Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe: Cheddar Bay Biscuits—just the name alone is enough to make mouths water. These savory, cheesy, buttery biscuits are famously served at Red Lobster restaurants, but you don’t have to dine out to enjoy them. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of baking know-how, you can whip up a batch of these fluffy, flavorful biscuits right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re preparing them for a dinner party or just to indulge in a cozy comfort food treat, these biscuits are always a crowd-pleaser. The best part? They come together quickly and easily, making them perfect even for busy weeknights.
Why Cheddar Bay Biscuits Are So Popular
There’s something magical about the combination of cheddar cheese, garlic, and butter in a warm, fluffy biscuit. Cheddar Bay Biscuits have earned a cult-like following for good reason—they’re not just another bread side dish. They’re comforting, flavorful, and satisfyingly indulgent. The crispy golden exterior gives way to a soft, fluffy center packed with gooey melted cheese. The buttery garlic topping adds an extra kick that keeps people reaching for seconds (and thirds). It’s this addictive flavor profile and the ease of preparation that have made them a favorite in home kitchens across the country.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down the ingredients into three simple parts: dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and the topping.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of your biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – Gives the biscuits a good rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Adds extra fluffiness.
- 1 tablespoon sugar – Balances the savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – For that signature garlicky touch.
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed) – The key to flaky layers.
- 1 cup buttermilk – Adds tanginess and moisture.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – The star ingredient.
Topping Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- A pinch of salt
Kitchen Tools Required
You don’t need fancy tools to make Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork (for cutting in butter)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, but helps prevent sticking)
- Small bowl (for the garlic butter topping)
- Pastry brush or spoon (for brushing the topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s the fun part—making the biscuits! Follow these steps carefully for the perfect result.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This ensures your biscuits don’t stick and get a beautiful golden base.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Mixing these ingredients well ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and flavor.
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The small chunks of butter will melt during baking and create flaky, tender layers.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Wet Ingredients
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Then pour in the buttermilk and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can make your biscuits tough.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter Topping
While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter and stir in the garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt. This buttery topping is what gives Cheddar Bay Biscuits their irresistible flavor.
Step 7: Brush and Serve
As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush the warm garlic butter over the tops. Don’t be shy with it—the more, the better! Serve immediately and enjoy while they’re warm and melty.
Tips for the Perfect Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Making Cheddar Bay Biscuits is pretty straightforward, but a few insider tips can take them from good to absolutely amazing. First and foremost, use cold butter. Cold butter is crucial because it creates steam pockets during baking, which results in those irresistible flaky layers. Don’t skip this step—warm or melted butter will give you flat, greasy biscuits.
Also, don’t overmix the dough. Once you add the wet ingredients, stir only until combined. Overworking the dough activates the gluten in the flour, leading to dense, tough biscuits. You want these to be light, fluffy, and delicate.
For maximum cheesy goodness, opt for sharp cheddar and shred it yourself instead of buying pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can interfere with the smooth texture of the biscuits.
And here’s a pro tip: If you have the time, let your dough chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before baking. This helps the butter stay cold longer in the oven, resulting in taller, flakier biscuits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned bakers can slip up when it comes to biscuits. One of the most common mistakes is not measuring flour properly. Always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping directly from the bag can pack too much flour into your cup, making your dough dry and crumbly.
Another common misstep is using old baking powder or soda. These leavening agents lose potency over time. Always check the expiration date to make sure your biscuits rise to the occasion.
Skipping the garlic butter topping? Big mistake. That flavorful, garlicky finish is what takes these biscuits over the top. If you’re watching your sodium, you can adjust the salt, but don’t skip the butter glaze entirely.
Finally, keep an eye on your oven. Every oven bakes a little differently, so check your biscuits around the 10-minute mark. They should be golden on top and firm to the touch.
Customizing Your Biscuits
While the classic version of Cheddar Bay Biscuits is already divine, there’s always room to get creative. Want to add a spicy twist? Throw in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Looking for an herby aroma? Mix in some fresh chives, thyme, or rosemary.
If you’re a fan of meats, try incorporating crispy bacon bits or crumbled sausage for a hearty, breakfast-style biscuit. You can also play around with different cheeses—pepper jack, mozzarella, or Parmesan can add unique flavor profiles.
For a slightly sweeter touch, drizzle the finished biscuits with a honey butter glaze instead of garlic butter. It might sound wild, but the contrast of sweet and savory can be absolutely addictive.
Customizing is about making this recipe your own. Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, the possibilities are endless.
Serving Suggestions
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are so versatile they can be paired with just about anything. Traditionally, they’re served alongside seafood dishes like shrimp scampi, crab legs, or a steaming bowl of clam chowder. But don’t stop there.
These biscuits are an excellent side for fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or creamy pasta dishes. They’re perfect for brunch, especially when served with eggs, bacon, and a side of fresh fruit.
You can even turn them into mini sandwiches. Slice them in half and stuff with ham, turkey, or even pulled pork for a delicious snack or lunch.
And if you’re feeling lazy? Just warm one up, smear it with a little extra butter, and enjoy it all by itself. Trust me, it’s that good.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you somehow have leftovers (a rare phenomenon, I know), storing Cheddar Bay Biscuits is easy. Let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep on the counter for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. You can also microwave them for about 20 seconds, but be aware they might lose a bit of their crispy exterior.
For long-term storage, freeze them. Wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes or until heated through.
A little extra garlic butter after reheating? Highly recommended.
Nutritional Information
While Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delicious indulgence, it’s good to know what you’re biting into, especially if you’re watching your diet. On average, one biscuit contains approximately:
- Calories: 180–200
- Total Fat: 11–13g
- Saturated Fat: 6–7g
- Cholesterol: 30–40mg
- Sodium: 350–450mg
- Carbohydrates: 16–18g
- Sugars: 1–2g
- Protein: 4–5g
These numbers can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and amounts you use. If you’re making adjustments like low-fat cheese or alternative flours, the nutrition profile will change accordingly.
That said, these biscuits aren’t designed to be diet food—they’re a comforting treat! So if you’re going to enjoy them, go all in and savor every buttery, cheesy bite.
Gluten-Free or Vegan Alternatives
Want to make Cheddar Bay Biscuits but have dietary restrictions? No worries! There are easy swaps to make this recipe work for you.
For Gluten-Free Biscuits:
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. These are designed to mimic the behavior of all-purpose flour.
- Double-check your baking powder and cheese to make sure they’re gluten-free certified.
For Vegan Biscuits:
- Swap out butter with a plant-based alternative like Earth Balance or vegan margarine.
- Use unsweetened almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.
- Choose a vegan cheese that melts well—some brands like Daiya or Violife offer solid cheddar-style options.
These changes will slightly alter the flavor and texture but still result in a delicious biscuit that caters to your needs.
FAQs about Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
1. Can I make Cheddar Bay Biscuits ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature for a few minutes before popping it in the oven.
2. Can I freeze the biscuit dough?
Absolutely. Scoop the dough onto a tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer the dough balls into a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with other types like pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
4. How do I keep my biscuits from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps the butter stay firm, which reduces spreading. Also, make sure your baking sheet isn’t too warm when placing the dough on it.
5. Are Cheddar Bay Biscuits spicy?
Not at all in their traditional form. But you can make them spicy by adding ingredients like cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños.
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few pantry staples, a little love, and a whole lot of cheese, you can bring restaurant-quality flavor right into your home kitchen. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, there’s no wrong way to enjoy these buttery beauties.
They’re ideal for sharing—although you might not want to once you take a bite. Flaky, cheesy, garlicky, and downright addictive, Cheddar Bay Biscuits have a way of turning any meal into a special occasion.
So go ahead, preheat that oven, grab your mixing bowl, and get ready to experience biscuit bliss. You won’t regret it.
