These easy-to-make cheddar bay biscuits are a delicious copycat of Red Lobster’s famous dinner rolls. They’re buttery, cheesy, and garlicky, resembling restaurant-style side dishes, ready in just 20 minutes, and require no yeast or eggs.
Have you ever been to Red Lobster and found yourself craving their delicious cheddar bay biscuits long after you’ve left the restaurant? You’re not alone! These soft, fluffy, and cheesy biscuits have become a favorite of many seafood lovers. The good news is that you can recreate these flavorful biscuits at home, and it’s easier than you might think.
With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll enjoy these buttery biscuits whenever you please, without visiting the restaurant.
Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits are the stuff of legend. Warm, fluffy and smothered in melty cheddar cheese – they are the perfect complement to the restaurant’s famous seafood dishes. But what if you want to enjoy these iconic biscuits at home and need to make them without cheese? Is it possible to recreate the magic of Cheddar Bay Biscuits without their signature cheese topping?
As a cheese lover, I was skeptical. But after diving into food forums like Reddit, I discovered that yes, you absolutely can make dynamite cheese-less Cheddar Bay biscuits at home! Curious redditors have crowdsourced tips and tricks for getting tender, flavorful biscuits without cheese that live up to the hype.
The Quest to Duplicate the Biscuits Without Cheese
On r/Baking, a user asked the pivotal question – “Has anyone tried making Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits without cheese?” For people with lactose intolerance or other dietary restrictions, enjoying these biscuits meant either missing out or modifying the recipe.
Fellow redditors rose to the challenge, sharing their experiences and top suggestions for recreating that addictive Red Lobster biscuit experience without the cheese. The original poster even explained they were hoping to surprise their partner who was dairy-free with a special homemade meal. Aww!
Crowdsourcing Solutions from Reddit’s Baking Brain Trust
What followed was a thoughtful back-and-forth of the best tips for nailing the taste and texture of Cheddar Bay biscuits without their signature cheese topping. Here were some of the most helpful pointers:
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Use quality non-dairy butter – Vegan butter like Earth Balance was recommended for optimal flakiness.
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Swap in vegan cheese – For cheesy flavor, shreds of vegan cheddar from brands like Violife or Daiya could mimic the real thing.
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Boost flavor with herbs – Dried dill, chives, parsley, garlic powder gave biscuits a flavor punch
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Brush biscuits with oil – Coating biscuits in olive oil or vegan butter before baking maximized crispiness.
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Watch texture with non-dairy milk – Almond or oat milk kept biscuits tender when dairy wasn’t possible.
Consensus: Delicious Cheese-less Biscuits Are Possible!
After pages of thoughtful suggestions, the verdict was clear – with a few strategic tweaks, you could definitely make phenomenal cheese-free Cheddar Bay biscuits. They might not be identical to the original, but clever use of ingredients like vegan butter, alternate milks, and bolder seasonings could get you darn close.
As one redditor put it: “They won’t be exactly the same, but with some adjustments you can absolutely make amazing biscuits without cheese.” Others who had tried it chimed in that their cheeseless biscuits were still devoured quickly by family and friends.
Top Tips for Cheese-less Biscuit Success
Based on the collected wisdom of avid home bakers, here are some key tips for making drool-worthy cheese-less Cheddar Bay biscuits:
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Use high-fat, quality vegan butter – This ensures flakiness.
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Brush with oil or vegan butter before baking – Hello, crispy tops!
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Get creative with herbs and spices – Dill, garlic, and onion powder add lots of flavor.
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Add vegan cheese shreds if you want cheesy flavor
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Use non-dairy milk – Almond or oat work well.
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Stick close to original baking technique – Roll, cut, and bake as recipe states.
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Check for doneness early – No cheese topping means less insulation.
Helpful Variations for Dietary Needs
In addition to suggestions for making the biscuits cheese-free, redditors shared other variations for dietary needs and preferences:
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For gluten-free – use your favorite gluten-free biscuit recipe, and adjust toppings/flavorings.
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For nut allergies – substitute coconut oil for almond milk.
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For vegan – use vegan butter and non-dairy milk.
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For low-carb – portion smaller biscuits using almond flour.
Worth the Effort for Cheese Lovers Too!
Even redditors who didn’t require a cheese-less biscuit admitted these tips could help enhance regular Cheddar Bay biscuits too:
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Brushing with garlic butter or everything bagel seasoning instead of cheese.
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Mixing in herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or red pepper flakes.
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Adding bacon crumbles or lobster meat for special occasions.
So cheese-full or cheese-free, the Cheddar Bay biscuit recipe is incredibly versatile for any dietary need. The effort to make them without cheese pays off in tender, flavored biscuits that still capture the essence of this classic.
My Take: Cheese-Free Biscuits Are Possible and Delicious
As a big Cheddar Bay biscuit fan, I was thrilled to see redditors passionately proving you can make oven-baked biscuit magic whether you eat dairy or not. With some clever ingredient swaps and flavor boosts, you can still get tender biscuits with that addictive hint of garlic, herbs, and seafood seasoning.
While they probably won’t be identical to the Red Lobster original, food bloggers and redditors alike swear their cheese-free biscuits are still gobbled up quick by family and friends. As someone who loves hosting inclusive dinner parties, I’m excited to try my hand at cheeseless Cheddar Bay biscuits for guests with dietary restrictions.
The next time we fire up the biscuit recipe, I plan to follow the redditors advice – quality vegan butter, a sprinkle of faux cheddar, and extra brush of garlic oil. Will they be as good as my beloved cheesy originals? Only one way to find out! But armed with tips from baking pros, I’m confident we can get darn close.
So for all the cheese-free biscuit lovers out there – take heart. With a bit of creativity and the wisdom of redditors who have gone before you, flaky, flavorful Cheddar Bay biscuits can be yours. Your cravings will finally be satisfied!
Variations of Original Recipe
- Seasoning Adjustments: You can experiment with garlic powder, old bay seasoning, and ranch dressing mix measurements to create the perfect balance of flavors. Some people prefer a stronger garlic taste or a more prominent ranch flavor. Adjust the spices to customize your biscuits to your liking.
- Cheese Options: Although cheddar is the traditional choice for these biscuits, you can also try them with other types of cheese. For instance, try swapping out cheddar for pepper jack to add a spicy kick. Another option is using a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile, such as a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Add-Ins: Extra ingredients can personalize your biscuits even further. Add some chopped jalapeños for a spicy touch or bits of crispy bacon for a delicious, smoky crunch. Additionally, you can include herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to give your biscuits a unique taste.
- Spices: Add some cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to the biscuit dough and seasoned butter if you like heat. Add a little at a time so it doesn’t overwhelm the biscuit flavor.
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by combining 1 cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken, and you’re good to go. This mixture works just as well as store-bought buttermilk.
- Bisquick: For those who don’t have Bisquick readily available, you can create a similar mix with the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup shortening or unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- Mix the dry ingredients together, then cut the shortening or butter into the dry mixture until the whole mix resembles coarse crumbs.
- Cheddar cheese: It’s hard to imagine these biscuits without the classic cheddar cheese flavor, but if you don’t have that specific cheese on hand, you can try swapping it with another strong, flavorful cheese such as Colby, Monterey Jack or even Gouda. Make sure the cheese you choose is grated or shredded to ensure even distribution throughout the biscuits.
- Garlic and herb seasoning: No garlic and herb seasoning? You can use garlic powder, onion powder, or freshly minced garlic cloves instead. Depending on your preference, one clove of minced garlic can substitute for around 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Another option is to use garlic salt, but be sure to reduce the regular salt amount in the recipe to avoid overly salty biscuits.
- Cool them completely: After taking the biscuits out of the oven, let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling helps prevent condensation, which may lead to sogginess.
- Store in an airtight container: Once the biscuits are completely cool, place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. This helps absorb any excess moisture and keeps the biscuits fresh. You can also layer the biscuits between paper towels to maintain their texture.
- Room temperature is best: It’s recommended to store the biscuits at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator, as refrigeration can cause them to become dry and lose flavor. They should be suitable for up to 3 days when stored properly at room temperature.
Individually wrap each biscuit in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped biscuits in a resealable plastic freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Be sure to label the bag with the date and biscuit type. Properly wrapped biscuits can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen biscuits, preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange the biscuits on a baking sheet. Allow them to thaw for about 10 minutes, then bake for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat biscuits in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, but the oven method yields better results.
Common Mistakes & Solutions
- Overmixing the dough: It’s important not to overmix the dough as it may become rigid and less tender. To fix this issue, mix the dough until the ingredients are incorporated and avoid overworking it. Use a gentle touch and remember that lumpy doughs often result in flaky and tender biscuits.
- Using packaged shredded cheese: Packaged shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture and taste of your biscuits. Opt for shredding a block of cheese instead for the best results. This small difference can make a big impact on the final flavor.
- Baking the biscuits too close together: Remember to space the biscuits out evenly on the baking sheet, as this will allow them to expand properly and ensure even baking. Aim for at least 1-2 inches between each biscuit to prevent them from sticking together.
- Uneven garlic butter application: When brushing the garlic butter on freshly baked biscuits, it’s important to use a gentle hand and an even coating of the mixture. Be sure to melt and mix the butter and garlic concoction just before you take the biscuits out of the oven to ensure a smooth and even application.
Making Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits At Home | But Better
FAQ
Do Red Lobster biscuits have cheese?
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Cheesy Flavor:The biscuits are made with cheddar cheese, which contributes to their rich and savory taste.
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Ingredients:The ingredients include enriched bleached flour, water, shortening, and shredded cheddar cheese.
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Seasoning:They are also flavored with garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and dried parsley.
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Buttery Finish:The biscuits are often brushed with melted butter and seasoned with garlic herb blend.
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Popularity:The Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a very popular item at Red Lobster, with many customers ordering extra biscuits.
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Red Lobster At Home:Red Lobster also sells a pre-made mix for the biscuits at grocery stores, allowing people to make them at home.
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Allergen Info:The biscuits contain wheat, milk, and soy, and may contain eggs and tree nuts.
Does Kroger sell Red Lobster biscuits?
Red Lobster™ Frozen Cheddar Bay Biscuits®, 15.7 oz – Kroger.
Can vegans eat Red Lobster biscuits?
If you ever went to Red Lobster prior to being vegan, then you know just how good the cheddar bay biscuits are. Unfortunately, there’s nothing vegan about them so we had to make our own Red Lobster Copycat Vegan Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Yall. When we tell you that you can’t eat just one, we mean it.
How to make Red Lobster biscuits from box instructions?
They’re not only delicious, they’re incredibly easy to make. Simply add shredded cheddar and water to the mix and bake. Before serving, mix the contents of the enclosed herb pouch with melted butter and brush or spoon it on your freshly baked biscuits. Then sit back…and enjoy!