Recreate the world-famous, cheesy, and garlic-infused restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen. These drop biscuits require no rolling or cutting, coming together quickly for a warm, savory treat loaded with sharp cheddar and topped with a rich garlic butter glaze.
Table of Contents
Meta Description
Bake restaurant-style Cheddar Bay Biscuits at home with this easy copycat recipe. Packed with sharp cheddar and brushed with garlic herb butter.
Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cold buttermilk (or regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the cold buttermilk and the 1/2 cup of melted, cooled butter together. The cold buttermilk will cause the melted butter to form small, solid clumps—this is completely normal and creates a flaky texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the buttermilk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula just until a thick dough forms and no dry flour patches remain. Do not overmix.
- Add Cheese: Gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the Biscuits: Use a 1/4-cup measuring cup or a large cookie scoop to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each biscuit.
- Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and set.
- Make the Topping: While the biscuits are baking, whisk together the melted topping butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and parsley in a small bowl.
- Glaze and Serve: As soon as the hot biscuits come out of the oven, generously brush the garlic herb butter over the tops of each one. Serve warm.
Service Suggestions
- Soup Companion: Serve alongside a steaming bowl of creamy clam chowder, tomato basil soup, or potato broccoli soup.
- Seafood Feasts: Pair with boiled shrimp, crab legs, or baked fish for a classic seafood restaurant experience at home.
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Split them open and use them as a savory base for bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to restore moisture.
- Freezing: Freeze baked, unglazed biscuits in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven before brushing with fresh garlic butter.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Freshly grated block cheddar is always recommended. Pre-shredded packaged cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly into the biscuit dough.
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk? You can easily make a quick substitute. Pour 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar into a liquid measuring cup, then add whole milk until it reaches the 1-cup line. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Why are my biscuits tough? Tough biscuits usually result from overworking the dough. Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until combined, and avoid kneading the dough.
Conclusion
Warm, cheesy, and dripping with savory garlic butter, these homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits capture everything you love about the restaurant version. They come together effortlessly in under 25 minutes, making them an easy and impressive addition to any weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.