Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe

Homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe: Fluffy Buttery Bliss

Crispy, golden biscuits with zesty cheddar bay flavors promise an irresistible culinary adventure.

Sea salt and sharp cheese create magic in every bite.

Homemade comfort calls with these tender, flaky delights that melt perfectly in your mouth.

Restaurant-style magic emerges from simple ingredients waiting in your kitchen.

Buttery layers packed with cheesy goodness demand immediate attention from bread lovers.

Warm, fragrant biscuits beckon you to break bread and savor each incredible morsel.

Whip up these incredible bites and watch people gather around with pure anticipation.

Reasons to Try Cheddar Bay Biscuits

  • Boost Kitchen Confidence: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these biscuits turn even novice cooks into culinary stars with straightforward steps and minimal techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with sharp cheddar and aromatic garlic, these biscuits guarantee smiles and second helpings at family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
  • Quick Gourmet Touch: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, transforming ordinary meals into restaurant-worthy experiences without complicated preparations.
  • Versatile Side Delight: Complements a wide range of main dishes from hearty soups and stews to grilled meats, making them a go-to recipe for multiple meal scenarios.

Ingredients for Cheddar Bay Biscuits

For the Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: The base of the biscuits that provides structure and texture.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create a lighter, more tender biscuit crumb.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the biscuits rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt, Garlic Powder: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
For the Dairy and Fat:
  • Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers in the biscuits through its solid state when mixed.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and creates pockets of cheesy goodness.
  • Buttermilk: Provides tenderness and a slight tanginess to the biscuit texture.
For the Finishing Touches:
  • Melted Butter, Garlic Powder, Parsley: Creates a flavorful, aromatic topping that adds richness and visual appeal to the baked biscuits.

Instructions to Bake Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Instructions to Bake Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Position the oven rack in the middle and heat to 425°F (220°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder

Make sure everything is well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Transform Butter into Crumbs

Toss in cold butter and use a pastry cutter or two knives to break it down.

You want the mixture to look like coarse sand with tiny butter pebbles scattered throughout.

Step 4: Bring the Dough to Life

Fold in:
  • Sharp cheddar cheese
  • Buttermilk

Stir gently until a shaggy, slightly sticky dough forms.

If the mixture seems too dry, splash in a bit more buttermilk. Remember, gentle mixing is key – don’t overwork the dough.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop out 8 generous mounds onto the prepared baking sheet. Each should be about 2½ inches wide.

Slide the tray into the hot oven and bake for 17-20 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Add the Magical Finishing Touch

Whip up a quick garlic butter by combining:
  • Melted butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Fresh parsley

Brush the warm biscuits generously with this flavor-packed mixture.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Cheddar Bay Biscuits Success

  • Use exact measurements for flour and buttermilk to ensure perfect biscuit texture and prevent dry or soggy results.
  • Keep butter cold and cut into small pieces for flakier, more tender biscuits with better rise and layering.
  • Stir ingredients just until combined to avoid tough biscuits; overmixing develops gluten and creates dense texture.
  • Gently fold cheddar cheese throughout dough to ensure even cheese pockets in every bite without deflating the mixture.
  • Apply garlic butter right after baking to help herbs and seasonings adhere and enhance overall flavor profile.

Different Takes on Cheddar Bay Biscuits

  • Herbed Cheddar Biscuits: Replace garlic powder with fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and chives for a garden-fresh flavor profile.
  • Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits: Fold in diced jalapeños and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that complements the sharp cheese.
  • Bacon Cheddar Biscuits: Crumble crispy bacon and mix into the dough, adding smoky depth and extra savory notes to the classic recipe.
  • Ranch Cheddar Biscuits: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix into the dry ingredients for a tangy, herbaceous flavor that enhances the cheese's richness.

Pairing Suggestions for Cheddar Bay Biscuits

  • Savor Seafood Companions: Pair these cheesy biscuits with succulent crab cakes or grilled shrimp for a coastal-inspired feast that highlights the buttery, garlicky flavors.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cheddar and provide a refreshing contrast to the biscuits' bold taste.
  • Create a Hearty Soup Combo: Serve alongside creamy clam chowder or tomato bisque, where the biscuits can be dipped or crumbled to add texture and absorb the soup's delicious broth.

Storing Cheddar Bay Biscuits for Freshness

Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and soft.

Wrap individual biscuits tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve texture and flavor.

Warm refrigerated biscuits at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, restoring their crispy exterior and warm center.

Heat refrigerated biscuits for 15-20 seconds, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness and maintain moisture.

FAQs

  • Why use cornstarch in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a lighter, more tender texture by breaking down the protein in flour, resulting in softer and fluffier biscuits.

  • How do I know when the butter is properly cut into the flour?

The mixture should look like coarse sand with small pea-sized butter clumps, which helps create flaky layers in the biscuits.

  • Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk provides tanginess and helps activate the baking soda, but you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

  • What's the key to preventing tough biscuits?

Avoid overmixing the dough and handle it gently. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the biscuits tender and light.

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Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe

Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits shine with cheesy, buttery goodness that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Warm, flaky biscuits loaded with sharp cheddar and herbs will make you crave seconds at your next gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) thickly shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) (1 stick) cold unsalted butter

Dry Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Garlic Butter Topping:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C), positioning the rack in the middle. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
  3. Incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter, breaking it down until the texture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs with small butter fragments.
  4. Gently fold shredded cheddar cheese and buttermilk into the mixture, creating a slightly sticky dough. Adjust consistency with additional buttermilk if needed, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Using a scoop, place 8 rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring consistent size and spacing.
  6. Bake for 17-20 minutes until the biscuits develop a light golden exterior and appear slightly crisp around the edges.
  7. While baking, prepare the finishing glaze by combining melted butter with garlic powder and fresh parsley.
  8. Remove biscuits from the oven and immediately brush with the aromatic garlic butter mixture, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor.
  9. Serve warm for optimal taste and texture, enjoying the crisp exterior and soft, cheesy interior.

Notes

  • Keep butter ice-cold and cut into small cubes to ensure flaky, tender biscuits with perfect texture.
  • Experiment with different sharp or mild cheddar varieties to customize flavor intensity and richness.
  • Handle dough minimally to prevent tough biscuits, stopping when ingredients just combine for maximum tenderness.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for similar texture and structure.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 182 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 28 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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