Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Oh, the smell of buttery, garlicky biscuits fresh out of the oven—there’s nothing quite like it. If you’ve ever visited Red Lobster, you know exactly what I mean: soft, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits that are downright addictive. Now, imagine making those at home, whenever you want, with that same golden crust, soft interior, and that irresistible garlicky-cheesy topping.
These Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits are exactly that—your favorite restaurant treat, baked fresh in your own kitchen. They’re perfect for pairing with seafood dinners, soups, or even just enjoying as a snack straight from the oven. The combination of cheddar, butter, and a hint of garlic and herbs makes them a flavor bomb in every bite. Trust me, you’re going to want a second… or third.
Recipe Origin
Red Lobster popularized these cheddar bay biscuits decades ago, and they’ve become a beloved classic. Inspired by Southern-style biscuits but taken to the next level with cheddar, garlic, and herbs, they’re both comforting and indulgent. Making them at home lets you enjoy this iconic flavor anytime, without a restaurant visit.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (one for dry, one for wet ingredients)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry cutter or fork (for cutting butter into flour)
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat
- Small bowl for garlic butter

Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy cheddar biscuits inspired by Red Lobster, topped with garlic butter and herbs for a savory, irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk, more if needed
- 1/3 cup cold butter
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut cold butter into small pieces and blend into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add milk gradually and mix until a soft dough forms. Add more milk if the dough is too dry.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While biscuits bake, combine melted butter, dried parsley, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (if using) in a small bowl.
- Remove biscuits from the oven and brush generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve a flaky, tender texture.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with your favorite cheese for variation.
- Optional Italian seasoning adds extra flavor but can be omitted for a classic taste.
- Serve immediately for the best softness and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Red Lobster biscuits copycat, cheddar bay biscuits, homemade garlic biscuits, cheesy biscuits recipe, soft biscuits
Why You’ll Love Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Soft and Fluffy
Light, airy interiors that practically melt in your mouth.
Cheesy and Flavorful
Shredded cheddar baked right into the dough, plus garlicky butter on top—what’s not to love?
Easy to Make
Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and you don’t need fancy equipment.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Dinner party? Family meal? Snack? These biscuits shine in any setting.
Crowd-Pleasing
Everyone will ask for the recipe—they’re impossible to resist.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients to create flaky layers.
- Don’t overmix the dough; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the biscuits dense.
- Brush the garlic butter generously right after baking for that signature flavor.
- Serve warm straight from the oven for maximum gooey, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients in Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
All-Purpose Flour
Forms the base of the biscuit, giving structure and tenderness.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
Leavening agents that help the biscuits rise beautifully.
Granulated Sugar
Adds just a hint of sweetness to balance the cheddar and garlic.
Garlic Powder
Infuses the dough with subtle garlic flavor.
Salt
Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
Milk
Adds moisture and richness, helping create soft, tender biscuits.
Cold Butter
Cut into the dough for flaky layers and buttery flavor.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melts into pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite.
Melted Butter (for topping)
Brushed on warm biscuits for extra richness.
Dried Parsley and Italian Seasoning
Adds color and a hint of herbal flavor.
Garlic Powder (for topping)
Enhances the garlicky goodness of the biscuits.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cut in Butter
Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Cheese and Milk
Stir in shredded cheddar, then pour in milk gradually. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Add a little extra milk if needed.
Shape the Biscuits
Scoop or drop dough onto prepared baking sheet in roughly 12 evenly sized portions. Lightly pat tops if needed.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Make Garlic Butter
While biscuits bake, combine melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
Brush Biscuits
Immediately brush garlic butter over warm biscuits for that signature flavor and shine.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm, ideally straight from the oven, and enjoy cheesy, buttery, garlicky goodness with every bite.

How to Serve Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- With Soups and Stews: Perfect for soaking up rich, savory broths.
- With Seafood Dinners: Classic pairing with shrimp, lobster, or crab dishes.
- As a Snack: Just grab one warm from the oven—they’re that good.
- Brunch or Breakfast: Serve alongside eggs or omelets for a cheesy morning treat.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep Ahead: Dough can be made and refrigerated for a few hours before baking.
- Storage: Store baked biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven for 5–7 minutes to restore freshness.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Cheddar Biscuits: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the dough.
- Herbed Biscuits: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Extra Cheesy: Add a little Parmesan along with cheddar for more flavor.
- Mini Biscuits: Make smaller portions for appetizers or party snacks.
Additional Tips
- Use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
- Don’t skip the garlic butter—it’s what makes these biscuits iconic.
- Work quickly when handling the dough; cold butter is key for flakiness.
- Sprinkle extra parsley on top for a beautiful finish.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A1: Yes, reduce additional salt slightly to compensate.
Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
A2: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and adjust liquid as needed.
Q3: Can I freeze the biscuits?
A3: Yes! Freeze baked or unbaked biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Q4: Can I make these vegan?
A4: Use a plant-based butter and dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives.
Q5: Can I add more cheese?
A5: Absolutely—just fold it into the dough carefully to avoid overmixing.
Q6: How do I get them extra fluffy?
A6: Handle the dough gently and don’t overmix.
Q7: Can I make mini biscuits for parties?
A7: Yes, just reduce baking time slightly and keep an eye on golden color.
Q8: Can I skip the Italian seasoning?
A8: Yes, it’s optional but adds a subtle herbal note.
Q9: What’s the best cheddar to use?
A9: Sharp cheddar gives the most flavorful, classic taste.
Q10: Can I make these dairy-free?
A10: Yes, substitute plant-based milk, butter, and cheese.
Conclusion
These Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits are soft, cheesy, garlicky, and irresistible—perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can recreate the magic of the restaurant favorite at home. Serve them warm with garlic butter, pair with your favorite meals, or enjoy them on their own—these biscuits are sure to become a family favorite.
So preheat your oven, mix up this buttery, cheesy dough, and get ready for biscuits that are golden, soft, and utterly delicious. Your taste buds will thank you.