The Best “Copycat” Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Why Everyone Loves Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

When you go to Red Lobster, you already know that the star of the show is not the shrimp or the lobster tails, but is actually a basket of warm, buttery Cheddar Bay biscuits that arrive on the table first, before anything.

You already understand that when you are at Red Lobster, it is not the shrimp or the lobster tails that are starring on the stage it is that basket of warm, buttery Cheddar Bay Biscuits that first makes contact with the table. Still fresh, they are soft, golden, and brushed against the garlicky melted butter which makes them absolutely irresistible.

A single bite later, it will be understood how these biscuits have turned out to be a cult favorite. Something is special about the unity they are bringing together, they are nostalgic, comforting and addictive. It could be a family dinner, Sunday brunch or a weeknight supper, but Cheddar Bay Biscuits has that homemade magic that everybody loves. And the best part? There is no need to go out to eat them.

Using some staples that you have in your pantry and a mere 20 minutes, you will be able to replicate that same Red Lobster experience in your very own kitchen. These cookies are turning out ruler golden in the outside, soft in the inside and full of cheesy and garlicky flavor that melts in your mouth. Eat them when-so-you-see fresh out of the oven, and how soon they are gone!

Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: About 10 biscuits

Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 stick (½ cup) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.
3. Cut in the butter. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture looks crumbly.
4. Add the cheese and parsley. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley.
5. Pour in the buttermilk. Gently stir until a sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix.
6. Scoop and bake. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Make the garlic butter. While the biscuits bake, melt 1 stick of butter and stir in the garlic powder and fresh parsley.
8. Brush and serve. Once the biscuits come out of the oven, immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture. Serve warm.

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Pro Tip:

Use freshly shredded cheddar instead of pre-shredded — it melts smoother and gives your biscuits that signature gooey texture.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheddar Bay Biscuits Ever

If you want that real Red Lobster magic at home, it’s all about a few simple tricks. First, keep your ingredients cold — especially the butter. Cold butter melts as the biscuits bake, creating those fluffy, flaky layers everyone loves.

Next, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking powder, which keeps it from melting smoothly. Freshly shredded cheddar melts into little pockets of gooey goodness that make these biscuits irresistible.

When you’re mixing the dough, don’t overwork it. Stir just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make the biscuits tough instead of tender.

And finally, as soon as they come out of the oven, brush on that warm garlic butter. It soaks right into the tops, giving them that glossy, buttery finish and savory flavor that tastes just like the restaurant version.

Flavor Twists and Serving Ideas For Cheddar Bay Biscuits

These cheesy, buttery biscuits are already a crowd-pleaser, but a few easy tweaks can take them from delicious to unforgettable. Think of this section as your permission slip to get creative in the kitchen.

Add some heat:
If you love a little spice, sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika right into the dry ingredients. It adds warmth and a subtle kick that pairs perfectly with the cheddar and garlic.

Upgrade with mix-ins:
Crumble in some crispy bacon bits, or stir in a handful of chopped chives or green onions for an extra savory bite. You can even add a touch of shredded pepper jack cheese to give them a bold, zesty edge.

Serve them up right:
These biscuits are a perfect side for seafood dinners — think shrimp scampi, crab legs, or even a big bowl of clam chowder. They’re also amazing with hearty soups, chili, or your favorite Sunday brunch spread. Split one open and layer it with scrambled eggs and bacon for the ultimate breakfast sandwich moment.

Make them mini:
For holidays or parties, scoop smaller portions of dough to make bite-sized versions. They’re perfect for buffets, potlucks, or as a snack to serve with dips like whipped honey butter or garlic herb spread.

Try a sweet twist:
If you want something unexpected, skip the garlic butter and brush the tops with honey butter instead. The contrast between sweet, salty, and cheesy is next-level good.