Easy Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Who doesnโt love the warm, buttery goodness of cheddar bay biscuits? Good news: you donโt need to be a seasoned baker to make this copycat recipe at home!
We had quite a scare recently when Red Lobster was struggling a little bit. I wasnโt so concerned about the seafood (I can make my own Shrimp Scampi and Lobster Bisque!)โbut what about the cheddar bay biscuits?! Where will I get my fix?! Luckily, the restaurant was saved, but just in case things go sideways again, Iโve got this copycat cheddar bay biscuit recipe under my belt now.
With their cheesy, garlicky goodness and flaky, tender texture, these cheddar bay biscuits have everything you love about the restaurant version. And when you can make them at home, you donโt have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy themโyou can whip these up anytime!
These biscuits are ridiculously easy to prepare, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now. Plus, thereโs just something special about enjoying freshly baked biscuits straight out of the ovenโespecially when theyโre brushed with garlic herb butter. I donโt need any main dishes or sides, just give me a plate of biscuits and Iโll be happy!
Ingredients for Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Hereโs a quick rundown of what youโll need for this recipe. For the full measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.
- All-Purpose Flour โ Or swap in Bisquick and omit the baking powder and baking soda.
- Baking Powder โ Helps the dough rise and creates a fluffy texture.
- Baking Soda โ Works with the buttermilk for leavening.
- Granulated Sugar โ Adds a subtle sweetness to balance flavors.
- Seasonings โ Kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. (The cayenne is optional!)
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese โ Use a good one! And shred it yourself for the best flavor and texture.
- Cold Buttermilk โ Keeps the dough tender and moist. The acid in the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to give your biscuits a light, airy texture.
- Unsalted Butter โ Melt this, then let it cool.
For the Topping:
- Melted Butter โ You can use salted or unsalted.
- Garlic Powder โ Gives the buttery topping a savory flavor.
- Dry Parsley โ For some color and an herbal note.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full printable instructions.
- Prepare. Preheat your oven to 450ยฐF and grease a baking sheet.
- Mix the dry ingredients. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
- Mix the wet ingredients. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk and melted butter until the butter solidifies.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the biscuits. Use a greased ยผ-cup measuring cup to scoop the dough and drop it onto the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each biscuit.
- Bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Finish. Mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl. Brush onto the hot biscuits and serve.
Tips for Making Homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your homemade cheddar bay biscuits turn out perfect every time.
- Make your own buttermilk if you need to. Hereโs how: How to Make Buttermilk
- Do not overwork the dough. Overmixing can result in dense biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the dough.
- Serve the biscuits warm. Cheddar bay biscuits are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while theyโre still warm.
Variations
You donโt want to mess around with the recipe too much or it wonโt turn out, but here are some ideas to help you put your own spin on it.
- Fold in bacon. Add crispy, crumbled bacon to the dough for a smoky, savory twist.
- Add herbs. Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to give the biscuits an herbaceous flavor.
- Make them gluten-free. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cheddar bay biscuits gluten-free.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover cheddar bay biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the biscuits individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat these biscuits in the microwave or in a 350ยบF oven until theyโre warmed through.
What to Serve With Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Creamy New England Clam Chowder
- Lobster Risotto
- Pumpkin Soup
- Cowboy Stew
- Creole Shrimp
- Best Hamburger Soup Recipe
More Biscuit and Roll Recipes
- Easy Buttermilk Biscuits
- Easy Brioche Rolls
- Parker House Rolls
- Easy Butter Swim Biscuits
- 2 Ingredient Cream Biscuits
- Easy Homemade Hawaiian Rolls
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Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, If using bisquick, use 2 cups and no baking soda/baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ยฝ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ยพ teaspoon kosher salt
- ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
- ยฝ teaspoon onion powder
- ยผ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, use a 4 oz block
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
- ยฝ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled to room temperature
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
- ยผ teaspoon dry parsley
Equipment
- spatula
- measuring cup
- baking sheet
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450ห F.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Stir in the cheddar cheese and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and melted butter together until bits of the butter solidify in the buttermilk.
- Add the buttermilk to the large bowl with the flour and fold together until a dough has formed and the ingredients are no longer dry. Do not overmix.
- Lightly grease a ยผ cup measuring cup and scoop out the dough with it. Place 1/4 cup scoops of dough large baking sheet coated with cooking spray or a light coating of butter, leaving about 2 inches between each biscuit. You will have about 10 biscuits total.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- While the biscuits are baking, in a small bowl combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush the tops of the biscuits with a silicone brush or pastry brush as soon as they come out of the oven and serve immediately.