If you’ve ever dined at Red Lobster, you’ve likely encountered the irresistible wonders that are Cheddar Bay Biscuits. These delectable treats have gained a cult following for their buttery, cheesy goodness and are a perfect accompaniment to any meal. They even have a mix available in stores so you can make your own at home; however, for those of us who feel a special pride in sometimes making things from scratch, let’s dive into the fascinating origins of Cheddar Bay Biscuits and learn how to make them with very simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
Origins of cheddar bay biscuits
Believe it or not, Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a creation of the popular seafood restaurant chain, Red Lobster. The biscuits made their debut on the restaurant’s menu in the early 1990s and quickly became a standout favorite among patrons. With their flaky texture, savory cheddar cheese, and hint of garlic, it’s no wonder they’ve become an iconic part of the Red Lobster experience.
Your grocery list
Baking/Pantry items
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- White sugar
- Kosher salt
- Garlic powder
Produce
- Fresh parsley
Dairy
- Unsalted butter
- Whole milk or buttermilk
- Cheddar cheese (block cheese that you shred yourself is always best, but pre-shredded cheese won’t alter the recipe much, if you just don’t have time for all of that)
Equipment you’ll need
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Mixing bowl(s)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
What is the difference between drop biscuits and cut biscuits?
Cut Biscuits:
- Cut biscuits are made by rolling out the biscuit dough and using a biscuit cutter to cut out individual rounds of dough. The dough is then placed on a baking sheet and baked until they rise and develop a flaky, layered texture.
Drop Biscuits:
- Drop biscuits, on the other hand, are made by dropping spoonfuls of the biscuit dough directly onto a baking sheet. This method eliminates the need for rolling and cutting the dough, making it a quicker and more convenient option.
- Drop biscuits tend to have a more rustic appearance and a slightly denser texture compared to traditional biscuits. They are often slightly irregular in shape and have a more tender crumb.
Step-by-step instructions for making cheddar bay biscuits
Now, let’s walk through the simple process of making these delightful biscuits:
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and garlic powder.
- Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, then add the milk and gently mix until a soft dough forms. It will be slightly wetter than a cut biscuit recipe where the dough is laminated, rolled out, and cut into biscuits before baking.
- Drop the dough by spoonfuls (I use an ice cream scoop) onto the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 12-14 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown. This recipe should make 8 or 9 nice-sized biscuits.
- While the biscuits are baking, mix the melted butter, parsley flakes, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Once the biscuits are done, brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops while they’re still warm.
Variations and serving suggestions
While the classic Cheddar Bay Biscuits are undeniably delicious on their own, there are a few fun variations and serving suggestions you might want to try:
- Add a kick of heat by incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper into the biscuit dough.
- For a savory twist, consider mixing in crispy, crumbled bacon or finely chopped green onions.
- Serve the biscuits alongside a warm bowl of soup or as a delightful complement to your favorite pasta dish.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as sharp white cheddar or jalapeño jack, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Use as a chicken or turkey pot pie topping instead of pie crust or puff pastry.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits or a newcomer to their irresistible charm, there’s no denying the appeal of these savory, cheesy treats. With this simple recipe and a few creative variations, you can bring the magic of these biscuits into your own kitchen and delight your family and friends with a taste of comfort and indulgence. So, go ahead, preheat that oven and get ready to savor the homemade goodness of Cheddar Bay Biscuits!
Cheddar Bay Drop Biscuits
Ingredients
For the biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup whole milk or buttermilk, very cold
For the garlic butter topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and garlic powder.
- Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, then add the milk and gently mix until a soft dough forms.
- Drop the dough by spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 12-14 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown.
- While the biscuits are baking, mix the melted butter, parsley flakes, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Once the biscuits are done, brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops while they're still warm.
