The Ultimate Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Easy Homemade Recipe for Fluffy, Buttery Perfection
There’s an undeniable magic to the warm, buttery, and cheesy biscuits served at Red Lobster. These iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a beloved staple, instantly transporting you to a cozy seafood dinner. But what if we told you that recreating that same irresistible goodness at home is not only possible but surprisingly easy? Forget the boxed mixes; this homemade copycat recipe delivers those sought-after fluffy, garlicky, and cheesy biscuits with an unparalleled fresh taste.
This simple drop biscuit recipe requires minimal effort – no kneading, no rolling, just a quick stir and scoop before baking. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have golden-brown, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits ready to complement any meal. If you appreciate the convenience of a homemade biscuit mix, you’ll be thrilled to discover how easily you can transform basic biscuits into these cheesy, garlicky delights by simply incorporating fresh herbs and sharp cheddar. Indulge in restaurant-quality sides right in your own kitchen! For more incredible copycat recipes that elevate your home cooking, be sure to try our Restaurant-style Shrimp Alfredo or this decadent Stuffed Shrimp Recipe, both designed to bring that gourmet experience home.
Unlocking the Secret to Perfect Cheddar Bay Biscuits at Home
The allure of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits lies in their perfect balance of savory cheese, aromatic garlic, and an incredibly light, fluffy texture, all crowned with a glistening herb butter. While the boxed Red Lobster biscuit mix offers convenience, this from-scratch recipe proves that making your own is not only simple but yields a superior flavor and texture that truly mimics the restaurant experience. You’ll be amazed at how easily these come together using common pantry ingredients.
Our recipe for these copycat Cheddar Bay Biscuits is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Unlike traditional biscuits that often demand precise handling and multiple folding, these are “drop biscuits.” This means you simply mix the dough until just combined, then scoop it onto a baking sheet. The result is a delightfully rustic yet tender biscuit, full of nooks and crannies perfect for soaking up that glorious garlic herb butter. This method is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
The true magic happens after baking, when you brush the hot biscuits with a generous amount of melted butter infused with garlic and parsley. This step is non-negotiable, as it adds a layer of rich flavor and moisture that defines the Cheddar Bay experience. These biscuits aren’t just a side dish; they’re a centerpiece, ready to steal the show at any meal. Serve them alongside rich, creamy pastas like Shrimp Alfredo, or explore other fantastic restaurant copycat recipes to complete your feast, such as our Olive Garden Chicken Piccata or the ever-popular TGI Friday’s Sizzling Chicken and Cheese. Imagine a table laden with these incredible homemade biscuits – you’ll have an endless supply of warm, cheesy goodness!
Why Choose Homemade Over Boxed Mix?
While the convenience of a boxed biscuit mix is tempting, opting for a homemade version of Cheddar Bay Biscuits offers several significant advantages:
- Superior Freshness and Flavor: Homemade ingredients simply taste better. Freshly grated cheddar, quality butter, and vibrant herbs make an enormous difference compared to dried, pre-packaged components.
- Control Over Ingredients: You know exactly what goes into your biscuits. Avoid artificial flavors, preservatives, and excessive sodium often found in commercial mixes. This allows you to tailor the recipe to your dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Pantry staples like flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk are generally more economical than purchasing specialized biscuit mixes regularly.
- The Joy of Baking: There’s immense satisfaction in creating something delicious from scratch. The aroma of freshly baked biscuits filling your home is an experience in itself!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheddar Bay Biscuits
How To Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits From Scratch?
Making these irresistible cheese biscuits from Red Lobster is a straightforward process. Our drop biscuits are crafted from a simple dry mix of flour, herbs, leavening agents, sharp cheddar cheese, and milk (or buttermilk for a tangier touch). Here’s a quick overview of the steps:
- Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 425°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine your dry biscuit ingredients, then add the wet ingredients. Stir the dough just enough until all the flour is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough biscuits.
- Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop approximately 1/4 cup portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.
- Bake the biscuits for about 20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- While the biscuits are baking, prepare your herb butter sauce by melting butter and stirring in dried parsley and garlic powder.
- As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, immediately spoon or brush the warm herb butter sauce generously over each one. Serve them piping hot for the best experience.
What’s In Cheddar Bay Biscuits? The primary ingredients found in Red Lobster Biscuit Mix typically include Enriched Bleached Flour, Palm and Soybean Oil, Baking Soda, Salt, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Dextrose, Buttermilk, Ascorbic Acid, Enzymes. The accompanying Garlic Herb Blend often contains Garlic Powder, Maltodextrin, Salt, Onion Powder, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Torula Yeast, Dehydrated Parsley, Malic Acid, Sugar, Natural and Artificial Flavors. Our homemade version uses fresh, wholesome ingredients to achieve a similar flavor profile without the additives.
Can I Make Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dough Ahead?
To prepare a biscuit mix in advance, you can combine all the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, spices, and even the shredded cheese) and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the liquid ingredients (milk/oil) and fresh butter. It’s important not to add the liquid until just before baking, as the leavening agents begin to react once wet, and their effectiveness can diminish if the batter sits too long. For the fluffiest results, form the dough and bake immediately.
Cheddar Bay Biscuits With Bisquick:
If you prefer to use a shortcut like Bisquick, you can easily adapt this recipe. Omit the all-purpose flour listed in the main recipe and instead use the recommended amount of Bisquick, adding the following:
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for added richness and tang)
- 1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- For the Herb Butter Sauce: 3 Tbsp melted butter, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp dried parsley.
What Ingredients Are Needed for Homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
These incredibly flavorful biscuits can be mixed together in under 5 minutes with just a few core ingredients:
- Flour: Unbleached bread flour or standard all-purpose flour both work beautifully for a tender crumb.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar balances the savory flavors and helps with browning.
- Leavening: Baking powder is crucial for achieving that signature fluffy rise.
- Garlic: A combination of garlic powder and garlic salt provides a robust garlicky flavor throughout the biscuit.
- Spices: Onion powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper add depth and a subtle warmth, enhancing the overall profile.
- Milk or Buttermilk: Whole milk works well, but buttermilk adds a slight tang and results in an even more tender biscuit. (See substitute tip below if you don’t have buttermilk on hand).
- Oil: Canola or soybean oil contribute to the moisture and tenderness. For a healthier fat option, coconut oil can be used.
- Cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese is key for that classic savory, cheesy flavor and wonderful texture.
- Herb Butter Sauce: This essential topping consists of melted butter, fragrant dried parsley, and additional garlic powder for an irresistible finish.
Storing and Reheating Biscuits?
Proper storage ensures your delicious biscuits stay fresh and enjoyable:
Storing Leftovers: Any leftover biscuits should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from drying out.
To Freeze Baked Biscuits: Allow the baked biscuits to cool completely. Once cool, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. You can also make a freezer batch of unbaked dough for future convenience. To reheat frozen baked biscuits, wrap them loosely in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual biscuits for 2-3 minutes until warm.
To Reheat From the Fridge: For biscuits stored in the refrigerator, the best method for reheating is to steam them slightly. Wrap them in foil and place them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at around 300°F (150°C) for approximately 8 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave two biscuits at a time for about 1 minute, checking for warmth and softness.
Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
While buttermilk adds a lovely tang and tenderness, this recipe primarily uses baking powder as its leavening agent, which means you can safely use regular milk without any bitter aftertaste. If you prefer to stick with buttermilk for its distinct flavor and texture benefits, by all means, use it! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, it’s incredibly easy to make a quick substitute:
Quick Buttermilk Substitute:
- Combine 3/4 cup regular milk with 1/4 cup white vinegar (or lemon juice) in a measuring cup. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles and thickens. This mixture will yield approximately 1 cup of homemade “buttermilk” suitable for this recipe.
Expert Tips for Exceptionally Fluffy Biscuits:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for tender biscuits. Mix the dough only until you no longer see streaks of dry flour. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense biscuits. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Cold Ingredients Are Key: While this recipe uses oil, if you were to use solid butter (as in some biscuit recipes), keeping it very cold helps create pockets of steam for a flakier texture. For this recipe, ensuring your milk isn’t warm is beneficial.
- Proper Leavening: Ensure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder loses its potency, leading to flat biscuits. Test it by adding a teaspoon to hot water; it should bubble vigorously.
- Make a Big Batch for Later: Consider preparing a large quantity of the dry biscuit mix or even a freezer batch of unbaked biscuits to have on hand for quick weeknight meals or unexpected guests.
- Melt Butter Carefully: When making the herb butter topping, melt the butter gently on the stovetop over low heat. This prevents it from burning or separating, and it ensures a smooth, flavorful sauce to brush over your hot biscuits. Avoid microwaving butter on high heat to prevent explosions and ensure even melting.
- Brush While Hot: The biscuits absorb the herb butter best when they are still piping hot from the oven. Don’t wait – brush them immediately to infuse every crevice with that delicious garlicky goodness.
More Delicious Copycat Bread Recipes:
If you’ve enjoyed mastering these Cheddar Bay Biscuits, you’re sure to love exploring other popular restaurant bread recipes that you can easily recreate at home:
- Outback Steakhouse Bread: That sweet, molasses-infused dark bread that’s impossible to resist.
- Subway Bread Recipe (Italian Herb and Cheese Copycat): The perfect base for your homemade subs, with that distinct herby, cheesy crust.
- Naan Bread (Stonefire Copycat): Soft, chewy, and perfect for dipping or as a pizza base.
- Panera Bread Focaccia (Copycat Recipe): A light and airy Italian bread, often topped with herbs and olive oil, ideal for sandwiches or as a side.
How To Make Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Step-by-Step Recipe

Rate
Pin
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Equipment
-
18×13 baking sheet
Ingredients
Biscuits:
-
2 cups unbleached flour
-
1 Tbsp sugar
-
1 Tbsp baking powder
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp garlic salt
-
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
1 cup milk
-
1/2 cup oil
-
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
Herb Butter Sauce:
-
4 Tbsp butter
-
1 1/2 tsp dried parsley
-
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Directions:
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper; set aside for later.
-
In a large bowl, stir together all the biscuit dough ingredients until the flour is fully incorporated and no dry spots remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits tough.
-
Using a 1/4 cup scoop or a large spoon, drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring each biscuit is about 2 inches apart to allow for even baking.
-
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through.
-
Meanwhile, melt the butter for the herb butter sauce in a small saucepan. Stir in the dried parsley and garlic powder. As soon as the biscuits are out of the oven, immediately spoon or generously brush this hot herb butter sauce over each biscuit. Serve warm and enjoy!