Name: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk (more if needed); ⅓ cup cold butter; ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

I absolutely love sharing this Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe because it perfectly captures that irresistible, cheesy, garlicky biscuit flavor that I always crave. These biscuits have become my go-to for any occasion when I want something comforting yet impressive, with a crisp golden crust and a soft, fluffy inside that just melts in your mouth. Making these at home feels like bringing a little piece of Red Lobster magic right into my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to try them too!

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

What truly makes this recipe stand out for me is the incredible flavor combination of sharp cheddar cheese and garlic infused with a hint of herbs. Every bite is rich, buttery, and full of that savory goodness that leaves you wanting just one more. It balances cheesy decadence with a light, tender crumb that feels fresh and hearty all at once.

I also appreciate how straightforward and quick the preparation is. It feels like no fuss at all with just a handful of pantry staples, yet the results taste so special and restaurant quality. Whether I’m making these for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or just a weeknight snack, they’re always a hit. Their versatility and that signature delicious burst of flavor make these biscuits a total crowd-pleaser in my book.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows nine small glass bowls and a bottle arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl, near the upper right, holds a heap of white flour with a powdery texture. Below it to the right is a smaller white bowl filled with yellow butter cubes. Below the flour bowl and to the left is a medium glass bowl with bright orange shredded cheese. Above the flour are three small glass bowls containing white baking powder, pale brown garlic powder, and white sugar. To the left of these are two more small glass bowls with white baking soda and salt. At the bottom center is a glass milk bottle filled with white milk. Each bowl is neat and the ingredients are clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but essential — each plays a key role in building the right texture, flavor, and aroma of the biscuits. The combination of cheddar and garlic powder brings the unmistakable savory notes, while the cold butter adds flakiness and richness.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for the biscuits to rise and hold their soft texture.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents give the biscuits their light and fluffy rise.

Granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Garlic powder: Essential for that iconic garlic kick that defines the biscuits.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors really beautifully.
Milk: Moistens the dough, creating a tender crumb – use a bit more if needed for consistency.

Cold butter: Key to creating flakiness by cutting into the dry ingredients while staying chilled.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it’s the heart of that cheesy flavor.
Melted butter: Used for brushing to give the biscuits a delicious, golden finish and extra garlic-herb flavor.

Dried parsley, extra garlic powder, Italian seasoning (optional): These herbs lift the buttery topping and provide that fresh, herby aroma.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. This high temperature helps the biscuits bake quickly with a golden crust.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 3: Add the cold butter, then use a pastry cutter or fork to blend it into the flour mixture. Keep working until the butter resembles pea-sized pieces. This step is key for creating a tender, flaky texture.

Step 4: Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing just enough to combine into a dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a splash more milk to get it to come together.

Step 5: Drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a little apart as they will rise during baking.

Step 6: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: While the biscuits are baking, mix the melted butter with dried parsley, extra garlic powder, and Italian seasoning if you’re using it.

Step 8: Once the biscuits come out of the oven, let them cool for 3 minutes so they’re warm but not too hot.

Step 9: Brush the tops generously with the garlic herb butter mixture and serve immediately while still warm.

Servings and Timing

This Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe yields about 12 delicious biscuits, perfect for sharing with family or friends. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes prepping the dough, followed by 12 to 15 minutes baking, making the total time about 25 minutes. Allowing the biscuits to rest for a few minutes after baking is important to let the flavors settle and makes them easier to brush with the buttery topping.

How to Serve This Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe

There are twelve uneven, round cookie dough balls spread out in four rows on crinkled light brown parchment paper that covers an old, rusty baking tray. The dough is pale with small bits of a light orange ingredient mixed throughout. The white marbled surface under the tray adds a clean contrast to the warm, textured setup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these biscuits, I love pairing them with comfort foods like creamy soups or savory seafood dishes to echo the classic Red Lobster vibe. They’re fantastic alongside a bowl of New England clam chowder, a fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or even grilled shrimp for a more indulgent meal.

For presentation, I brush the tops with the garlic herb butter just before serving and sometimes sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color. Arranging the biscuits in a basket lined with a clean kitchen towel keeps them warm and inviting, perfect for passing around the table.

As for drinks, these cheddar bay biscuits pair beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy cocktail. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a sparkling lemonade or iced tea complements the rich, savory flavors nicely. I usually serve them warm straight from the oven — that’s when they taste best!

Variations

I love experimenting with this Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For example, swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works well if you’re avoiding gluten, just be sure to check the milk alternative you use if you want to keep it dairy-free.

If you want to go vegan, I recommend using a plant-based butter substitute and a non-dairy milk to recreate the richness. Vegan cheddar shreds have improved so much they can really carry the flavor! You might also add fresh herbs like chives or rosemary to switch up the herbal notes.

For an extra kick, I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the biscuit dough to give a subtle spicy warmth. Baking the biscuits in mini muffin tins instead of dropping spoonfuls on a sheet is another fun twist that creates neat little biscuit bites perfect for parties.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I find it best to store the biscuits in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to two days this way. Placing a paper towel inside the container helps absorb excess moisture and keeps them from getting soggy.

Freezing

These biscuits freeze wonderfully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy one, you can thaw it at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat these biscuits is in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This helps restore their crisp exterior while warming the interior thoroughly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that tends to make them chewy or soggy. Brushing a little melted butter on top before reheating adds back a lovely touch of moisture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use shredded cheese other than cheddar?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for this recipe, I’ve had great results swapping in mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture, or pepper jack for a little spice. Just use a good-quality cheese that melts well.

How do I make sure the biscuits turn out flaky?

Keeping your butter cold and cutting it into small pea-sized pieces is key. Over-mixing the dough can make the biscuits dense, so mix until just combined. Also, avoid using warm milk — cold is better for the texture.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

You can mix the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature slightly before baking as the cold dough may need a couple extra minutes in the oven.

What can I use instead of Italian seasoning?

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme works perfectly. Or skip it entirely if you prefer a simpler garlic-parsley topping. The flavor still shines!

Are these biscuits suitable for freezing before baking?

They can be frozen before baking, but I recommend freezing the formed dough balls on a tray first, then transferring to a bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen—add an extra few minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe enough — it’s my absolute favorite way to bring a little restaurant magic into my home kitchen. The combination of cheesy, garlicky warmth with that tender texture is pure comfort, and the ease of making them means you can enjoy this treat anytime. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these biscuits as much as I do!