I just learned this
I just learned this is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Jordan Howlett on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 27 min
Cost: $6.10 total, $0.76 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (standard size, follow package directions)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (cold, use in place of water called for on the box)
- 1.5 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp or medium cheddar, adds three‑times the cheese of the box recipe)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the dough.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 425°F
Combine Mix, Buttermilk, and Cheese
In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix, 1 cup cold buttermilk, and 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese. Stir just until a soft dough forms; it will be slightly sticky.
Time: PT5M
Portion and Bake
Spoon the dough onto a greased baking sheet, spacing the biscuits about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 425°F
Cool Slightly and Serve
Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for 2–3 minutes before serving warm.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 18 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: any ready‑made biscuit mix
- Instead of Buttermilk: milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar (let sit 5 minutes)
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby cheese
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Use buttermilk instead of water for a richer crumb.
- Increase cheddar cheese to 1½ cups for authentic flavor.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra garlic flavor, brush the tops with melted butter mixed with a pinch of garlic powder right after baking.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese bite.
Troubleshooting
Biscuits are dense and not fluffy.
Do not over‑mix the dough and ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking.
Cheese does not melt fully.
Increase the baking time by 1‑2 minutes or use a higher‑moisture cheese.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze baked biscuits on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; reheat from frozen at 350°F for 10‑12 minutes.
Room temperature: Best eaten fresh; can sit out for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dough, shape the biscuits, and freeze on a tray before baking. Bake from frozen, adding 2‑3 minutes to the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Cheddar Bay Biscuits in American restaurant cuisine?
Cheddar Bay Biscuits were introduced by Red Lobster in the 1990s as a complimentary side, quickly becoming a signature item that many diners associate with the chain. Their buttery, cheesy flavor reflects classic Southern biscuit traditions while adding a seafood‑friendly touch.
What are the traditional regional variations of Cheddar Bay Biscuits in the United States?
While Red Lobster’s version is the most widely known, some Southern restaurants serve similar biscuits with added garlic, herbs, or using buttermilk instead of regular milk. In the Pacific Northwest, a version with Monterey Jack and smoked cheddar is popular.
How are Cheddar Bay Biscuits traditionally served at Red Lobster restaurants?
At Red Lobster, the biscuits are served warm in a basket, brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with garlic powder and parsley. They are offered as a complimentary side to accompany seafood entrees.
What occasions or celebrations are Cheddar Bay Biscuits commonly associated with in American dining culture?
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are often enjoyed during casual family meals, seafood feasts, and as a comfort food snack. They have also become a popular addition to holiday spreads and potlucks because they are easy to make in large batches.
What makes Cheddar Bay Biscuits special or unique in American restaurant side dishes?
Their combination of a fluffy, buttery interior with a cheesy, slightly crisp top sets them apart from plain dinner rolls. The use of buttermilk and generous cheddar creates a rich flavor that complements seafood without overwhelming it.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Cheddar Bay Biscuits versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe uses a ready‑made biscuit mix, buttermilk, sharp cheddar cheese, and melted butter brushed on top. Acceptable substitutes include using a homemade biscuit dough, substituting milk‑plus‑lemon for buttermilk, or swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby.
What other American seafood dishes pair well with Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
Cheddar Bay Biscuits pair beautifully with classic Red Lobster dishes such as shrimp scampi, lobster tail, crab legs, and fish fillets. They also complement creamy clam chowders and grilled salmon.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cheddar Bay Biscuits at home?
Common mistakes include using water instead of buttermilk, under‑estimating the amount of cheese, and over‑mixing the dough. Over‑mixing creates a tough biscuit, while using water results in a bland texture.
Why does this Cheddar Bay Biscuit recipe use buttermilk instead of water?
Buttermilk adds acidity and fat, which tenderizes the gluten and creates a lighter, fluffier crumb. The transcript specifically notes that swapping cold water for buttermilk makes the biscuits taste like the restaurant version.
Can I make Cheddar Bay Biscuits ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can shape the biscuits and freeze them before baking. Store the frozen biscuits on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes, or thaw and reheat in a 350°F oven.
What does the YouTube channel Jordan Howlett specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jordan Howlett focuses on food hacks, restaurant copycat recipes, and behind‑the‑scenes insights into popular menu items, often revealing secret tricks to recreate them at home.
How does the YouTube channel Jordan Howlett's approach to restaurant copycat cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Jordan Howlett emphasizes uncovering hidden ingredients and techniques that restaurants keep secret, providing direct comparisons and practical tweaks—like using buttermilk and extra cheese for Red Lobster biscuits—rather than just offering generic recipes.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
