Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
There’s something truly magical about a basket of warm, buttery Cheddar Bay Biscuits on the table — that heavenly garlic aroma wafting through your kitchen, the golden crowns flecked with parsley, and the tender, cheesy crumb inside. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic Red Lobster copycat moment or simply want to impress your friends at dinner, these Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a fast, foolproof recipe that delivers pure comfort food joy every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry basics transforms into these soft, flavorful biscuits! Each ingredient adds its own delicious touch, from the richness of sharp cheddar to the hint of garlic that builds craveability in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives Cheddar Bay Biscuits their light yet hearty structure.
- Baking powder: This powerful leavener guarantees a lofty, tender rise.
- Baking soda: Enhances browning and softens the biscuits alongside buttermilk.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the classic, savory flavor both in the dough and the buttery topping.
- Salt: Brings out the depth of flavor and balances the richness of cheese and butter.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Creates flaky, melt-in-your-mouth layers.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient — it adds bold tang and the signature cheesy pull.
- Buttermilk: Lends a gentle tang and the perfect amount of moisture for a soft crumb.
- For Topping: Unsalted butter (melted): Brushed over warm biscuits for glossy, flavorful brilliance.
- Garlic powder (for topping): Layers even more savory flavor in the finishing touch.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds color, freshness, and that bakery-style finish.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high heat is key for getting a golden, crisp exterior while keeping the inside of your Cheddar Bay Biscuits fluffy and soft. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly ensures the leavening agents and seasonings are spread out evenly, so every biscuit tastes just right.
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Add the chilled, cubed butter into your dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingers to cut the butter in until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-size lumps left. These buttery pockets are what create that irresistible tender texture in Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, tossing gently to disperse the shreds throughout. This not only boosts cheesy flavor but also gives beautiful melted streaks and a bit of golden color.
Step 5: Mix in the Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until just combined. It’s important not to overmix — stop as soon as there are no dry streaks left. The dough should be thick and a bit sticky. Overmixing can make your biscuits tough, so think light hands!
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple inches apart. The rustic, craggy surface is part of their charm! Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the biscuits are puffed and deep golden brown on top.
Step 7: Brush with Garlic Butter and Serve
While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a small bowl and stir in the remaining garlic powder and chopped parsley. Once the Cheddar Bay Biscuits emerge from the oven, brush them lavishly with the aromatic garlic-butter mixture. Enjoy every bite while they’re warm and fragrant!
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra freshly chopped parsley over the hot biscuits for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you love a little heat, a whisper of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper on top can add another layer of flavor to your Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Side Dishes
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are perfect alongside hearty soups or chowders, and they shine next to everything from barbecue to creamy pastas. Their savory, cheesy goodness makes them a natural fit for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, and backyard cookouts alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking mini biscuits in a basket lined with a colorful napkin for casual gatherings, or split and fill them with ham or egg for unbeatable breakfast sandwiches. For a twist, serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits slider-style with fried chicken or turkey for an unforgettable party platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheddar Bay Biscuits keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For the absolute best texture, store them once completely cooled to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze these biscuits after baking! Let them cool, then place in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat straight from frozen for a quick treat.
Reheating
To revive leftover Cheddar Bay Biscuits, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes, or microwave for 15 seconds. If you have extra garlic butter, brush a little over top before reheating for that just-baked flavor and moisture.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheddar cheese?
Yes, but for the best melt and flavor, I recommend shredding your own cheddar from a block. Pre-shredded cheese is coated to prevent clumping, which can keep it from blending as smoothly into your Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! Just mix 3/4 cup milk with 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and you have a quick homemade buttermilk perfect for this recipe.
How do I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend and be sure your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just double every ingredient — but consider using two baking sheets so the biscuits have space to spread and bake evenly. Make sure to rotate the pans halfway through baking if you’re using more than one oven rack.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
For the freshest Cheddar Bay Biscuits, bake them just before serving. If needed, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead and cube the butter, then store in the fridge until you’re ready to add cheese and buttermilk and bake.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an irresistibly cheesy, garlicky side that wins rave reviews every time, these Cheddar Bay Biscuits deserve a spot in your kitchen lineup. Give them a whirl — I promise you’ll be hooked after the first warm, buttery bite!
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Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delightful savory treat that is easy to make. With a perfect balance of sharp cheddar cheese and garlic, these biscuits are a great addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in the cheddar cheese.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare Topping: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley.
- Finish: Brush warm biscuits with the garlic butter topping and serve warm.
Notes
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with 3/4 cup milk plus 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
