Name: Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat)
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided; ¾ cup unsalted butter (1½ sticks), divided; 1 cup whole milk; 8 oz shredded mild cheddar cheese; ½ teaspoon dried parsley

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits are an irresistible combination of buttery, garlicky goodness and the rich, creamy taste of cheddar cheese. Made in just 20 minutes, they are a perfect side dish for any meal, from seafood to soups, or even on their own as a snack. The biscuits have a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the garlic butter drizzle on top takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, making them a great addition to any weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
¾ cup unsalted butter (1½ sticks), divided
1 cup whole milk
8 oz shredded mild cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon dried parsley

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt the Butter: Melt 1 stick (½ cup) of butter in a microwave-safe bowl and set it aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and milk, and whisk just until the ingredients are combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the Cheese: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese with a spoon until evenly distributed.
Form the Biscuits: Drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
Bake the Biscuits: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
Prepare the Butter Mixture: While the biscuits are baking, melt the remaining ¼ cup of butter. Stir in ¼ teaspoon salt and parsley.
Brush the Biscuits: Once the biscuits are out of the oven, brush them with the garlic butter mixture. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 18 rolls
Calories: 182 kcal per biscuit

Variations

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the dough for a spicy kick.
Herb Infusion: Swap the dried parsley for fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to add more flavor to the biscuits.
Cheese Variety: If you like a sharper taste, try using sharp cheddar, or blend in a bit of Parmesan or mozzarella for a different flavor.
Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor or add fresh minced garlic to the dough for even more savory goodness.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these biscuits gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the biscuits in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, or microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes! You can use sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

These biscuits are best when fresh, but you can prepare the dough in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before baking.

3. Can I freeze these biscuits?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked biscuits. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen at 450°F for 12-15 minutes.

4. Can I make these biscuits without garlic?

If you don’t like garlic, you can omit the garlic powder and still enjoy delicious cheddar biscuits. You can also add a little more parsley for extra flavor.

5. How do I keep the biscuits soft?

Be sure to not overmix the dough when adding the wet ingredients, as overworking the dough can result in dense biscuits. Also, brush them with melted butter right after baking to keep them moist.

6. Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?

Yes! Buttermilk will give the biscuits a tangy flavor and make them even more tender. Use the same amount of buttermilk as the milk called for in the recipe.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need more biscuits. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you make a larger batch.

8. Can I bake these biscuits in a different shape?

Yes, if you prefer, you can shape the dough into round balls or other shapes instead of drop-style biscuits.

9. Can I make these biscuits without butter?

You can substitute the butter with margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.

10. How do I make the biscuits extra cheesy?

For an extra cheesy version, add more shredded cheddar to the dough or sprinkle extra cheese on top of the biscuits before baking.

Conclusion

These Cheddar Bay Biscuits are the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of cheddar cheese, garlic, and butter in a warm, fluffy biscuit. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side dish with your favorite meal or as a snack on their own, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, these biscuits are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to special gatherings. They’re easy to make, and you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand to make them again and again!