If you’ve ever dined at Red Lobster, you’re undoubtedly familiar with their famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits. These delectable treats are so beloved that they’ve inspired a flurry of copycat recipes and fan pages. The light, fluffy texture combined with a savory, cheesy flavor makes these biscuits irresistible. But did you know that you can recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen? Here’s a foolproof recipe that brings the magic of Cheddar Bay Biscuits right to your home.
Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. The combination of these ingredients helps give the biscuits their light and airy texture while adding depth of flavor.
Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want the butter pieces to be about the size of peas. This step is crucial for creating flaky layers in your biscuits.
Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
Incorporate Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly lumpy. Overmixing can lead to dense biscuits, so fold the ingredients together gently.
Form Biscuits: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. For uniformity, you can use a cookie scoop or a spoon to portion out the dough. Space the biscuits about 1 inch apart to allow for even baking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
Prepare Garlic Butter Topping:
While the biscuits are baking, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt in a small bowl. This will create a flavorful glaze that’s brushed on top of the biscuits after baking.
Brush and Serve:
As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. The warmth of the biscuits will help the butter soak in, creating a deliciously savory finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Biscuits
Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is key to achieving the flaky texture of these biscuits. It should be incorporated into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in dense biscuits. Mix until just combined to ensure a light, fluffy texture.
Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, don’t be afraid to add a bit more cheddar to the dough. Just be mindful of the balance so the biscuits don’t become too greasy.
Variations
Herb Biscuits: Add chopped fresh herbs like chives or thyme to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give your biscuits a bit of heat.
Conclusion
With this Cheddar Bay Biscuit recipe, you can bring a taste of Red Lobster’s iconic bread to your dining table anytime you wish. The blend of sharp cheddar, savory garlic butter, and fluffy texture makes these biscuits a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any meal or just as a delightful snack. Try this recipe at home and savor the satisfaction of homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits that rival your favorite restaurant’s version. Happy baking!
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