The Best Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe (Better Than the Restaurant!)

Ah, Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Just thinking about them brings a wave of nostalgia and hunger. That warm, fluffy, cheesy, garlicky bread is often the highlight of any Red Lobster visit, sometimes even overshadowing the seafood! It’s truly a cruel trick to place such irresistible delights on the table, making it incredibly hard to control yourself.

For years, we’ve been perfecting our own homemade version of these iconic biscuits, and frankly, they’re so good, we make them at least once a month. The combination of garlicky, cheesy, and buttery fluffiness is simply divine. Seriously, you might find yourself planning your entire meal around these delectable biscuits.

Why Make Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits at Home?

Beyond the sheer joy of recreating a beloved restaurant classic, there are countless benefits to whipping up these Cheddar Bay Biscuits in your own kitchen:

• Freshness You Can Taste: There’s nothing quite like warm biscuits straight from the oven. The aroma alone is intoxicating, and the taste is unparalleled.
• Control Over Ingredients: You know exactly what goes into your biscuits, allowing you to choose high-quality cheddar cheese, fresh garlic, and your preferred brand of Bisquick.
• Cost-Effective Indulgence: Enjoying these famous biscuits doesn’t have to break the bank. Making them at home is significantly cheaper than a trip to Red Lobster, especially when you can make a large batch.
• Customization Options: Want more garlic? A different type of cheese? A sprinkle of cayenne for a kick? Making them yourself means you can easily adapt the recipe to your personal preferences.
• Perfect for Any Meal: While they’re famous for pairing with seafood, these biscuits are incredibly versatile. They’re fantastic with soups, stews, chili, pasta, or even as a standalone snack.

This recipe was one of the very first I shared on my site, and it’s stood the test of time. While the recipe itself hasn’t changed because it’s already perfect, I’m amazed at how much my photography has evolved since those early days. Looking back at the original photos compared to the updated ones, the improvement is truly remarkable. You can see for yourself below – it’s a huge step forward!

Mastering the Magic: Tips for Perfect Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Creating these delightful biscuits is surprisingly simple, especially with a few key tips:

• Cold Butter is Crucial: Just like with pie crusts, using very cold butter and cutting it into the Bisquick mix ensures a tender, flaky biscuit. The small pockets of butter create steam during baking, leading to that airy, light texture. Don’t overmix – you should still see tiny bits of butter.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the milk, cheese, and garlic powder, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. A light hand is key!
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melt and texture. Grating fresh cheddar will give you a much creamier, cheesier result. Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar works best for flavor.
• Garlic Power: This recipe uses garlic powder in two stages – in the dough and in the butter topping. Don’t skip either! This layering of garlic is what gives these biscuits their signature robust flavor.
• The Butter Bath: That incredible buttery, garlicky finish is essential. As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the melted garlic-parsley butter. This step adds moisture, flavor, and that irresistible sheen.

The Versatility of Homemade Red Lobster Biscuits

These biscuits are a lifesaver when you’re looking for something quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for:

• Leftovers Revival: When everyone is having leftovers and seeking just a little something different to perk up their meal, these biscuits are an absolute game-changer.
• Soup’s Best Friend: We first had them with our Broccoli and Cheese Soup, and it was a match made in heaven. They are ideal for dipping into any creamy soup or hearty stew.
• Seafood Pairings: Naturally, they’re the ultimate accompaniment to any seafood dish – shrimp scampi, baked fish, or a simple clam bake.
• Breakfast or Brunch: While not traditional breakfast fare, imagine these with scrambled eggs or alongside a savory breakfast casserole. Unexpectedly delightful!

My daughter constantly begs for these biscuits. Their incredibly soft, moist texture and the way the hot, buttery cheese just pulls apart are simply irresistible. Once you take a bite, you won’t be able to turn them down. And after you’ve savored that first one, with butter all over your fingers, why not go ahead and indulge in one more?

This fantastic recipe was shared by Todd Wilbur, known for imitating famous restaurant recipes, on ABC’s Good Morning America. You can find his version right here, proving just how authentic and loved this copycat truly is.

Now, let’s get to the recipe that will bring the magic of Red Lobster right into your home!

Yield: 10-12 biscuits

Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups Bisquick baking mix
• 3/4 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for dough)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (for topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine Bisquick with the cold butter using a pastry blender or two knives. Mix until the butter is incorporated but still visible in small, pea-sized bits. This creates flakiness.
2. Add the grated cheddar cheese, milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to the Bisquick mixture. Mix by hand with a spoon or your fingers until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits tough. The dough will be slightly sticky.
3. Drop the dough by rounded spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons each) onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Leave a little space between each biscuit.
4. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the tops of the biscuits are golden brown and they are cooked through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
5. While the biscuits are baking, prepare the garlic butter topping. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/4 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix well.
6. As soon as the biscuits are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the tops generously with the melted garlic butter mixture. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, always use freshly grated cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect the texture and melt. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a subtle hint of spice.

Recipe adapted from ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

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Yum, yum! There’s nothing quite like biting into one of these warm, savory biscuits. They truly are a taste of restaurant comfort, made with love in your own home.

More Delicious Bisquick Recipes You’ll Love!

Bisquick is a pantry staple for a reason – it makes baking so incredibly easy and versatile. If you loved making these Cheddar Bay Biscuits, you’ll definitely want to explore more recipes that leverage the convenience of Bisquick for quick, delicious results. Here are some of our other favorites:

Final Thoughts: A Culinary Triumph

There’s a reason Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits have such a devoted following – they’re simply magical. And now, with this foolproof copycat recipe, that magic is yours to create anytime you wish. Whether you’re serving them with a seafood feast, a comforting bowl of soup, or simply enjoying them as a buttery, garlicky snack, these biscuits are guaranteed to impress. They’re quick, easy, and undeniably delicious, living up to the promise of being even better than the restaurant original. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to delight your taste buds with these homemade culinary triumphs!

Don’t forget to share your creations with us on Instagram using #CheddarBayBiscuitsCopycat – we’d love to see your perfect batches!