There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a warm, buttery biscuit fresh from the oven. I’ve always loved Red Lobster’s signature biscuits with their soft texture and rich flavor. But recreating that perfect bite at home seemed impossible—until I discovered this copycat recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
Follow these steps to create biscuits just like Red Lobster’s. Each stage is crucial for achieving that perfect soft texture and rich flavor.
Prepare the Biscuit Dough
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the biscuits.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Cut in the Butter
- Add ½ cup of cold unsalted butter, cubed, to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Milk
- Pour in ¾ cup of whole milk and stir until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender.
- Shape the Biscuits
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out individual biscuits.
- Prepare for Baking
- Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are close but not touching to allow for proper rising.
Prepare the Garlic Herb Topping
- Combine Ingredients
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of dried parsley, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush the Biscuits
- Once the biscuits are cut, brush the garlic herb mixture generously over the tops. This will infuse them with that signature Red Lobster flavor.
- Second Brush Before Baking
- For an extra layer of flavor, brush the tops with a second coat of the garlic herb mixture just before they go into the oven.
Bake the Biscuits
- Bake Until Golden
- Place the prepared biscuits in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits have risen.
- Apply Final Butter Coat
- Remove the biscuits from the oven and immediately brush them with the remaining melted butter. This adds richness and keeps them soft.
- Serve Warm
- Let the biscuits cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best texture and flavor.
Tools Needed
To master this Red Lobster Biscuit copycat recipe, here are the essential tools you’ll need in your kitchen:
- Large Mixing Bowl
Perfect for combining dry ingredients and mixing the dough thoroughly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ensures precise measurements for consistent texture and flavor.
- Pastry Cutter or Fork
Helps incorporate the cold butter into the flour without warming it up.
- Rolling Pin or Your Hands
Useful for shaping the dough into a neat rectangle before cutting.
- Baking Sheet
Provides a flat surface for the biscuits to bake evenly.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
Prevents the biscuits from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Pastry Brush
Ideal for applying the garlic herb butter topping smoothly.
- Oven
Preheated to 450°F (232°C) to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing these Red Lobster copycat biscuits ahead of time can save you valuable moments when you crave their warm, buttery goodness. Here’s how I ensure freshness and convenience without compromising on taste:
Freezing the Dough
- Prepare the Dough: Follow the recipe up to the point of shaping the biscuits.
- Shape the Biscuits: Cut the dough into individual biscuit shapes.
- Flash Freeze: Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching.
- Freeze: Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until the biscuits are firm.
- Store: Transfer the frozen biscuits to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date.
| Step | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare Dough | Follow recipe instructions up to shaping. | N/A |
| Shape Biscuits | Cut dough into individual biscuit shapes. | N/A |
| Flash Freeze | Arrange on baking sheet, not touching. | 1-2 hours |
| Store | Transfer to freezer-safe bag/container. | N/A |
Baking from Frozen
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange Biscuits: Place frozen biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush with Topping: Apply the garlic herb butter topping.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Add Final Butter: Brush with melted butter immediately after baking for that signature shine.
Refrigerating the Dough
- Prepare the Dough: Follow the recipe up to the point of shaping the biscuits.
- Shape the Biscuits: Cut the dough into individual biscuit shapes.
- Refrigerate: Place the shaped biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover and Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Bake When Ready: Follow the baking instructions as usual, adding a few extra minutes if baking directly from the refrigerator.
By utilizing these make-ahead techniques, you can enjoy fresh, delicious biscuits anytime with minimal effort.
Serving Suggestions
After mastering these copycat Red Lobster biscuits, I love experimenting with various ways to enjoy them. Here are some of my top serving suggestions:
Classic Buttered Biscuits
Warm the biscuits slightly to enhance their softness. Slice each biscuit in half and spread a generous layer of melted unsalted butter. The rich, creamy butter complements the flaky texture perfectly, creating a comforting and delicious experience.
Garlic Herb Spread
Elevate your biscuits by serving them with a homemade garlic herb spread. Combine softened butter with freshly minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Spread this mixture on the warm biscuits for an extra burst of flavor that adds depth to every bite.
Biscuits with Sausage Gravy
For a hearty breakfast or brunch, pair your biscuits with creamy sausage gravy. Cook your favorite sausage until browned, then create a roux with flour and milk to thicken the gravy. Ladle the savory gravy over the split biscuits, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Seafood Feast Accompaniment
Serve the biscuits alongside your favorite seafood dishes, just like at Red Lobster. Whether it’s shrimp, lobster, or fish, the biscuits act as the perfect vessel for soaking up rich sauces and adding a delightful texture contrast to your meal.
Biscuit Sandwiches
Transform the biscuits into satisfying sandwiches by adding your choice of fillings. Try a classic combination with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese for breakfast, or opt for smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh dill for a sophisticated lunch option.
Sweet Treats
For a sweet twist, serve the biscuits with fruit preserves, honey, or a drizzle of maple syrup. These sweet toppings contrast beautifully with the buttery biscuits, making for a delightful dessert or snack that satisfies any sweet tooth.
Side for Soups and Stews
Enjoy the biscuits as a side to hearty soups and stews. Their soft, fluffy texture is perfect for dipping, allowing you to savor every flavorful spoonful of your favorite comfort foods.
Grilled Biscuit Sliders
Take grilling to the next level by creating biscuit sliders. Grill the biscuits until slightly crispy, then assemble mini burgers with your favorite patties, cheese, and toppings. These sliders are perfect for gatherings and add a unique twist to traditional burgers.
Conclusion
I love how these biscuits come out just like Red Lobster’s. Baking them at home feels rewarding and fills my kitchen with amazing aromas. It’s great to have a go-to recipe that brings comfort and flavor to any meal.
Trying this copycat recipe has become one of my favorite kitchen adventures. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delicious biscuits as much as I do. Happy baking!
