Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits with Garlic Butter Brush
Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits are warm, cheesy drop biscuits brushed with garlic butter, made from scratch in your own kitchen.
You just need flour, cheddar, and buttermilk, about 30 minutes total, and a baking sheet. Perfect next to soup or seafood night. Save it for later!
| Prep | Cook | Total | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 14 min | 29 min | 12 biscuits | Medium |
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fast and simple. These biscuits go from bowl to oven in under 15 minutes of prep.
- One bowl, one pan. No mixer, no rolling pin, no cookie cutter needed.
- Budget-friendly. Pantry staples and a block of cheddar are all it takes.
- Kid approved. The garlic butter brush wins over picky eaters every time.
- Great with anything. They work alongside soups, pasta, or a weeknight roast.
Cheddar Bay Biscuits Ingredients
- All-purpose flour gives the biscuits their structure; you can swap in a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed.
- Baking powder is what makes these drop biscuits puff up tall and tender, so check that it's fresh.
- Sharp cheddar cheese brings the signature tang and color; a Colby-jack blend works too if that's what's in your fridge.
- Buttermilk adds richness and a slight tang that balances the cheese; regular milk with a splash of lemon juice is a fine stand-in.
- Butter goes both into the dough and over the top for that glossy finish Red Lobster is known for.
- Garlic powder flavors the dough and the brush-on butter; fresh minced garlic works if you prefer a sharper bite.
- Dried parsley adds the fleck of green and a little herbal note on top.
- Old Bay or a dash of paprika can sneak into the butter for extra warmth, though it's optional.
Find exact amounts in the recipe card below.
Ways to Change It Up
- Add protein. Fold in cooked, crumbled beef bacon for a heartier biscuit.
- Spice it up. A pinch of cayenne or hot sauce in the dough adds a kick.
- Herb swap. Try chives or dill instead of parsley for a different flavor note.
- Lighter version. Use reduced-fat cheddar and light butter without losing much texture.
- Different appliance. These also bake well in a toaster oven on a smaller sheet pan if you're only making a half batch.
If you're planning a seafood-themed dinner, these biscuits pair naturally with almost any main, and they make a nice side next to the Copycat Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno (https://forecipes.com/copycat-olive-garden-five-cheese-ziti-al-forno-baked-to-bubbly-perfection/) for a cheesy spread.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Mix the dry ingredients. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and seasonings in a large bowl.
- Cut in the butter. Work cold, cubed butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add cheese and buttermilk. Stir in the shredded cheddar, then pour in buttermilk and mix just until a shaggy dough forms.
- Scoop and bake. Drop rounded spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 450°F until the tops turn golden, about 12 to 14 minutes.
- Brush with garlic butter. While the biscuits bake, melt butter with garlic powder and parsley, then brush it generously over the hot biscuits as soon as they come out of the oven.
Pro Tips from Our Kitchen
- Keep the butter cold. Cold butter creates little pockets of steam that make the biscuits tender instead of dense.
- Don't overmix. Stir just until the flour disappears; overworking the dough makes tough biscuits.
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking coating that keeps it from melting as smoothly.
- Brush while hot. The butter soaks in better and makes the tops glisten when the biscuits are fresh from the oven.
- Check the bottoms. They should be light golden brown, not pale, before pulling the pan.
What to Serve With It
These biscuits taste great with a bowl of chowder, a plate of pasta like the Copycat Panera Mac & Cheese (https://forecipes.com/copycat-panera-mac-cheese-creamy-stovetop-comfort/), or alongside a sandwich night featuring the Copycat Whataburger Patty Melt (https://forecipes.com/copycat-whataburger-patty-melt-recipe/). They also work as a side for grilled chicken or a simple salad.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm them in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes, or microwave individually for 20 seconds if you're in a hurry.
Cheddar Bay Biscuits FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them right before baking, or scoop the dough onto a tray and refrigerate for up to a day.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes; it mimics the tang and acidity of buttermilk.
Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?
No, a large bowl, a fork or pastry cutter, and a spoon are all you need to bring this dough together.
Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the biscuits release easily.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder until evenly combined.
- Cut in cold butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and work it in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the texture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Stir in cheese: Fold the shredded cheddar cheese into the flour mixture, making sure it's distributed throughout.
- Add buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir just until a soft, shaggy dough forms; avoid overmixing or the biscuits will turn out dense.
- Scoop the dough: Use a large spoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake until golden: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the bottoms have set and lightly browned.
- Make the garlic butter: While the biscuits bake, melt the butter and stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley.
- Brush and serve: As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm garlic butter and serve while still warm.
More Recipes You'll Love
- Try the Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings in One Pot (https://forecipes.com/copycat-cracker-barrel-chicken-and-dumplings-in-one-pot/) for a cozy main that pairs naturally with these biscuits.
- The Copycat Arby's Beef 'N Cheddar Sliders Recipe (https://forecipes.com/copycat-arbys-beef-n-cheddar-sliders-recipe/) shares that same cheddar flavor you'll love here.
- For dessert after dinner, the Copycat Cinnabon Rolls with Gooey Cream Cheese Frosting (https://forecipes.com/copycat-cinnabon-rolls-with-gooey-cream-cheese-frosting/) make a sweet finish.
- If you want another handheld favorite, check out the Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich Recipe (https://forecipes.com/copycat-chick-fil-a-chicken-sandwich-recipe/).
