Cheddar Bay Biscuit Loaf

The Cheddar Bay Biscuit Loaf is a showstopping twist on a beloved restaurant classic. Inspired by Red Lobster’s iconic biscuits, this recipe transforms the addictive cheesy, garlicky flavor into a sliceable loaf that’s perfect for sharing. Moist on the inside, golden on the outside, and bursting with melted cheddar and buttery garlic, this loaf makes the ideal sidekick to soups, salads, or your favorite dinner entrées.

Not only is it outrageously flavorful, but it also skips the need for biscuit cutting or shaping just mix, pour, and bake. It’s a foolproof recipe even beginners can tackle confidently. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just when you’re craving a cheesy, savory indulgence at home. One slice and you’ll understand why this loaf never lasts long on the table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder (for topping)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and sugar.

3. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.

4. Pour in the buttermilk and melted butter. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.

5. Transfer the thick batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.

7. While the loaf bakes, melt the remaining butter and stir in garlic powder and parsley.

8. Brush the garlic butter over the hot loaf as soon as it comes out of the oven.

9. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 8 slices

Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits are the stuff of legend. Pillowy, cheesy, garlicky, and perfectly golden, they’ve become a household name for biscuit lovers across the world. But now, imagine all that flavor in a single, sliceable loaf that you can whip up at home in no time. Introducing the Red Lobster-Style Cheddar Bay Biscuit Loaf  a comforting, crowd-pleasing bake that’s as versatile as it is irresistible.

The Origins of Cheddar Bay Biscuit Magic

Originally introduced in the 1990s by Red Lobster as an alternative to hush puppies, Cheddar Bay Biscuits quickly grew into a fan favorite and a hallmark of the brand. With their tender texture, rich cheddar cheese, and a signature garlicky butter glaze, these biscuits turned a simple dinner roll into a destination.

This loaf variation pays homage to those same flavors, but it reimagines the format in a much simpler and more home-baker-friendly way. Instead of shaping individual biscuits, this recipe uses a quick bread technique  all the flavors are mixed and baked in one pan, delivering the same bold experience with even less effort.

Why This Loaf is the Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s something about buttery, cheesy baked goods that brings instant comfort. The Cheddar Bay Biscuit Loaf delivers on every front:

• Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheddar is dispersed throughout every bite.
• Garlicky Bliss: A garlic-butter glaze adds mouthwatering aroma and flavor.
• Soft Interior with Crisp Edges: The contrast in textures is incredibly satisfying.
• Easy to Make: No yeast, no kneading, and no biscuit cutting just mix, pour, and bake.

It’s the kind of side dish that could easily steal the spotlight from your main course.

Perfect for All Occasions

Whether you’re serving a hearty chili on a cold evening or hosting a holiday feast, this biscuit loaf fits in effortlessly. Its beautiful golden crust and aroma are enough to draw a crowd. Slice it thick for dunking into stews, pair it with salads, or serve it as a snack all on its own.

It’s especially perfect for:

• Potlucks and family dinners
• Holiday tables
• Brunch spreads
• Weekend comfort meals
• Quick weeknight sides

What Makes This Recipe Stand Out

The Cheddar Bay Biscuit Loaf stands apart from other bread recipes thanks to a few defining features:

• Buttermilk Base: The tangy richness of buttermilk gives the loaf an ultra-soft texture and depth of flavor.
• Sharp Cheddar: The robust taste of sharp cheddar ensures every bite is loaded with savory satisfaction.
• Garlic Butter Glaze: The final brush of garlic-parsley butter gives the loaf an aromatic finish and shiny, bakery-style crust.
• No Yeast or Rise Time: This is a quick bread, which means you don’t need to wait for it to rise. It goes from bowl to oven in minutes.

Health and Nutrition Considerations

While this loaf isn’t exactly low-calorie, it’s packed with protein from the cheese and can be adapted to suit various diets. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Calorie Content: One slice (1/8th of the loaf) is around 310 calories.
• Customizable: Use reduced-fat cheddar, plant-based buttermilk, or even gluten-free flour for dietary adjustments.
• Portion Control: Because the loaf is so rich, even a small slice is deeply satisfying.

Tips for Success When Baking

Here are some pro tips to make sure your Cheddar Bay Biscuit Loaf turns out bakery-perfect:

• Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined to keep the loaf tender.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect melting. Freshly grated cheddar is best.
• Let it Cool Slightly: Although it’s tempting to cut it fresh out of the oven, allowing the loaf to rest for 10-15 minutes will improve sliceability and texture.
• Use Fresh Parsley: For the glaze, fresh parsley gives a burst of color and flavor that dried simply can’t match.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy garlic loaf is incredibly versatile. Here are some pairing ideas:

• Serve with Soup: Especially great with tomato basil, broccoli cheddar, or clam chowder.
• Alongside Grilled or Roasted Meats: Complements steak, baked chicken, and seafood.
• Add to Brunch: Pair with eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a savory twist on traditional breakfast.
• Cut into Cubes for Dipping: Works great with cheese dips or creamy spinach artichoke dip.
• Use as a Sandwich Base: Slice thick pieces and layer with ham, eggs, or turkey for a unique sandwich experience.

Popular Variations to Try

Looking to switch things up? Here are a few delicious variations:

• Add Cooked Bacon: For a smoky touch, mix in crumbled cooked bacon.
• Make it Spicy: Add finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use Different Cheeses: Try a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Pepper Jack.
• Make Muffins: Turn the batter into savory muffins by portioning it into a muffin tin bake for about 18–22 minutes.
• Herb Infusion: Add chopped chives, rosemary, or thyme to enhance the aroma and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This loaf stores well and can be reheated for future enjoyment:

• Room Temperature: Keep covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes or microwave with a damp paper towel for 30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this loaf ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake it a day in advance and reheat before serving. The glaze can be applied fresh after reheating.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
While you can use milk, buttermilk provides a tender texture and tangy flavor. For a substitute, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar.

Can I make this loaf gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum.

What type of cheddar is best?
Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor impact, but mild or white cheddar work well too.

How do I know when the loaf is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center if it comes out clean, the loaf is ready.

Conclusion

The Red Lobster-Style Cheddar Bay Biscuit Loaf is more than just a bread  it’s an experience. It brings together the beloved flavors of cheesy biscuits and packs them into an easy-to-make loaf that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes: flavor, ease, versatility, and presentation.

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can bring restaurant-quality bread right into your kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again  for holidays, weeknights, or just because. Slice it thick, serve it warm, and watch it disappear.