Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

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Nothing draws you to a basket faster than the warm, garlicky aroma of Cheddar Bay Biscuits. These famous biscuits are why many people walk into Red Lobster looking for seafood and walk out dreaming only of buttery, cheesy bread. The good news is you don’t need a special occasion or a restaurant booth to enjoy these at home. With a little preparation and some pantry staples, you can bake a batch that rivals the originals, right in your kitchen.

What Makes Cheddar Bay Biscuits Special?

What sets these biscuits apart isn’t just their cheddar and garlic flavor. It’s the texture: slightly crisp on the outside, supremely soft and fluffy within. The fragrant herbs and generous buttery glaze give every bite richness—turning a humble side into the star of the meal. With fresh cheese, easy-to-handle dough, and a quick bake, this crowd-pleaser is always worth the oven time.

Ingredients and Variations

Before you get started, gather everything you need. This isn’t a time for substitutes like margarine or pre-grated cheese. The fresher your ingredients, the better your biscuits taste.

Core Ingredients

• All-Purpose Baking Mix (like Bisquick) – 2 cups
  Gives the biscuit structure and shortens prep time.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated
  For best melt and flavor, use block cheese and grate it at home.
• Water or Buttermilk – 2/3 cup
  Keeps the dough moist and soft; buttermilk gives extra tang.
• Butter – 6 tablespoons, divided (4 tbsp melted for topping, 2 tbsp cold for dough if making from scratch)
  Essential for that rich, tender bite.
• Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon total (½ for dough, ½ for topping)
  Brings in the classic flavor.
• Dried Parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped
  Adds color and brightness.
• Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
  Balances all the flavors.
• Onion Powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  Subtle, savory depth.

Ingredient Notes and Options

• Fresh Herbs: Add chopped chives or a bit of fresh dill for a twist.
• Cheese Swaps: Try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or add a bit of Parmesan for more complexity.
• Whole Wheat: Swap half the baking mix for whole wheat flour for a heartier biscuit.
• Buttermilk Substitute: Combine 2/3 cup milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

Step-By-Step: How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Baking these biscuits is all about quick assembly and gentle handling. Here’s a clear guide to the process.

Prep the Oven and Tools

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Make the Biscuit Dough

• Mix dry ingredients:
• In a large bowl, stir together baking mix, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and dried parsley.
• Add cheese:
• Gently fold in the grated cheddar. This helps disperse cheesy pockets throughout the biscuits.
• Add liquid:
• Pour in the water or buttermilk and mix just until a dough forms.
• If you’re using baking mix, avoid over-stirring—it should be lumpy and sticky, not smooth.
• Hand-mix (optional):
• If creating your own biscuit base from scratch, cut 2 tablespoons very cold butter into the flour mix until pea-sized crumbs form, then add cheese and milk as above.

Shape and Bake

• Form biscuits:
• Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion dough into 10-12 mounds, spacing them apart on the parchment.
• Bake:
• Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until biscuits turn light golden brown on the edges.

Make and Apply the Buttery Topping

• Mix topping:
• While biscuits bake, combine 4 tablespoons melted butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
• Finish biscuits:
  • Remove biscuits from oven and immediately brush butter mixture over tops. Sprinkle with extra parsley.

Serve

• Enjoy warm:
  • Serve biscuits straight from the oven. The aroma will be hard to resist.

Tips and Troubleshooting

Even simple recipes benefit from pro strategies. Here’s how to get flaky, bakery-quality results:

• Use cold ingredients:
  Biscuits rise best when butter and liquids are cold. If making dough from scratch, chill your butter and handle dough minimally.
• Don’t over-mix:
  A few lumps in the dough are fine—overworking leads to dense biscuits.
• Customize cheese:
  Freshly grated cheese always melts better. Skip the pre-shredded kind, which often has anti-caking agents that affect melting.
• Extra cheese boost:
  For an indulgent touch, press a little more grated cheese on top before baking.
• Alternative shapes:
  You can gently pat dough into a rectangle and use a biscuit cutter for round biscuits, but scooping rustic-style keeps the insides soft and fluffy.

Serving Suggestions

Cheddar Bay Biscuits work as more than a bread basket filler. Pair them with almost any meal. Here are some top picks:

They also stand alone—serve warm as a snack, or with a little honey for savory-sweet contrast.

Storing and Reheating

Biscuits are always best eaten fresh, but leftovers store well if cared for properly.

Quick Guide

• Room temperature: In an airtight container, they stay soft for up to three days.
• Freezer: Place cooled biscuits in a zip-top bag; freeze for up to one month.
• To reheat: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Place biscuits on a baking sheet and warm for five to seven minutes. Brush with more melted butter to restore their glossy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Gluten-Free Baking Mix?

Yes. Choose a 1:1 gluten-free substitute for the baking mix. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged.

Are Cheddar Bay Biscuits Actually Made with Old Bay Seasoning?

Despite the name, Old Bay isn’t in the recipe. Garlic and butter provide all the signature flavor.

What If I Don’t Have Baking Mix?

Blend 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cut in 2 tablespoons very cold butter. Use as the base for the recipe.

Can I Double the Recipe?

Absolutely. For a party or family gathering, double all ingredients and bake two trays at once, rotating the trays halfway through for even browning.

Making Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits at home is a quick, rewarding project that transforms simple ingredients into a warm, buttery treat. They require no advanced skills—only a little care with assembly and timing. Whether paired with seafood, soup, or simply as a snack, these biscuits will become a staple you crave again and again. Baker beware: they disappear fast.