When the smell of freshly baked biscuits fills the air, it’s almost impossible to resist the allure of comfort food. Inspired by the beloved Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits, this recipe brings that warm, buttery goodness right into your home kitchen.
Imagine breaking into a golden-brown biscuit, its flaky texture yielding to reveal a savory, cheesy center bursting with garlic flavor all ready in just 25 minutes! Not only is this dish a delightful indulgence, but it also makes use of everyday pantry staples, making it an easy choice for any night of the week. Whether you’re serving them warm alongside a hearty stew or enjoying them as a comforting snack later, these biscuits are sure to elevate your dining experience. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that promises satisfaction with every bite!
Why are Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits a must-try?
Unmatched Flavor: The buttery, garlicky goodness will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes of prep, you can whip these up on a busy weeknight.
Pantry Staples: Made with ingredients you probably already have at home, making it super accessible.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, parties, or as a delightful snack anytime!
Versatile Pairing: They complement soups, seafood, or stand alone as a comforting treat.
Shortcut Option: Use biscuit mix for an even faster version without compromising taste!
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Ingredients
For the Biscuit Dough
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the biscuits; substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed.
• Baking Powder – Essential for a good rise; make sure it’s fresh for optimal fluffiness.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness; feel free to reduce or omit for a less sweet version.
• Garlic Powder – Imparts the savory, garlicky flavor that defines these biscuits; fresh minced garlic can be an even tastier substitute.
• Baking Soda – Works alongside baking powder to ensure the biscuits rise perfectly.
• Salt – Enhances all flavors; adjust based on dietary preferences.
• Milk – Hydrates the dough while yielding a soft texture; buttermilk is a flavorful alternative.
• Cold Butter – Creates that flaky texture; must be chilled and cut into the flour mixture. Margarine can be used for a lighter option.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Introduces that classic cheesy taste; feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or omit for a lighter version.
For the Topping
• Melted Butter – Brushed on top for an extra richness that you won’t want to skip.
• Dried Parsley – Adds a fresh note and a pop of color; fresh parsley can be used instead for more vibrant flavor.
• Italian Seasoning (optional) – Contributes a nice herbal touch; omit if you don’t have it on hand.
These Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delight to prepare and even more satisfying to enjoy straight from the oven!
How to Make Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure that your biscuits rise beautifully and develop that delightful golden-brown crust.
- Combine the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, garlic powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
- Cut in the cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix the chilled butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with butter pieces about the size of peas.
- Stir in the wet ingredients. Add in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix or your biscuits may become dense.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Aim for about 2 inches apart to give them room to puff up as they bake.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly browned on top. You want them just golden to achieve that perfect texture.
- Prepare the topping while the biscuits are baking. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, dried parsley, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (if using) for a savory finish.
- Brush the butter mixture over the warm biscuits straight from the oven. Allow them to cool for 3 minutes before serving them warm to enjoy that buttery goodness!
Optional: Serve with extra butter for slathering.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter is cold to achieve the flaky texture that makes these biscuits irresistible. Warm butter will lead to denser biscuits.
- Don’t Over-Mix: Mix the dough just until combined. Over-mixing can result in tough biscuits, straying from that tender quality we all love.
- Fresh Baking Powder: Use fresh baking powder to ensure your biscuits rise beautifully. An expired powder can lead to flat biscuits that lack fluffiness.
- Spacing Matters: Drop the dough onto the baking sheet with adequate space between scoops. This allows room for rising and helps avoid merging into one giant biscuit.
- Make Ahead: You can freeze the uncooked dough for future use. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for delicious, quick treats.
- Add Flavor Variations: For a twist, try adding Old Bay seasoning for a spicy kick or mix in cheese varieties like pepper jack to elevate the savory profile.
Storage Tips for Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Room Temperature: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their soft texture and flavor.
- Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate the biscuits for up to a week, just keep them covered to prevent drying out.
- Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let them cool before freezing to retain freshness.
- Reheating: To enjoy the warm, buttery goodness again, reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes.
Make Ahead Options
These Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits are fantastic for meal prep and can save you time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the biscuit dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all dry ingredients and cutting in the cold butter. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Additionally, you can drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze them individually before transferring them to a freezer bag, allowing you to bake them directly from frozen, adding about 4-6 minutes to the baking time. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake, brush with the buttery topping, and revel in that freshly baked, restaurant-quality goodness!
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Variations
Feel free to get creative with your biscuits and explore delightful flavor twists that will make your taste buds sing!
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs while still enjoying that classic biscuit texture.
- Cheesy Variations: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for an extra flavor kick that adds warmth and richness.
- Herb Infusion: Fold in fresh herbs like chives or thyme to elevate the dish with aromatic freshness.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a zesty version that packs a punch in flavor.
- Bacon Lovers: Mix in cooked bacon bits to introduce a savory, smoky element that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Garlic Butter Drizzle: Increase the garlic powder in the butter mixture for those who adore an intense garlic hit that enhances every bite.
- Sweet and Savory: A hint of honey drizzled on top provides a wonderful contrast to the savory flavors, making each bite a unique experience.
- Breakfast Twist: Transform these into breakfast biscuits by adding cooked sausage or scrambled eggs alongside cheese for a hearty morning treat.
Experimenting with these variations will make your Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits a crowd favorite, perfect for any occasion!
What to Serve with Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
Warm, cheesy biscuits make any meal more special, inviting you to create the perfect dining experience.
- Creamy Clam Chowder: The rich, velvety soup complements the buttery biscuits, providing a warm and hearty meal that’s just divine.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: This dish echoes the garlic flavor in the biscuits, creating a harmoniously savory pairing that’s simply irresistible.
- Garden Salad: A fresh, crisp salad adds a refreshing crunch to your meal, balancing the richness of the biscuits while incorporating vibrant flavors.
- Grilled Salmon: The flaky, buttery texture of salmon contrasts beautifully with the soft biscuits, making for a truly delectable dinner option.
- Hearty Vegetable Soup: A warm vegetable soup offers a comforting, rustic vibe that makes these biscuits even more enjoyable, perfect for cold nights.
- Sweet Tea: This classic beverage perfectly balances the savory goodness of the biscuits, enhancing the overall dining experience with its refreshing sweetness.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, finish off your meal with a warm chocolate chip cookie for a delightful sweet contrast after the savory goodness of your biscuits.
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select ingredients for the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, aim for all-purpose flour that hasn’t been sitting in your pantry for too long; fresher flour will yield better results. For the butter, choose cold, unsalted butter to ensure a flaky texture. If you can, opt for fresh garlic rather than garlic powder for more vibrant flavor, but powder works just fine. Ultimately, using good quality cheddar will make a delicious difference!
How should I store leftover Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
Very good question! Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. Just make sure they’re covered to prevent drying out!
Can I freeze Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
Certainly! To freeze, first, let the biscuits cool completely. Then place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply bake from frozen, adding an additional 4-6 minutes to the baking time—easy peasy!
What should I do if my biscuits come out dense instead of flaky?
The more the merrier! If your biscuits turn out dense, it often means the dough was over-mixed or the butter wasn’t cold enough. To fix this, make sure to cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs and mix the dough just until combined. Also, check the freshness of your baking powder—old powder might not give you the rise you want!
Are there any dietary considerations for the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
Yes, definitely! If you’re concerned about gluten, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For those watching their dairy intake, using a plant-based milk and dairy-free butter will work too, but the taste will vary slightly. Always double-check for any allergies when it comes to cheese or seasonings you might add!
Mouthwatering Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Made Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
- Prepare the topping by mixing melted butter, dried parsley, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Brush the butter mixture over the warm biscuits straight from the oven.