Description: These Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delightful copycat recipe that brings the iconic taste of Red Lobster’s famous biscuits right to your kitchen. Fluffy, cheesy, and infused with garlic and buttery goodness, these biscuits are incredibly easy to make and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect as a side to any meal or as a savory snack, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors and the satisfying aroma that fills your home as you bake these delectable treats. Get ready to experience a burst of cheesy, garlicky perfection in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, 1 ½ sticks, divided
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces shredded mild cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
Preparation:
Before you embark on this culinary adventure, ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready. Having everything prepped will streamline the process and allow you to focus on creating the perfect batch of Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to prepare these mouthwatering biscuits:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving the desired fluffy texture and golden-brown crust of the biscuits. While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the biscuits from sticking to the sheet and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Melt the First Portion of Butter
Take one stick (½ cup) of unsalted butter and place it in a small, microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave the butter for about 30 seconds, or until it is completely melted. Be careful not to overheat the butter, as this can alter its flavor and texture. Once melted, set the bowl aside. This melted butter will be added to the dry ingredients to create the rich, tender base of the biscuits.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine these dry ingredients. Whisking ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is essential for the biscuits to rise properly. The garlic powder adds that signature savory flavor that makes these biscuits so irresistible.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the melted butter from Step 2 and 1 cup of whole milk to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently whisk the wet and dry ingredients together just until the flour is all wet. It is crucial not to overmix the batter at this stage. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense biscuits. The batter should be slightly lumpy, which is perfectly fine.
Step 5: Incorporate the Cheese
Add 8 ounces of shredded mild cheddar cheese to the batter. Use a spoon to gently fold the cheese into the mixture until it is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix at this point, as you want to maintain the light and airy texture of the batter. The cheddar cheese will melt during baking, creating pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the biscuits.
Step 6: Form and Bake the Biscuits
Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each biscuit to allow for even baking. The size of the spoonfuls will determine the size of your biscuits, so aim for consistent portions. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 7: Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping
While the biscuits are baking, melt the remaining ½ stick (¼ cup) of unsalted butter in a small mixing bowl. Microwave for about 30 seconds, or until the butter is completely melted. Add ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of dried parsley to the melted butter. Stir well with a pastry brush to combine. This garlic butter topping is what gives the biscuits their signature flavor and aroma.
Step 8: Brush and Serve
Once the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the oven. Immediately brush the tops of the hot biscuits with the melted garlic butter mixture. The heat from the biscuits will help the butter melt into every nook and cranny, infusing them with that irresistible garlic flavor. Serve the biscuits warm and enjoy their delightful cheesy, garlicky taste.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Authentic Taste: This copycat recipe perfectly replicates the iconic taste of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits, allowing you to enjoy that familiar flavor in the comfort of your own home.
- Easy to Make: With simple instructions and readily available ingredients, this recipe is easy enough for even beginner bakers to follow.
- Quick Preparation: From start to finish, these biscuits can be ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick side dish or snack.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These biscuits are always a hit with family and friends, making them ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress.
- Versatile: Serve them as a side to soups, salads, pasta dishes, or enjoy them on their own as a savory treat.
Serving Suggestions:
- As a Side Dish: Serve these biscuits alongside your favorite soups, stews, salads, or main courses. They pair exceptionally well with seafood dishes, such as shrimp scampi or baked salmon.
- As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a warm, savory snack. They are perfect for satisfying those midday cravings.
- With Breakfast: Serve them with scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty and delicious breakfast.
- Dipped in Soup: Dip them in creamy tomato soup or potato soup for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- As a Bread Basket Addition: Include them in your bread basket for dinner parties or holiday meals to add a special touch.
Tips:
- Don’t Overmix: Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure the biscuits remain light and fluffy.
- Use Cold Butter: Using cold butter in the dry ingredients can help create a flakier biscuit.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh baking powder for the best rise and texture.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack, to customize the flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adjust the amount of garlic powder to suit your taste preferences.
- Storage: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked biscuits for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw completely before reheating.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per Biscuit, approximate)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 8-10 grams
- Sodium: 300-400 mg
Conclusion:
These Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delightful treat that brings the flavors of Red Lobster right to your home. With their cheesy, garlicky goodness and fluffy texture, they are sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Whether you serve them as a side dish, a snack, or a special addition to your bread basket, these biscuits are guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting batch of homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Happy baking!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour and baking powder?
- No, it is not recommended to use self-rising flour in this recipe. Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, so using it would alter the balance of ingredients and could result in biscuits that are too salty or rise too much. Stick with all-purpose flour and baking powder for the best results.
- Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind that the baking powder will lose some of its potency over time, so the biscuits may not rise as much as if you bake them immediately. Alternatively, you can bake the biscuits ahead of time and reheat them before serving.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Absolutely! While mild cheddar cheese is the classic choice for Cheddar Bay Biscuits, you can experiment with other types of cheese to customize the flavor. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would work well. Just make sure the cheese is shredded for easy incorporation into the batter.
- How do I keep the biscuits from drying out?
- To prevent the biscuits from drying out, make sure not to overbake them. Bake them until they are golden brown on top, but still soft in the center. Additionally, brushing the tops of the biscuits with the melted garlic butter mixture immediately after baking will help keep them moist and flavorful. Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
- Can I add other herbs or spices to the garlic butter topping?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the garlic butter topping. In addition to dried parsley, you could add a pinch of dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary for a more complex flavor. A dash of red pepper flakes would also add a little heat. Just be sure to use dried herbs and spices, as fresh ones may not blend as well with the melted butter.
