Cheddar Bay Biscuits, made famous by the popular seafood chain Red Lobster, are a deliciously cheesy, buttery, and fluffy treat that has become a staple in many households. The good news is, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen with a few simple ingredients and some pro tips. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Cheddar Bay Biscuits like a pro at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of color and flavor)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for brushing)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature ensures your biscuits will bake up light and fluffy with a golden brown exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the biscuits from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir them together until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. This mixture forms the base of your biscuit dough, so make sure to measure the ingredients carefully for the best results.
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands, cut the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients. The goal is to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter scattered throughout. This step is crucial because the little chunks of cold butter help create those signature flaky layers in your biscuits.
Step 4: Add the Cheddar Cheese
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the flour mixture and gently toss it to combine. The cheese adds flavor and a rich, melty texture to your biscuits.
Step 5: Add Buttermilk to Form the Dough
Pour in the buttermilk, and gently stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to dense biscuits. The dough should be a bit sticky, but if it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it firms up.
Step 6: Shape the Biscuits
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. For the perfect biscuit shape, use a round biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out the biscuits. Make sure to press straight down (don’t twist the cutter) to ensure your biscuits rise properly.
If you don’t have a cutter, you can also use a spoon and drop the dough by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheet for a more rustic look.
Step 7: Bake the Biscuits
Place your biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Make the Garlic Butter Topping
While the biscuits are baking, melt 1/4 cup of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley (if using). Once the biscuits are done, brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the warm biscuits to give them a shiny, flavorful finish.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once the biscuits are golden and buttery, remove them from the oven. Serve them warm with your favorite meal, or enjoy them on their own. Cheddar Bay Biscuits are perfect for pairing with seafood, soups, or a fresh salad, but they’re so good you might just want to eat them straight off the tray.
Pro Tips for Perfect Biscuits:
- Use cold butter: Cold butter is key to achieving flaky layers in your biscuits. If possible, chill the butter in the freezer for 10 minutes before using it.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Mix the dough just enough to bring it together. Overworking it can lead to tough biscuits.
- Try buttermilk: Buttermilk helps make the biscuits tender and adds a subtle tang that enhances the flavor.
- Add more cheese: Feel free to add a bit more cheese if you love a cheesy flavor. Just be sure to adjust the flour ratio if you make significant changes.
- Use a hot oven: A hot oven helps the biscuits rise quickly and develop that golden crust.
Final Thoughts
Making Cheddar Bay Biscuits at home is easier than you might think, and with the right ingredients and techniques, you can bake up a batch that rivals the original. Whether you’re preparing them as a side for dinner or enjoying them as a snack, these biscuits are sure to become a family favorite. With the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to recreate these soft, cheesy, and buttery biscuits in no time. Enjoy!
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