Red Lobster Biscuit Recipe: If you’ve ever dined at Red Lobster, chances are the highlight of your visit wasn’t the seafood—it was those iconic, buttery, garlicky cheddar biscuits. They’re the kind of bread that disappears from the basket before your entrée even arrives. What makes them so addictive? It’s the perfect blend of fluffy texture, cheesy flavor, and that irresistible garlic butter topping.
But here’s the thing: You don’t need a reservation at Red Lobster to enjoy these heavenly biscuits. You can recreate the same magic at home—fresh, hot, and straight from your own oven. Making Red Lobster biscuits from scratch is simpler than you think, and once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought or even the restaurant version.
Whether you’re planning a seafood dinner or just want a savory snack, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to make the perfect Red Lobster-style biscuits. From ingredients to baking tips, we’ve got everything covered so your homemade batch turns out just as delicious—maybe even better.
Ingredients Needed
Let’s start with the most important part: what you’ll need. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
These dry components provide the foundation of the biscuit—structure, rise, and flavor. The garlic powder adds that subtle kick which mimics Red Lobster’s signature flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk (cold)
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Cold milk helps create that soft interior, while the butter brings richness. Don’t skimp on the cheese—that’s where all the savory goodness comes in.
Topping Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
This buttery, garlicky topping is what elevates these biscuits. Brush it on right after baking to lock in flavor and give the biscuits that restaurant-style shine.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You won’t need any fancy gadgets to whip up these biscuits. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Ice cream scoop (optional, but helpful)
- Pastry brush
If you don’t have a pastry brush, don’t worry—you can simply drizzle the garlic butter topping using a spoon.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Red Lobster Biscuits
Now it’s time for the fun part—making the biscuits! Let’s break it down into simple steps.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high heat helps the biscuits rise quickly and get that nice golden brown crust.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until evenly distributed. This ensures every bite has consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the cold milk and melted butter. Stir just until the dough starts to come together. Don’t overmix—overworking the dough makes the biscuits dense instead of fluffy.
Step 4: Fold in the Cheese
Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. The goal is to spread the cheese evenly without overmixing. You want pockets of melty cheese in every bite.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to drop dollops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave space between each biscuit for them to expand. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping
While the biscuits bake, melt the butter and mix in the garlic powder and chopped parsley. This buttery mixture is what makes them truly taste like the Red Lobster original.
Step 7: Brush Biscuits and Serve
As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter topping. Serve warm—and watch them disappear fast!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Biscuits
Even though this recipe is easy, a few insider tricks can help you get that restaurant-quality result every single time. Here are some tried-and-true tips to level up your biscuit game:
Mixing Tips
One of the most common mistakes people make is overmixing the dough. This can lead to tough, chewy biscuits rather than soft, fluffy ones. Stir the ingredients just until they come together—your dough should look a little lumpy and even a bit shaggy. That’s totally okay! A light hand in mixing equals a tender crumb when baked.
Use cold ingredients for better texture. Cold milk and even chilling your cheese beforehand can help your biscuits puff up beautifully instead of spreading flat.
Baking Time and Temperature
Don’t skip preheating the oven. Biscuits need that immediate heat shock to rise quickly. If your oven isn’t hot enough, they may end up dense and underwhelming. Also, resist the urge to open the oven door while baking. Let them do their thing in peace for 10–12 minutes.
If you want extra crisp edges, bake them directly on a greased baking sheet. For softer biscuits, line your sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone mat.
Storing and Reheating
These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh, but you can definitely store leftovers. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. You can also pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, but the oven method will help retain their original texture better.
Want to make them in advance? Freeze the unbaked dough on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven—no need to thaw!
Red Lobster Biscuit Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, why not have a little fun with it? There are several creative spins you can try to match your taste or dietary needs.
Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits
If you like a bit of a kick, dice up a fresh jalapeño or use pickled ones and mix them into the dough along with the cheddar cheese. You’ll get a spicy, savory combo that’s perfect for chili nights or BBQ sides.
Bacon Cheddar Biscuits
Crispy bacon crumbles added to the dough? Yes, please! Just make sure the bacon is fully cooked and cooled before folding it in. This version is always a hit at brunch or as a hearty breakfast companion.
Gluten-Free Option
Gluten intolerant? No problem. Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. You might need to tweak the milk amount slightly depending on the absorbency of your flour, but the result is still soft, cheesy, and delicious.
Looking for a dairy-free version? Use plant-based cheese and vegan butter alternatives. The flavor won’t be identical, but it will still be rich and satisfying.
FAQs about Red Lobster Biscuit Recipe
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but the flavor and texture might change slightly. For a closer match, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk to mimic buttermilk.
2. What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice for Red Lobster biscuits. It melts well and gives that bold, cheesy flavor the biscuits are known for.
3. Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. For best results, bake just before serving to keep them fluffy and fresh.
4. How do I store leftover biscuits?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp edges.
5. Can I freeze Red Lobster biscuits?
Yes, both the dough and baked biscuits can be frozen. Freeze unbaked dough scoops on a tray, then transfer to a bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the bake time.
6. Why are my biscuits too flat or dense?
Flat biscuits may result from overmixing the dough or not using cold butter. For fluffy results, handle the dough gently and make sure your butter is cold before mixing.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate guide to making Red Lobster biscuits at home. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy this restaurant favorite without ever leaving your kitchen. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or jazz it up with your own twist, these biscuits are guaranteed to impress.
Homemade biscuits have a way of making any meal feel a bit more special. Serve them as a side with dinner, add them to your brunch spread, or snack on them fresh out of the oven. Once you taste your own batch, you might just start skipping Red Lobster altogether.
