bay Biscuits are best enjoyed fresh and warm, right out of the oven. However, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them later. Here are a few options:

• Prepare dough and refrigerate: You can prepare the biscuit dough up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before rolling and cutting.
• Freeze unbaked biscuits: Cut out the biscuits and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheat baked biscuits: If you have leftover baked biscuits, you can reheat them gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or microwave them briefly until warmed through. However, reheated biscuits will never be quite as perfect as freshly baked ones.

Q4: My biscuits are not rising properly, what could be the reason?

A: Several factors can contribute to flat or dense biscuits. Here are some common culprits:

• Old Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh and potent. Test it by adding a teaspoon to hot water – it should bubble vigorously.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, which can prevent the biscuits from rising. Mix just until moistened.
• Too Much Flour: Adding too much flour can make the dough dense and dry, hindering rise. Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Oven Temperature Too Low: A high oven temperature is essential for proper rise. Make sure your oven is preheated to 450°F (232°C). Use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy.
• Rolling Dough Too Thin: Rolling the dough too thin can result in flatter biscuits. Aim for a thickness of about 1 ¼ inches.

Review these points and ensure you are following the recipe instructions carefully to achieve perfectly risen biscuits.

Q5: Can I add other herbs or seasonings to the biscuits?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize your biscuits with other herbs and seasonings to your liking. Some delicious additions include:

• Italian Seasoning: Add ½ – 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the dry ingredients for an herby twist.
• Onion Powder: Add ½ – 1 teaspoon of onion powder for extra savory flavor.
• Dried Dill: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried dill for a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Smoked Paprika: Add ¼ – ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Fresh Chives: Finely chopped fresh chives can be added to the dough or the garlic butter topping for a mild oniony flavor and visual appeal.

Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique and flavorful Cheddar Bay Biscuit variations!

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