Name: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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I’ve always been a huge fan of Red Lobster’s famous biscuits, and after countless tastings and tweaks, I finally perfected my own version of the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe that captures every bit of that buttery, garlicky, cheesy magic. These biscuits come out incredibly tender on the inside, with a golden crust and a perfect sprinkle of fresh parsley that makes them so irresistible. Trust me, once you make these for your friends or family, they’ll be asking for the recipe again and again.

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

What really excites me about this recipe is its bold yet balanced flavor profile. The sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the biscuit dough, offering just the right amount of gooey richness, while the garlic powder and fresh parsley add that savory punch I'd expect from the iconic Red Lobster biscuits. I also love the subtle hint of cayenne pepper that brings a gentle warmth without overpowering the rest of the ingredients. Every bite feels like a buttery, cheesy hug!

The magic doesn’t stop at flavor — these biscuits are delightfully simple to whip up. I love how the prep time is short, and the steps straightforward, making them suitable for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. They bake quickly, and the melted butter topping brushed right after baking elevates these biscuits to a new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just want a comforting side to your favorite meals, these biscuits always steal the show and make every occasion feel extra special.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a wooden cutting board placed on a white marbled surface. On the board, there is a metal grater with bright yellow shredded cheese and slices of the same cheese stacked neatly. Near the bottom left, two unsalted butter sticks wrapped in light brown paper are placed partly on the board. On the white marbled surface beside the board, there are small glass bowls containing white powder, light brown granules, and granulated sugar. A silver spoon holds a reddish-brown spice at the top. Fresh green parsley is laid at the bottom right. At the bottom edge of the image, there's a clear measuring cup filled with a white liquid and a clear bowl filled with white flour. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that work together perfectly to create those soft, fluffy biscuits with golden, flavorful crusts. Each component has a purpose — from the sharp cheddar cheese bringing richness to the garlic powder adding that signature taste, and the buttermilk helping the dough stay tender and moist. Here’s what you’ll gather before diving in:

Quick Tip

All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and fluffy base for the biscuits.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise and get that lovely light texture.
Garlic powder: Essential for the signature garlicky flavor that's hard to resist.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a subtle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Buttermilk: Keeps the biscuits tender and moist, with a slight tang.
Unsalted butter: Melted into the dough and brushed on top for richness and that golden color.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into pockets of cheesy goodness inside every biscuit.
Fresh parsley: Gives a fresh, bright touch and beautiful color on top.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper if you're using it. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the biscuits.

Step 3: In a separate bowl or large glass measuring cup, combine the buttermilk and half a cup of melted unsalted butter. Pour this liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and gently stir with a rubber spatula just until everything is moistened. Be careful not to overmix — you want tender biscuits!

Step 4: Gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it's well distributed. This step is when the biscuits start to promise their signature cheesy pockets.

Step 5: Lightly flour your work surface, then turn out the dough. Knead it 3 to 4 times until it just comes together — no need to overdo it. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1 ¼ inch thick. Using a 2 ½-inch biscuit or cookie cutter, cut out 10 to 12 rounds and place them on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake the biscuits for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point!

Step 7: While the biscuits bake, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter with chopped fresh parsley and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush this flavorful butter mixture generously over their tops to give them that irresistible glossy finish.

Step 8: Serve these biscuits immediately while warm and buttery. Trust me, they’re just as good fresh out of the oven as they are alongside your favorite meal.

Servings and Timing

This Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe yields about 10 serving-size biscuits, perfect for sharing with a family or a small gathering. The prep time is approximately 10 minutes — very manageable even on busy days — and the baking time is quick, around 10 to 12 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish, including mixing, cutting, and prepping the topping. There’s no additional resting time needed, which makes this recipe even easier to enjoy immediately after baking.

How to Serve This Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe

The image shows twelve golden brown biscuits on a baking tray with a slightly rough texture. Each biscuit is round with two visible layers, the top layer having a crispy, browned surface, sprinkled with small green herb pieces that add a fresh pop of color. The biscuits have a light, flaky texture visible on the sides. One biscuit in the foreground is being brushed with a shiny glaze, and the brush has a wooden handle and white bristles with bits of green herbs on it. The surface underneath the tray is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these biscuits, I love pairing them with seafood dishes like shrimp scampi or a classic lobster bisque to keep the coastal theme going. Of course, they’re a fantastic accompaniment to a juicy steak or roasted chicken — their buttery, cheesy flavor complements almost any savory main course beautifully. For a casual lunch, I’ve even enjoyed them alongside a fresh garden salad for a satisfying meal without feeling too heavy.

Presentation-wise, I like to arrange the biscuits in a warm bread basket lined with a clean kitchen towel to keep them cozy. A light dusting of extra chopped parsley on top right before serving brightens their look and flavor. If you want to get fancy for entertaining, serve them on a charming wooden board alongside small bowls of flavored butters or dipping sauces.

And let’s talk drinks — these biscuits pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling rosé, which balance the richness with fresh acidity. For a non-alcoholic option, a citrusy iced tea or a sparkling lemonade really complements their savory notes. These biscuits are great served hot or warm, and I always recommend enjoying them right away to savor the perfect texture and melted cheddar pockets. They’re absolutely crowd-pleasers for holidays, weekend dinners, or fun parties with friends.

Variations

If you want to switch things up from the classic Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe, I encourage experimenting with different types of cheeses. Monterey Jack or smoked gouda add interesting flavors, while a blend of sharp and mild cheddar can create a mellower but still rich biscuit. Using fresh herbs like chives or thyme instead of parsley also adds a lovely twist to the buttery topping.

For anyone needing dietary modifications, I’ve had success using gluten-free all-purpose flour blends to make these biscuits gluten-free — just keep in mind the texture might be a bit different but still delicious. Vegan versions can be tricky because of the cheese and butter, but swapping in plant-based butter and a good dairy-free cheese alternative can work with a few tweaks. I usually recommend testing a small batch first to get the balance right.

Another fun variation I enjoy is adding a bit of cooked, crumbled bacon to the dough for an irresistible smoky flavor. Some friends have also baked these biscuits in a muffin tin for unique shapes and quicker baking times, but I personally love the classic round shape made with a biscuit cutter.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying some of these biscuits fresh, I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them within a day or two. If my kitchen is warm, I opt for refrigeration to keep them from becoming too soft. Properly stored, these biscuits maintain their texture for up to 3 days, but they’re definitely at their best the sooner you enjoy them.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully, which is great when you want to make a double batch or save some for a later treat. I recommend freezing uncooked biscuit rounds arranged on a baking sheet, covered lightly with plastic wrap, until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen but add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I find the oven method works best for preserving that freshly baked texture. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the biscuits on a baking sheet, warming them for about 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and the edges are crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make them chewy or soggy. For an extra touch, brush with a little melted butter after reheating to restore that buttery shine and flavor.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using. This helps keep the biscuits tender and gives a slight tang similar to real buttermilk.

What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter — can I use something else?

Absolutely! A round cookie cutter, the rim of a drinking glass, or even a sharp knife to cut squares will work just fine. The shape won’t affect the texture or flavor, just how they look on the plate.

How can I make these biscuits spicier?

To amp up the heat, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the dry ingredients. You could also mix in some finely diced jalapeños for a fresh, spicy kick.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the dough and refrigerate it wrapped tightly for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling and cutting out your biscuits to make shaping easier.

Are these biscuits suitable for freezing after baking?

Yes, you can freeze fully baked biscuits by letting them cool completely, then wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They thaw well at room temperature or can be reheated directly from frozen in a warm oven.

Conclusion

I’m so thrilled to share this Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe with you because it truly feels like a little treasure I crafted just for biscuit lovers everywhere. It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly comforting — a recipe that brings warmth and smiles to any table. Give it a try and watch your family and friends fall in love with these cheesy, garlicky delights just like I did.

Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe

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