Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits

These easy-to-make cheddar bay biscuits are a delicious copycat of Red Lobster’s famous dinner rolls. They’re buttery, cheesy, and garlicky, resembling restaurant-style side dishes, ready in just 20 minutes, and require no yeast or eggs.

Have you ever been to Red Lobster and found yourself craving their delicious cheddar bay biscuits long after you’ve left the restaurant? You’re not alone! These soft, fluffy, and cheesy biscuits have become a favorite of many seafood lovers. The good news is that you can recreate these flavorful biscuits at home, and it’s easier than you might think.

With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll enjoy these buttery biscuits whenever you please, without visiting the restaurant. 

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe

• Simple Recipe: These biscuits are incredibly easy to make. In no time, you’ll have a batch of warm, cheesy biscuits ready to enjoy. You probably already have these ingredients in your pantry and fridge.
• Flexibility: You have control over the ingredients by making these biscuits at home. You can experiment with different cheese types or add your favorite herbs and spices. Try substituting the butter with vegan alternatives for a dairy-free option, or swap baking mix with a gluten-free mix if you have dietary restrictions.
• Quicker than ordering out: Now, there’s no need to wait for a table at your local Red Lobster or even order takeout. Making these copycat biscuits from scratch takes around 10 to 12 minutes of baking. It’s a quick way to satisfy that biscuit craving in the comfort of your own home!
• Crowd pleaser: Hosting a gathering? Red Lobster cheddar biscuits are an instant hit at family dinners, potlucks, and casual get-togethers with friends. Don’t be surprised if your guests ask for your secret recipe!

Ingredients

• All-purpose baking mix (Bisquick): This is the base of your biscuits, providing the right texture and structure. It is very convenient, as Bisquick mix already contains the correct balance of flour, leavening agents, and salt.
• Shredded medium cheddar cheese: This ingredient adds the cheesy flavor that makes Red Lobster biscuits unique and delicious. Medium cheddar cheese melts nicely and blends well with the other ingredients. Mild and sharp cheddar cheese will also work.
• Garlic and herb seasoning: These spices bring great flavor to the biscuits, giving them their signature taste. The seasoning enhances the taste by adding a mild garlic and herb flavor. I used the Dash brand with no salt added. If you use a seasoning that already has salt, I recommend omitting the salt from this recipe.
• Buttermilk: Real buttermilk adds a touch of tanginess to the biscuits, making them even more flavorful. It also helps in creating a tender and moist biscuit texture. Buttermilk is more delicious than regular milk.
• Salted butter: Melted butter adds richness and is used for the garlic butter glaze. Unsalted butter can be used, but you should add a little salt to the butter mixture.
• Sea salt: Just a pinch of salt is needed to balance the flavors and enhance the taste of the biscuits.
• Fresh minced parsley: To make your biscuits look even more appetizing, garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh minced parsley. 

How to Make Copycat Cheddar Bay Biscuits

• Step One: Preheat the oven to 450℉ and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Step Two: Whisk together the baking mix, cheddar cheese, and 1 ½ tsp garlic and herb seasoning until combined.

• Step Three: Add the buttermilk and stir together until just combined. It should stay undermixed.
• Step Four: Drop 10 to 12 balls of biscuit dough on the baking sheet using an ice cream scoop or two large spoons.
• Step Five: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven.

• Step Six: While the biscuits are baking, whisk together the melted butter, one teaspoon of garlic and herb seasoning, and sea salt until combined.
• Step Seven: When the biscuits come out of the oven, immediately brush them generously with the butter mixture using a pastry brush.
• Step Eight: Sprinkle with parsley, if using, and serve warm.

Equipment Needed

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• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements of ingredients are important for the taste and texture of the biscuits
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least one large bowl for mixing.
• Whisk or fork: A whisk or fork is necessary for thoroughly combining the dry ingredients and mixing the wet ingredients.
• Baking sheet: A standard-sized baking sheet will be used to bake the biscuits. A sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is ideal to prevent sticking.
• Ice cream scoop or small cookie scoop: This will be used to scoop the dough onto the baking sheet, ensuring uniform biscuit sizes.
• Pastry brush: A pastry brush is a great tool to apply the melted herb butter on top of the baked biscuits evenly and without making a mess.

What to Serve with Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits

• Seafood options: Since these biscuits originate from Red Lobster, it’s only natural to begin with seafood options. You can serve them with grilled shrimp, lobster tail, or creamy clam chowder for a truly indulgent meal.
• Salads: A crisp, fresh salad will balance out the richness of the biscuits. Try a Caesar salad, Caprese salad, or a simple tossed green salad as a lighter side.
• Hearty soups: Hearty soups are always a hit with biscuits. Pair the cheddar biscuits with tomato basil soup, a rich chicken noodle soup, or your favorite soup to experience a true comfort food style.

Variations of Original Recipe

• Seasoning Adjustments: You can experiment with garlic powder, old bay seasoning, and ranch dressing mix measurements to create the perfect balance of flavors. Some people prefer a stronger garlic taste or a more prominent ranch flavor. Adjust the spices to customize your biscuits to your liking.
• Cheese Options: Although cheddar is the traditional choice for these biscuits, you can also try them with other types of cheese. For instance, try swapping out cheddar for pepper jack to add a spicy kick. Another option is using a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile, such as a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
• Add-Ins: Extra ingredients can personalize your biscuits even further. Add some chopped jalapeños for a spicy touch or bits of crispy bacon for a delicious, smoky crunch. Additionally, you can include herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to give your biscuits a unique taste.
• Spices: Add some cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to the biscuit dough and seasoned butter if you like heat. Add a little at a time so it doesn’t overwhelm the biscuit flavor. 

Substitutions

• Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by combining 1 cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken, and you’re good to go. This mixture works just as well as store-bought buttermilk.
• Bisquick: For those who don’t have Bisquick readily available, you can create a similar mix with the following ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup shortening or unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
  • Mix the dry ingredients together, then cut the shortening or butter into the dry mixture until the whole mix resembles coarse crumbs.
• Cheddar cheese: It’s hard to imagine these biscuits without the classic cheddar cheese flavor, but if you don’t have that specific cheese on hand, you can try swapping it with another strong, flavorful cheese such as Colby, Monterey Jack or even Gouda. Make sure the cheese you choose is grated or shredded to ensure even distribution throughout the biscuits.
• Garlic and herb seasoning: No garlic and herb seasoning? You can use garlic powder, onion powder, or freshly minced garlic cloves instead. Depending on your preference, one clove of minced garlic can substitute for around 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Another option is to use garlic salt, but be sure to reduce the regular salt amount in the recipe to avoid overly salty biscuits.

Storage Instructions

• Cool them completely: After taking the biscuits out of the oven, let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling helps prevent condensation, which may lead to sogginess.
• Store in an airtight container: Once the biscuits are completely cool, place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. This helps absorb any excess moisture and keeps the biscuits fresh. You can also layer the biscuits between paper towels to maintain their texture.
• Room temperature is best: It’s recommended to store the biscuits at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator, as refrigeration can cause them to become dry and lose flavor. They should be suitable for up to 3 days when stored properly at room temperature.

Can I Freeze?

Individually wrap each biscuit in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped biscuits in a resealable plastic freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Be sure to label the bag with the date and biscuit type. Properly wrapped biscuits can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat frozen biscuits, preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange the biscuits on a baking sheet. Allow them to thaw for about 10 minutes, then bake for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat biscuits in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, but the oven method yields better results.

Common Mistakes & Solutions

• Overmixing the dough: It’s important not to overmix the dough as it may become rigid and less tender. To fix this issue, mix the dough until the ingredients are incorporated and avoid overworking it. Use a gentle touch and remember that lumpy doughs often result in flaky and tender biscuits.
• Using packaged shredded cheese: Packaged shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture and taste of your biscuits. Opt for shredding a block of cheese instead for the best results. This small difference can make a big impact on the final flavor.
• Baking the biscuits too close together: Remember to space the biscuits out evenly on the baking sheet, as this will allow them to expand properly and ensure even baking. Aim for at least 1-2 inches between each biscuit to prevent them from sticking together.
• Uneven garlic butter application: When brushing the garlic butter on freshly baked biscuits, it’s important to use a gentle hand and an even coating of the mixture. Be sure to melt and mix the butter and garlic concoction just before you take the biscuits out of the oven to ensure a smooth and even application.

Cheddar Bay Biscuit History

The delicious Cheddar Bay Biscuits we know and love today have a fascinating history behind them. Red Lobster executive chef Kurt Hankins created these biscuits in the late eighties or early nineties. They were designed as a complimentary item, similar to how Olive Garden offers endless breadsticks. The idea was to make guests feel welcome when visiting the restaurant.

Now, you might be wondering how these biscuits got their name. Well, the answer may surprise you! The name ‘Cheddar Bay’ doesn’t originate from an actual place but was chosen simply because it sounds appealing and evokes a sense of comfort. It definitely worked, as we can’t help but think of warm, buttery, and cheesy biscuits when we hear the name.