Easy Red Lobster Copycat Garlic Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these amazing Garlic Cheddar Biscuits! This quick and easy recipe brings the beloved Red Lobster copycat biscuits right to your kitchen – soft, tender, irresistibly buttery, deliciously cheesy, and bursting with robust garlic flavor. Prepare to amaze your taste buds in less than 30 minutes!
Garlic Cheddar Biscuits: A Taste of Comfort at Home
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, buttery biscuit. And when you infuse that biscuit with sharp cheddar cheese and fragrant garlic, you create a culinary masterpiece that’s hard to resist. These homemade garlic cheddar biscuits are not just any biscuits; they are designed to be a delightful nod to the famous Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits, bringing that restaurant-quality experience straight to your dinner table. Forget any fear of carbs – these savory, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits are the comfort food you’ve been craving, perfect for completing any meal.
While I can’t promise the exact same taste as Red Lobster – their recipe surely includes a touch of culinary magic that’s truly one-of-a-kind – this copycat version comes remarkably close! You’ll be delighted by their soft texture, rich flavor, and the sheer joy of pulling them apart while still warm. Once you try these easy cheesy garlic biscuits, you’ll want to make them a regular staple.
If you’re a fan of warm bread and delicious side dishes, be sure to explore more of our recipes. Don’t miss out on our Cheesy Breadsticks, a staple for any Italian night, our incredibly fluffy Soft White Sandwich Bread, and our classic Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits for traditionalists.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Cheddar Biscuit Recipe
This garlic cheddar biscuit recipe isn’t just a crowd-pleaser; it’s also incredibly convenient and rewarding to make. Here’s why it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes:
- Unbelievably Soft and Delicious: Each biscuit boasts a tender, fluffy interior with a slightly crisp exterior, bursting with the savory notes of garlic and the rich tang of cheddar. They practically melt in your mouth!
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: From start to finish, these biscuits are surprisingly quick to prepare and bake. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious side dish without a lot of fuss.
- Made with Basic, Accessible Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients already in your pantry and refrigerator. No fancy or hard-to-find items needed, making this recipe budget-friendly and convenient.
- Simple and Easy-to-Follow Directions: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, the steps are straightforward and designed for success. You’ll achieve perfect biscuits every time!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These biscuits are incredibly versatile. They make an excellent accompaniment to seafood, soups, stews, chili, or simply enjoyed on their own as a savory snack or breakfast treat. They’re also fantastic for entertaining guests!
Simple Steps to Making Perfect Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
Creating these delightful garlic cheddar biscuits is a breeze, requiring just a few simple steps and minimal cleanup. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can achieve such delicious results!
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to a hot 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232°C). This high temperature is crucial for helping the biscuits rise quickly and become fluffy. While the oven heats, combine all the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt – in a large mixing bowl. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix them together. This ensures that the leavening agents and flavorings are evenly distributed throughout the dough, guaranteeing a consistent rise and taste in every biscuit.
Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough
To the dry mixture, add the buttermilk, the half cup of melted butter, and the shredded cheddar cheese. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir these ingredients together just until they are combined. It’s important not to overmix the dough at this stage; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough rather than tender biscuits.
Step 3: Scoop and Bake Your Biscuits
Once the dough is ready, drop spoonfuls (approximately ¼ cup each) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. You can use two spoons for this or a large cookie scoop for more uniform biscuits. Arrange them a couple of inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and expansion. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare the Signature Topping
While your garlic cheese biscuits are baking to golden perfection, prepare the luscious topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, a couple of tablespoons of buttermilk, finely chopped fresh parsley, and the remaining garlic powder. This fragrant mixture is what gives these biscuits their signature shiny finish and an extra layer of garlicky, buttery goodness.
Step 5: Finish and Serve Warm
As soon as the biscuits emerge from the oven, while they are still warm, generously brush the prepared garlic butter topping over each one. The warm biscuits will readily absorb this flavorful glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of these fresh Red Lobster copycat biscuits. They’re best enjoyed straight out of the oven!
Expert Tips for Crafting Perfect Red Lobster Copycat Biscuits
These biscuits are already incredibly easy to make – everything comes together in one bowl with just a spoon, which is fantastic for minimal cleanup! However, a few expert tips can elevate your homemade garlic cheddar biscuits from good to absolutely phenomenal.
- Melted Butter is Your Secret Weapon: Unlike traditional flaky biscuits that require cold butter cut into the flour, this recipe thrives on melted butter. Why? Because melted butter makes the dough incredibly easy to mix and contributes to a wonderfully moist and tender biscuit texture. It also infuses the biscuits with a richer, more uniform buttery flavor, which is key to that Red Lobster taste.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for tender biscuits. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense, and crumbly biscuits rather than light and airy ones. Gently fold everything together until barely cohesive.
- Ensure Uniform Size with a Scoop: For consistently sized biscuits that bake evenly, use a large cookie scoop (a ¼-cup size works perfectly). If you don’t have one, two spoons can also work for dropping the dough, but a scoop ensures each biscuit is roughly the same, preventing some from burning while others are undercooked.
- Choose the Right Cheese: While any shredded cheddar cheese will work, sharp cheddar cheese will give your biscuits a more pronounced, savory flavor that truly stands out. For the best melting and flavor, consider shredding your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Don’t Skimp on the Buttermilk: Buttermilk provides a distinctive tangy flavor and reacts with the baking powder to create a fantastic rise and tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute (see FAQ below), but aim for real buttermilk if possible for the best results.
- High Heat for a High Rise: Baking at 450°F (232°C) is not a typo! The initial burst of high heat helps the biscuits rise rapidly, creating that desirable fluffy interior and golden-brown crust before they have a chance to dry out.
I was so pleased with how these garlic cheddar biscuits turned out, and the true test of success came when my kids asked if they were from Red Lobster. Mission accomplished!
Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions
These versatile garlic cheddar biscuits are fantastic with almost anything! Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Seafood Dinners: Just like Red Lobster, they are a natural match for any seafood dish, from baked salmon to shrimp scampi or fried fish.
- Hearty Soups and Stews: Dunk them into a warm bowl of chili, beef stew, creamy tomato soup, or chicken noodle soup for an extra layer of comfort.
- Roasts and Meats: Serve them alongside a pot roast, grilled steak, or fried chicken for a comforting, complete meal.
- Breakfast or Brunch: Enjoy them plain, or split them open and serve with eggs, bacon, or sausage for a savory twist on breakfast.
- As a Snack: Honestly, these biscuits are so good, they can be a satisfying snack all on their own!
Variations to Try
While the classic garlic cheddar biscuit is undeniably delicious, feel free to get creative and customize them to your liking:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dough for a subtle kick.
- Herb Garden Freshness: Incorporate other finely chopped fresh herbs into the dough or topping, such as chives, dill, or a touch of rosemary.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different types of cheese! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a spicy version, or even a blend of cheddar and Gruyere could be delicious.
- Onion Boost: A teaspoon of onion powder alongside the garlic powder can add another layer of savory depth.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle a little everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for extra crunch and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Yes, these delicious biscuits freeze exceptionally well, which makes them perfect for meal prepping! To freeze, allow them to cool completely after baking. Then, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will keep fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough by scooping individual biscuits onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating garlic biscuits is easy, whether from frozen or refrigerated. For a quick reheat, place a single biscuit in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough. For the best texture, especially for multiple biscuits, use the oven: wrap the biscuits loosely in a foil “package” and bake at 300 degrees F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or about 20 minutes if frozen, until they are warm and soft again.
Absolutely! While buttermilk is highly recommended for its unique tang and tenderizing properties, you can create a simple homemade substitute. Add one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup. Then, fill the rest of the cup with regular milk (preferably high-fat milk like whole milk) until it reaches the 1-cup mark. Stir it gently and let it sit for 5 minutes. The milk will curdle slightly, mimicking buttermilk. Keep in mind that using regular milk without this acidic step will change the flavor and texture of the garlic cheese biscuits, making them less tender and tangy.
For the dough itself, garlic powder is generally preferred as it distributes evenly and won’t add excess moisture that could affect the biscuit’s texture. Fresh minced garlic can also be prone to burning during baking. However, you can certainly add finely minced fresh garlic to the melted butter topping for an even more potent garlic kick! Just be sure it’s very finely minced to avoid raw garlic flavor.
The most common reason for tough biscuits is overmixing the dough. When you overmix, you develop the gluten in the flour too much, which leads to a dense, chewy, and tough texture instead of a light and tender one. Mix just until the ingredients are barely combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. A light hand is key!
More Great Bread Recipes to Explore:
- Fluffy Cottage Cheese Crescent Rolls
- Classic Cornbread Muffins
- Homemade Cheese Breadsticks
- Sweet Honey Wheat Rolls
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Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
Ingredients
BISCUITS:
- 2 cups (275g) all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (235ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (113g) butter, melted
- 1½ cup (170g) shredded cheddar cheese I like sharp cheddar
TOPPING:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (232°C).
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In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk well. Add in the buttermilk, the ½ cup melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir just until combined; do not overmix.
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Drop ¼-cupfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. **You can use two spoons or a large cookie scoop.** Bake for 10-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown on top.
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While the biscuits are baking, combine the topping ingredients (2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons buttermilk, finely chopped fresh parsley, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder) in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined.
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Immediately after the biscuits come out of the oven, generously brush the warm topping over each one. Serve while still warm and enjoy!
Notes
- FREEZER FRIENDLY: To freeze baked biscuits, ensure they are completely cooled. Place them in a plastic freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, place one frozen biscuit in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. For the oven method, wrap biscuits in a foil “package” and bake at 300 degrees F (150°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- BUTTERMILK SUBSTITUTE: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill the rest of the cup with regular milk (preferably whole milk) to reach 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly curdled before using.
Nutrition