Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves buttery, cheesy, and flaky biscuits. This easy-to-make recipe gives you all the flavors of the iconic restaurant biscuits in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for any occasion or as a side to your favorite meals.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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2 teaspoons garlic powder
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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1 cup buttermilk
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together buttermilk and melted butter. Pour this into the dry ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until just combined. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
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Form the Biscuits: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Roll the dough into a 1 ¼-inch thick rectangle. Using a 2 ½-inch biscuit cutter, cut out 10-12 rounds.
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Bake the Biscuits: Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Make the Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, parsley, and garlic powder. Brush the tops of the warm biscuits with the butter mixture.
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Serve: Serve immediately while warm.
Nutrients (per serving, 1 biscuit)
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Calories: 170 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 19g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 9g
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Saturated Fat: 5g
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Cholesterol: 20mg
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Sodium: 490mg
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Potassium: 100mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
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Vitamin A: 160 IU
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Calcium: 87mg
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Iron: 1mg
The Magic of Cheddar Bay Biscuits
What makes Cheddar Bay Biscuits so irresistible is their combination of textures and flavors. The inside is soft and pillowy, while the outside is golden and slightly crispy, giving each bite a satisfying contrast. The key to this texture lies in the buttermilk and melted butter, which keep the dough tender and light while adding richness to the flavor.
Sharp cheddar cheese plays a starring role in these biscuits, giving them that distinct cheesy flavor that complements the buttery, garlicky notes. The garlic powder adds a savory depth that elevates the entire dish, while a touch of cayenne pepper adds just a hint of warmth, making each bite an experience of flavors that linger.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The ingredients for these biscuits are simple, but they come together beautifully to create a dish that tastes far more complex than the sum of its parts. Here’s how they come together:
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Flour: The base of the biscuit dough, providing structure and softness.
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Buttermilk: Adds both tenderness and a slight tang, making the biscuits light and airy.
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Butter: The melted butter helps make the biscuits moist and adds richness, both inside and as a topping.
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Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the star of the show, infusing the biscuits with a rich, cheesy flavor.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have ingredient for that unmistakable garlic flavor that pairs so well with the cheese.
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Cayenne Pepper: Optional, but adds a bit of heat for those who like a little spice.
Step-by-Step: Easy Preparation
Making Red Lobster-style Cheddar Bay Biscuits at home is a straightforward process. The dough comes together quickly, and there’s no need for complicated techniques. Here’s how to make them:
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Mix Dry Ingredients: Start by combining all your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using)—in a large bowl. This creates the base for your biscuit dough.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and melted butter. This mixture will add moisture to the dry ingredients, making the dough soft and easy to work with.
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Make the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. You don’t want to overmix, as that can make the biscuits tough. Then, gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
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Form the Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times to bring it together. Roll the dough into a 1 ¼-inch thick rectangle and use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds.
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Bake the Biscuits: Place the biscuits on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. The high oven temperature (450°F/230°C) helps create the perfect flaky exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
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Add the Garlic Butter Topping: While the biscuits are baking, make the garlic butter topping. Whisk together melted butter, parsley, and garlic powder, and brush it over the warm biscuits as soon as they come out of the oven. This adds an extra layer of flavor and richness that makes them irresistible.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairing for Any Meal
These Cheddar Bay Biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be served alongside a wide variety of dishes. They’re a natural pairing with seafood, especially dishes like clam chowder, shrimp scampi, or grilled fish. However, they’re equally at home with other types of mains, from roasted chicken to pasta dishes or even as a savory snack on their own.
For a more complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables, as the biscuits provide a rich, comforting contrast to lighter fare. They can also be enjoyed with your favorite soups, where their soft, cheesy interior is perfect for soaking up flavorful broths.
Nutritional Information: A Delicious Treat in Moderation
Each Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit comes in at around 170 calories, with 9g of fat, including 5g of saturated fat. While these biscuits are indulgent, they provide a moderate amount of protein (4g) and fiber (1g), which helps balance the richness. The sodium content (490mg per biscuit) is something to consider, especially if you’re watching your salt intake, but in moderation, these biscuits are a delicious treat.
The biscuits also provide 87mg of calcium, which comes from the cheese, and a bit of iron (1mg), both of which contribute to the nutritional value. These biscuits are best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence, especially when paired with lighter dishes to balance out the richness.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a perfect addition to any meal, bringing rich, cheesy, and garlicky goodness to the table. Their flaky texture, buttery flavor, and satisfying warmth make them a beloved treat, and with this easy recipe, you can replicate the magic in just 30 minutes. Whether you serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, these biscuits will always be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of simple ingredients, quick preparation, and irresistible flavor makes this recipe a keeper for any occasion.