Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits

If you’ve ever dined at Red Lobster, you know that their Cheddar Bay Biscuits are legendary. These warm, buttery, cheesy biscuits with a touch of garlic and a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture are so addictive that it’s hard to stop at just one! Luckily, you don’t have to wait for a restaurant visit to enjoy them because this Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits recipe lets you recreate the magic at home—no reservations required.

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. No yeast, no rising time, just simple ingredients mixed together to create fluffy, cheesy, golden-brown biscuits bursting with flavor. They’re perfect as a side for seafood dishes, pasta, soups, or even as a snack on their own. Plus, you can customize them by adding extra cheese, herbs, or even a bit of spice to make them your own.

Why You’ll Love These Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits

• Buttery and Cheesy Goodness – Every bite is packed with rich cheddar cheese and buttery flavor.
• Easy and Quick to Make – No need for fancy equipment or long waiting times—ready in under 30 minutes!
• Fluffy, Soft, and Tender – These biscuits have a perfectly flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect with Any Meal – Serve them with seafood, pasta, soup, or enjoy them as a snack.
• Customizable – Add extra cheese, spices, or herbs to make them even more flavorful.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – No need to go out when you can make these delicious biscuits anytime!

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 10 biscuits

Nutritional Information (Per Biscuit)

• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients for Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ½ tsp dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions for Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing any clumps.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step helps create a flaky biscuit texture.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly mixed throughout the flour mixture.

Step 5: Mix the Dough

Pour in the milk and gently stir until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep the biscuits light and tender. If the dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour.

Step 6: Shape the Biscuits

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming roughly 2-inch mounds. You don’t need to shape them perfectly—rustic, drop-style biscuits work best for this recipe.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.

Step 8: Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping

While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter and mix it with garlic powder and dried parsley.

Step 9: Brush and Serve

As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter topping while they’re still warm. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes them even more irresistible.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy your homemade Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits with your favorite meal!

Ingredient Background

Each ingredient in these Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits plays a key role in achieving their signature flavor and texture. Let’s break down why they’re essential to the recipe.

Flour is the foundation of the biscuits, providing structure and ensuring they hold their shape. All-purpose flour is ideal because it creates a tender crumb without being too dense.

Baking powder is the leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise, making them fluffy and airy. Without it, they would turn out dense and heavy.

Butter is the secret to flaky, rich biscuits. By using cold butter and cutting it into the flour mixture, small pockets of fat melt in the oven, creating a soft, layered texture. This technique is the same used in traditional Southern biscuits.

Cheddar cheese is the star ingredient, giving these biscuits their signature cheesy goodness. A good sharp cheddar melts beautifully while adding a slightly tangy, bold flavor that balances the richness of the butter.

Garlic powder and dried parsley add a savory depth, making the biscuits taste just like the ones from Red Lobster. Garlic powder blends seamlessly into the dough, while the parsley adds color and a mild herby note.

The garlic butter topping is what makes these biscuits completely irresistible. Brushing the warm biscuits with melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

Technique Tips for Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits

Perfecting these biscuits is easy, but a few tips will ensure they turn out light, fluffy, and flavorful every time.

First, use cold butter straight from the fridge. Cold butter helps create steam pockets in the biscuits, which results in a flaky texture. If your butter starts to soften while mixing, pop the dough in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.

Next, avoid overmixing the dough. Overworking the dough can develop too much gluten, leading to dense, tough biscuits instead of light, airy ones. Stir until just combined, and don’t worry if the dough looks a little shaggy—it will come together when baking.

Finally, brush the garlic butter on while the biscuits are warm. This allows the buttery, garlicky goodness to soak into the biscuits, ensuring they’re extra flavorful. If you want even more buttery flavor, brush them twice—once right out of the oven and again after a few minutes.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Want to take these biscuits to the next level? Here are some creative ways to serve them.

For a cheesy pull-apart bread, press the dough into a loaf pan, bake it as a whole, and then brush with garlic butter. When serving, tear the bread into individual portions for a fun, shareable version.

If you want to make mini biscuit bites, use a small cookie scoop to portion out smaller dough balls. These bite-sized biscuits are perfect for serving at parties or alongside soups and stews.

To create a stuffed biscuit version, flatten the dough slightly before scooping, add a small piece of cream cheese or extra cheddar in the center, and fold the dough around it before baking. This creates a melty, cheesy center that’s absolutely delicious!

Freezing and Storing Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits

These biscuits taste best fresh, but you can easily store or freeze them for later enjoyment.

For short-term storage, keep the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, reheating in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture.

To freeze, you have two options:

1. Freeze Before Baking – Prepare the biscuit dough and scoop it onto a baking sheet. Freeze the unbaked biscuits until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place them directly in the oven (no need to thaw), adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Freeze After Baking – Let the biscuits cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Want to enjoy these biscuits with a healthier twist? Here are some simple swaps to lighten them up while keeping them delicious.

To reduce calories and fat, swap out half of the butter for Greek yogurt. This keeps the biscuits tender while lowering the overall fat content. You can also use low-fat cheddar cheese to cut back on extra fat.

For a whole grain version, replace half (or all) of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds fiber and nutrients while giving the biscuits a heartier texture. If using all whole wheat flour, add an extra tablespoon of milk to prevent them from becoming too dry.

To make dairy-free biscuits, use vegan butter and dairy-free cheddar cheese. Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can replace the whole milk for a fully plant-based version.

Serving Suggestions for Events

These biscuits are the perfect addition to many meals and occasions, making them a must-have recipe for entertaining.

At a family dinner, serve them alongside seafood, steak, or pasta dishes. They pair especially well with creamy sauces and hearty entrees.

For a brunch spread, offer these biscuits with scrambled eggs, crispy turkey bacon, and fresh fruit. They’re also fantastic with a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory combination.

If you’re hosting a holiday meal, serve these as a side to Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas roasts, or Easter ham. Their buttery, garlicky flavor complements classic holiday dishes beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to replace the all-purpose flour. Just make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

2. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a richer flavor. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can slightly affect texture.

3. How can I make them extra cheesy?

Increase the cheddar to 1 ½ cups or mix in a blend of cheeses like Parmesan and Monterey Jack for more flavor.

4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat biscuits in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crisp and fresh. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just scoop and bake when ready.

6. What other seasonings can I add?

Try adding paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for extra depth of flavor.

7. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but omit the baking powder and reduce the salt slightly.

8. How do I make them crispier on the outside?

Bake them for an extra 2-3 minutes or place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.

9. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can, but butter gives a richer flavor and better texture.

10. What can I serve these with?

These biscuits go great with soups, seafood, pasta, or even as a side for breakfast with scrambled eggs.

Conclusion

These Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits are a must-try recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home. With their buttery, cheesy, and garlicky goodness, they’re the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, brunch, or holiday feast, they’re guaranteed to impress.

Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make, customizable to your taste, and freezer-friendly for whenever a craving strikes. So grab your ingredients and whip up a batch of these irresistible homemade cheddar biscuits today!

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