Easy Homemade Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits Recipe

There is a universal truth when it comes to dining out at a certain famous seafood restaurant. The main course is highly anticipated, but the true star of the show arrives before you even order your meal. We are talking about that legendary basket of warm, savory, and incredibly cheesy biscuits. The aroma of garlic and butter wafting from the table is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. For years, fans of these iconic baked goods have wished they could recreate that exact same magic in their own kitchens without having to make a dinner reservation. The excellent news is that you absolutely can, and the baking process is remarkably simple.

This homemade copycat recipe delivers everything you love about the restaurant original. You get the crispy, buttery exterior, the soft and fluffy interior, and those irresistible pockets of melted sharp cheddar cheese. Best of all, this recipe utilizes standard pantry staples and takes less than thirty minutes from start to finish. Whether you are hosting a large family dinner, preparing a comforting bowl of soup, or simply craving a savory snack, these biscuits are guaranteed to hit the spot.

What Makes This Copycat Recipe So Spectacular

Baking biscuits from scratch can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if you are used to the canned variety. However, this specific recipe is designed for both novice bakers and seasoned kitchen veterans alike. It removes all the complicated steps traditionally associated with biscuit making. You will not need a rolling pin, you will not need a biscuit cutter, and you certainly will not need to worry about perfectly laminating layers of dough. This is a classic drop biscuit recipe, which means it is supposed to look rustic and effortless.

The beauty of the drop biscuit lies in its craggy, uneven texture. Those little bumps and ridges on the outside of the dough catch the heat of the oven, turning deeply golden and incredibly crisp. When you brush the hot biscuits with the signature garlic herb butter glaze at the end, all those little crevices soak up the savory flavors perfectly. The result is a biscuit that is bursting with flavor in absolutely every single bite.

The Science of the Perfect Cheddar Biscuit

To truly master this recipe, it helps to understand why the ingredients work so perfectly together. Baking is a science, and every component plays a vital role in the final texture and flavor of your baked goods.

The Magic of Buttermilk

You might be tempted to substitute regular milk in this recipe, but buttermilk is the secret weapon for achieving the perfect texture. Buttermilk is highly acidic. When this acid interacts with the baking powder, it creates a powerful chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas gets trapped in the dough, creating lift and resulting in a biscuit that is light, airy, and wonderfully tall. Furthermore, the acidity in the buttermilk tenderizes the gluten in the all-purpose flour. This ensures your biscuits remain soft and tender rather than tough or chewy. If you do not have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a standard measuring cup, then filling the rest with regular whole milk and letting it sit for five minutes.

Choosing the Right Cheddar

Not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to baking. For this recipe, sharp cheddar cheese is an absolute requirement. Mild cheddar simply gets lost in the flour and butter, resulting in a bland final product. Sharp cheddar has a robust, concentrated flavor that easily stands up to the garlic and buttermilk. Additionally, it is highly recommended that you shred your own cheese from a solid block rather than buying a bag of pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated in anti-caking agents like cellulose, which prevents the cheese from melting smoothly. Freshly grated block cheese will give you those gooey, glorious cheese pockets you want.

The Role of Cayenne Pepper

Do not let the addition of cayenne pepper scare you away. A mere quarter teaspoon of cayenne will not make these biscuits spicy. Instead, the cayenne acts as a flavor enhancer. It provides a subtle, almost undetectable warmth in the background that elevates the savoriness of the garlic and the richness of the cheddar. It is the secret ingredient that makes people wonder why your homemade version tastes exactly like the restaurant original.

Complete Ingredient List

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth baking process. You will need the following items to create your dough and your savory topping:

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups. Be sure to spoon and level your flour for accurate measurement.
• Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon. This adds a tiny hint of sweetness to balance the savory garlic.
• Baking powder: 1 tablespoon. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for maximum rising power.
• Garlic powder: 2 teaspoons. Half will go in the dough, and half will go in the butter glaze.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Standard table salt or fine sea salt works perfectly.
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon for that subtle background warmth.
• Buttermilk: 1 cup. Cold buttermilk works best.
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup total. You will need melted butter for both the dough and the finishing glaze.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups, freshly shredded.

Step by Step Baking Instructions

Now that your ingredients are prepped and ready, it is time to bring this delicious dough together. Follow these simple steps for flawless execution every single time.

Step 1: Oven Preparation

Begin by preheating your oven to a hot 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Biscuits require a very hot oven to rise quickly and achieve that beautiful golden brown exterior. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cheesy bottoms from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup incredibly easy.

Step 2: Whisking the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your two cups of all-purpose flour, one tablespoon of sugar, one tablespoon of baking powder, one teaspoon of the garlic powder, the salt, and the cayenne pepper. Take a large wire whisk and mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly. You want to ensure the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour so you do not end up with pockets of pure salt or unmixed leavening agents.

Step 3: Creating the Dough

Create a small well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the cold buttermilk and a quarter cup of the melted unsalted butter. Grab a wooden spoon or a sturdy rubber spatula and gently stir the wet and dry ingredients together. Stop stirring as soon as the liquid is absorbed and a shaggy dough begins to form. The most critical rule of biscuit making is to never overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will lead to dense, heavy biscuits.

Step 4: Incorporating the Cheddar

Once your dough is just barely combined, add in your freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Use a gentle folding motion to incorporate the cheese evenly throughout the mixture. You want the cheese distributed well, but again, keep the mixing to an absolute minimum to preserve the tender texture of the dough.

Step 5: Portioning the Biscuits

Because this is a drop biscuit recipe, you do not need to flour your countertops or dirty a rolling pin. Grab a large spoon or a spring-loaded ice cream scoop. Scoop out mounds of dough roughly the size of a golf ball or slightly larger, and drop them directly onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave about two inches of space between each biscuit so they have room to expand as they bake. You should get roughly ten to twelve biscuits from this batch.

Step 6: The Bake

Place your baking sheet on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake the biscuits for ten to twelve minutes. Keep a close eye on them during the final two minutes. You are looking for a beautiful, deep golden brown color on the tops and slightly crispy edges.

The Signature Garlic Herb Butter Glaze

While your cheesy creations are baking in the oven, you can prepare the crowning glory of this recipe. The garlic herb butter glaze is what truly transforms these from standard cheese biscuits into the legendary restaurant copycat you crave.

In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining quarter cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the remaining one teaspoon of garlic powder. If you want to add a pop of color and freshness, you can also stir in a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or a teaspoon of dried parsley flakes. The moment you pull the hot baking sheet out of the oven, take a pastry brush and generously paint the tops of every single biscuit with the seasoned butter. The hot biscuits will absorb the butter instantly, creating a rich, flavorful crust that is completely irresistible.

What to Serve with Your Cheddar Biscuits

These biscuits are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide variety of meals. Naturally, they are the perfect accompaniment to any seafood dish. Serve them alongside garlic butter shrimp, grilled salmon, or a hearty clam chowder. However, their savory profile makes them just as delicious alongside non-seafood meals. They are phenomenal when paired with a steaming bowl of homemade chili, a rich beef stew, or a simple roasted chicken.

Do not limit yourself to dinner, either. These make a spectacular breakfast item. Slice a leftover biscuit in half, toast it lightly, and use it as the base for the ultimate bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich. The sharp cheddar and garlic add an incredible depth of flavor to your morning routine.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

If you happen to have leftovers, proper storage is key to maintaining their fresh-baked texture. Allow the biscuits to cool completely to room temperature before storing them. Place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. They will keep nicely at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days.

To reheat your biscuits and bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, skip the microwave if possible. Microwaving bread products often makes them rubbery. Instead, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the leftover biscuits on a baking sheet and warm them for about five to seven minutes. They will crisp right back up and taste just as delicious as the day you made them.

Freezing Instructions for Future Cravings

One of the best things about this recipe is how freezer-friendly it is. You can freeze the biscuits either baked or unbaked, making meal prep a breeze.

If you want to freeze unbaked dough, portion the dough mounds onto a baking sheet just as you would before baking. Place the entire baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour until the dough mounds are completely frozen solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls into a heavy-duty freezer bag. When you are ready to bake, you do not even need to thaw them. Simply place the frozen dough directly onto a prepared baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees, adding an extra two to three minutes to the original baking time.

To freeze fully baked biscuits, let them cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm them in the oven before serving.

Conclusion

Recreating your favorite restaurant experiences at home does not have to be difficult or time-consuming. With just a handful of basic ingredients and less than thirty minutes of your time, you can pull a tray of these magnificent, golden brown, garlic-infused cheese biscuits out of your own oven. They offer the ultimate savory comfort food experience, and once you see how incredibly easy they are to make from scratch, you will never want to rely on a restaurant reservation to satisfy your cravings again. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best homemade biscuits you have ever tasted.

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