If there’s one recipe that never fails to make people smile, it’s these Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Golden on the outside, soft and cheesy inside, they’re brushed with buttery garlic and sprinkled with herbs for that irresistible flavor.
Whether served next to a hearty dinner or as a snack straight from the pan, these biscuits deliver comfort in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits are quick, comforting, and downright delicious.
- No yeast, no waiting — just mix and bake
- Buttery, cheesy flavor with a perfect crumb
- Great for family dinners or holiday tables
- Taste just like restaurant biscuits — only fresher
- Reheat beautifully for meal prep or leftovers
- Customizable with herbs or extra cheese
When I worked construction in my 20s, weekends meant comfort food — and my mom’s cheesy biscuits were always on the table. Years later, when I first tried the Red Lobster version, I laughed — it tasted just like hers! These biscuits remind me of home: warm, simple, and made to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient brings out the flaky texture and savory depth these biscuits are known for.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – creates a tender, fluffy base
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – gives the biscuits lift
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances flavor
- ½ cup unsalted cold butter, cubed – for that buttery flakiness
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – rich, melty cheese flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – gives signature garlic warmth
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes – adds color and freshness
- ¾ cup buttermilk – the secret to softness and flavor
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Add a pinch of paprika for color
- Swap parsley for chives or dill for a twist
- Use half whole wheat flour for a hearty bite
- Add a dash of cayenne for a gentle heat
- Substitute Greek yogurt and milk for buttermilk in a pinch
- Brush with melted garlic butter right before serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
These biscuits are quick to make and even quicker to disappear from the table.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and parsley flakes.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. (Jake tip: cold butter = flakier biscuits.)
- Stir in cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Pour in buttermilk and mix just until the dough comes together — don’t overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle extra parsley before serving.
Quick Reminders:
- Handle dough gently for tender biscuits
- Use real butter — not margarine — for the best flavor
- Don’t overbake; they should stay soft inside
- Add cheese at the end of mixing to avoid clumps
- Serve warm for maximum flavor
Expert Tips for Success
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are foolproof if you keep these pointers in mind.
- Freeze butter for 10 minutes before grating it in
- Use freshly shredded cheese (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents)
- Chill the dough briefly if your kitchen is warm
- Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color
- Add a touch of garlic salt to the butter topping for a restaurant-style finish
- For smaller biscuits, use a cookie scoop for uniform shape
These tricks will give you those bakery-perfect biscuits every time — crisp on the edges, buttery inside, and bursting with cheddar flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are as versatile as they are addictive.
- Serve with seafood dishes like Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta
- Pair with comforting mains like Mini Shepherd’s Pies
- Add to brunch with Hush Puppies and jam on the side
- Enjoy alongside soups such as Hearty Minestrone Soup
- Turn leftovers into breakfast sandwiches
- Serve warm with honey butter for a sweet-savory twist
They’re the perfect side for everything from fried chicken to chili — or just eaten straight from the baking pan.
Storing and Reheating
These biscuits store well and reheat beautifully.
How to Store It
- Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container
- Keep at room temperature up to 2 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Freeze up to 2 months — wrap individually
- Reheat directly from frozen if needed
How to Reheat It
- Oven: 350°F for 5–8 minutes until warmed through
- Air fryer: 320°F for 3–4 minutes for crisp edges
- Microwave: 15–20 seconds (wrap in a damp paper towel)
- Brush with a little melted butter before serving
They stay soft and flavorful even after storage — just warm and serve.
Nutrition Information (Per Biscuit)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a zip bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes.
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to ¾ cup milk to make a quick substitute.
Final Thoughts
These Cheddar Bay Biscuits are everything you want in a homemade bread — flaky, cheesy, and loaded with buttery garlic flavor. Whether you’re serving them next to dinner or just sneaking one fresh from the oven, they never disappoint.
- Keep your butter cold and your dough light
- Don’t skimp on cheese or garlic
- Serve warm and watch them vanish fast
Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and parsley flakes.
- Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Pour in buttermilk and mix just until dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with extra parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use real butter for best texture and flavor.
- Brush with garlic butter before serving for a restaurant-style finish.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne.
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