Cheddar Bay Biscuits

These cheddar bay biscuits are one of those things you can't "have just one" of, and this homemade copycat version delivers fluffy centers, melted cheddar, warm garlic-butter brushed tops, and just enough Old Bay to give you that classic Red Lobster vibe. They come together fast, bake up golden, and honestly taste even better straight from your own oven.

Jump to:

• 🧾 Ingredients
• ⭐ Ingredient notes
• 🥣 How to make cheddar bay biscuits
• 🍽️ Serving suggestions
• 💫 Variations and mix-ins
• 🕒 Make-ahead method
• 🧺 Storage and reheating
• 🥛 Buttermilk substitute
• ❓ FAQ
• 📝 Recipe

Cheddar bay biscuits are the kind of food that makes everyone gather around the table faster than you can say "extra butter, please." Fluffy, cheesy, and just the right amount of Old Bay, they're irresistible straight from the oven.

And the warm, garlic-butter topping? Non-negotiable. Brushing it over the tops of the hot biscuits turns them into that perfect mix of soft, savory, and slightly decadent - the kind you'll happily sneak one (or three) of before anyone notices.

They're perfect on their own, or as the perfect side for anything, from weeknight dinners to cozy weekend feasts. Pair them with my crockpot beef stew or a bowl of homemade potato and leek soup.

And because I like keeping things simple but with a little extra cozy, these biscuits also go great alongside our slow-cooked pulled pork or even a fresh batch of no-knead bread - comfort food heaven without any stress.

🧾 Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Sugar
• Salt
• Old Bay seasoning
• Butter
• Cheddar cheese
• Whole milk (or buttermilk)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Parsley

⭐ Ingredient notes

• Flour - All purpose is perfect. For a slightly heartier texture, swap up to a quarter cup with whole wheat; the biscuits will be a bit denser but still delicious.
• Butter - Keep it cold so your biscuits stay flaky.
• Cheddar cheese - Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch, but mild cheddar works too if that's what you have handy.
• Old Bay seasoning - This is the signature flavor that sets these biscuits apart. Adjust to taste for more or less zing.
• Milk (or buttermilk) - Milk keeps it simple; buttermilk adds a tender, slightly tangy bite.
• Butter topping - Melted and mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley, this topping turns warm biscuits into something you'll want to brush on everything.

See the recipe card below for full list of ingredients and their measurements.

🥣 How to make cheddar bay biscuits

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F.

Grab a bowl and mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and Old Bay.

Cut the butter into pea-sized pieces, and keeping it cold, cut it into the dry ingredients with your fingers, a fork, or a pastry cutter - whatever works for you.

Next, stir in the shredded cheddar and milk just until the dough comes together. Don't overmix; the lighter you keep it, the fluffier your biscuits will be.

Using a 3-Tablespoon scoop, scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and they smell like heaven.

While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter for the topping, and whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped parsley.

The minute the biscuits come out of the oven, place them on a wire rack to cool and immediately generously brush them with the butter mixture. Bonus points for sneaking a warm biscuits right then and there.

🍽️ Serving suggestions

Serve these cheesy gems alongside soups, stews, or weeknight dinners - enjoying them with my crockpot beef stew is a fantastic pairing, and they also shine with our slow-cooked pulled pork or creamy potato leek soup. If you're going full comfort mode, enjoy these biscuits along with our no-knead Dutch oven bread. And honestly, sneaking a couple straight from the pan as a snack is also perfectly acceptable.

💫 Variations and mix-ins

• 🧀 Extra cheesy - Stir in an extra quarter-cup of shredded cheddar for biscuits that are over-the-top cheesy.
• 🌶️ Spicy kick - Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dough for a little heat.
• 🥓 Bacon upgrade - Fold in 2-3 slices of cooked, chopped bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
• 🌿 Herby twist - Swap the parsley in the topping for fresh chives, thyme, or rosemary for a slightly different herb flavor.
• 🧄 Garlic lovers - Mix a clove of finely minced fresh garlic into the melted butter topping for an extra punch of flavor.

🕒 Make-ahead method

You can mix the dough a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. Then just give it a gentle stir, scoop out the biscuits, and bake as usual. For an ultra-quick shortcut, Bisquick works - fold in the cheddar and Old Bay, then bake according to the package instructions.

🧺 Storage and reheating

• Refrigerator - Store baked biscuits in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Refresh in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
• Freezer - Cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. The microwave works too, though the texture will be softer.

🥛 Buttermilk substitute

If you'd like to use buttermilk, but don't have any handy...no problem! Simply mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes, and it's ready to go.

❓ FAQ

Do you love fun, easy recipes as much as I do? Check out a few more of our delicious recipes:

• Easy No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread
• Homemade Garlic Knots
• Potato and Leek Soup
• Crockpot Beef Stew
• Slow Cooked Pulled Pork
• Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
• Roasted Tomato and White Bean Stew
• Crab Cakes
• Seafood Newburg
• Crab Mac & Cheese

Did you make these Cheddar Bay Biscuits? Let us know in the comments below!

📝 Recipe