If you have ever craved those unforgettable, soft, and flavorful bakery-style creations that melt in your mouth, you’re going to adore this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. These biscuits bring together a brilliant combination of sharp cheddar cheese, a hint of garlic, and a tender, buttery crumb that feels warm and comforting with every bite. Whether you’re new to biscuit baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence, delivering the kind of homemade biscuit that keeps everyone asking for more. Get ready to fill your kitchen with a tantalizing aroma and a batch of irresistible biscuits sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe plays a vital role, from the fluffy texture to the rich cheesy flavor and that just-right garlicky finish. These pantry staples come together easily but make all the difference in creating those memorable bites you’ll savor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these biscuits their soft yet structured crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise fluffy and light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a subtle lift alongside the baking powder for perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle savory note deep into the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the cheese’s punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to round out the flavors.
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: Creates those flaky layers that kids and adults love.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star flavor that offers bold sharpness and melty goodness.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more if needed): Keeps the dough tender and adds a hint of tanginess.
- For the Garlic Butter Topping: 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1/2 teaspoon dried) brighten up the finished biscuits.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, salt, and sugar. This dry mix ensures that every biscuit will have evenly distributed leavening agents and that signature garlicky savory flavor.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Next, evenly cut the cold unsalted butter into the dry ingredients using either a pastry cutter or clean fingers. Your goal is to achieve a crumbly mixture with pea-sized bits of butter still visible. These little butter pockets are what will create flakiness and tenderness when baked, so be gentle and don’t overwork the dough.
Step 3: Add the Cheddar Cheese
Fold the shredded sharp cheddar cheese gently into the crumb mixture. The cheese adds both flavor and moisture, mingling beautifully with the butter pockets to give those golden spots of cheesy deliciousness in each biscuit.
Step 4: Incorporate the Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and stir the dough just until it comes together; it will be slightly sticky. If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, splash in a bit more buttermilk until it reaches the perfect consistency. Avoid overmixing here to keep the biscuits light and fluffy.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop generous mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for rising. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the tops are irresistibly golden brown and the edges are lightly crisp.
Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter Topping
While the biscuits are baking, mix melted butter with garlic powder and chopped fresh parsley. As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, generously brush them with this fragrant garlic butter. This step seals in moisture and adds a glossy, herb-filled finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
The garlic butter topping is a must, but you can add a sprinkle of extra shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of warm biscuits for a gooey extra layer. A light dusting of fresh parsley or chives brings a burst of color and freshness that makes each serving feel special.
Side Dishes
Cheddar Bay Biscuits shine next to hearty bowls of soup or chowder, especially creamy tomato or seafood chowders. They also pair perfectly alongside fresh green salads, barbecued meats, or any seafood supper where you want a buttery, cheesy complement.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these biscuits in a basket lined with a cozy napkin to make guests feel right at home. For a fun twist, slice them horizontally and fill with savory ham and cheese for a quick biscuit sandwich. Or serve alongside a steaming bowl of chili with a dollop of sour cream for a comforting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheddar Bay Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best texture, enjoy them fresh, but the next day will still provide deliciousness when slightly warmed.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked biscuit dough by scooping mounds onto a lined baking sheet, freezing solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time. Baked biscuits also freeze well when wrapped tightly, making them perfect for future cravings.
Reheating
Reheat biscuits in a low oven at 300°F to gently warm through without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the texture rubbery. A brief 5-7 minute toast in a toaster oven also revitalizes biscuits beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While buttermilk adds a lovely tang and tenderizes the dough, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic its acidity. This helps activate the baking soda and keeps your biscuits fluffy.
How can I make these biscuits extra cheesy?
For more cheese punch, fold in additional shredded cheddar or sprinkle grated Parmesan into the dough. You can even add cheese on top before baking for a crispy golden cheesy crust.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
It’s not necessary to chill the dough for this recipe, which makes it incredibly quick to prepare. Baking right after mixing ensures the biscuits stay light and buttery.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend, but be aware that texture and rise may vary a bit. Adding a bit more baking powder can help maintain fluffiness.
What’s the best way to store leftover biscuits without them going stale?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or wrapped tightly in foil. Adding a slice of bread in the container helps keep moisture in and maintains softness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a biscuit recipe that feels both classic and indulgent, this Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe will quickly become your go-to. They’re delightfully cheesy, garlicky, and warm, perfect for sharing with friends or family any time of year. Don’t hesitate — give this recipe a try and watch these irresistibly fluffy biscuits disappear faster than you can say “Pass the butter!”
Print
Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a deliciously cheesy and garlicky copycat of the famous Red Lobster biscuits. Soft and fluffy on the inside with a golden crust, these homemade biscuits are perfect as a side dish for seafood, soups, or salads. The addition of a buttery garlic topping elevates their flavor, making them irresistible and ideal for serving fresh and warm.
Ingredients
Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more if needed)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut or rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
- Add Cheese: Gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, distributing it evenly throughout the flour and butter mixture.
- Combine with Buttermilk: Pour the buttermilk into the bowl and stir just until the dough comes together. The dough should be slightly sticky. If it feels too dry, add a small splash more buttermilk to achieve the right consistency.
- Form Biscuits: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Biscuits: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown on top.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Topping: While the biscuits bake, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, and chopped parsley in a small bowl.
- Brush Biscuits: As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture to enhance their flavor and give them a delicious shine.
- Serve Warm: Serve the biscuits warm for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy as a perfect side to seafood, soups, or salads.
Notes
- These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be reheated in a low oven to maintain softness.
- For an extra cheesy flavor, consider adding a pinch of Parmesan cheese to the dough.
- These biscuits pair wonderfully with seafood dishes but also go well with soups and salads.
