Name: Red Lobster's Cheese Biscuit Loaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484985H12M31S
Total time: PT-484985H12M31S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing); 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for topping)

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A soft, fluffy loaf of cheesy goodness inspired by Red Lobster's famous cheddar bay biscuits, perfect for any meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cheese Biscuit Loaf transforms the beloved Red Lobster biscuits into a convenient, sliceable loaf that brings the same amazing flavors in a new format. It's incredibly easy to make with basic pantry ingredients, requiring no yeast or complicated techniques. The combination of sharp cheddar and garlic creates that instantly recognizable flavor profile that's both comforting and impressive. Whether served alongside soup, as a sandwich base, or simply enjoyed warm with butter, this loaf delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour forms the foundation of this loaf, providing structure while maintaining a tender crumb that mimics the softness of the original biscuits.

Baking powder is the leavening agent responsible for the beautiful rise and fluffy texture, eliminating the need for yeast in this quick bread recipe.

Garlic powder infuses the bread with that distinctive savory flavor that made the original biscuits famous, distributing evenly throughout the loaf for consistent taste in every bite.

Salt enhances all the flavors in the bread and balances the richness of the cheese and butter.

Sharp cheddar cheese is the star ingredient, creating pockets of melty goodness throughout the loaf and contributing that iconic flavor. For best results, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

Milk adds moisture and richness to the loaf while activating the baking powder for proper rise.

Unsalted butter brings richness and that distinctive biscuit-like quality to the bread. Using unsalted allows you to control the salt content precisely.

Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's structure and tender texture.

Dried parsley adds a subtle herbaceous note and visual appeal that echoes the signature look of the restaurant biscuits.

Additional butter and garlic powder create that irresistible brushed topping that gives the loaf its aromatic finish and extra flavor boost.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients and mix until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the loaf is baking, melt the additional butter and stir in the garlic powder.
Once the loaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and brush the top with the garlic butter mixture.
Let the loaf cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 generous servings, making it perfect for family meals or small gatherings. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake, with a total time of 45-50 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 220 calories, offering a satisfying addition to any meal without being overly heavy.

Variations

Herb and Cheese Loaf: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to the batter for an aromatic twist.

Spicy Cheddar Loaf: Incorporate ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1 diced jalapeño (seeds removed) for a kick of heat.

Mediterranean Style: Add ¼ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of chopped olives for a Mediterranean flair.

Cheese Blend Loaf: Replace half the cheddar with another melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Onion Cheddar Loaf: Mix in 2 tablespoons of dried minced onion or ¼ cup freshly sautéed onions for added depth.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (the texture may differ slightly).

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature Storage: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the bread in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for convenience, placing parchment paper between slices before wrapping in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or placing in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating: To restore that fresh-baked taste and texture, reheat individual slices in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through. For a whole or partial loaf, wrap in aluminum foil and heat in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds, though this may slightly affect the texture.

Refreshing: For day-old bread that's losing its moisture, lightly sprinkle with water before reheating in the oven, or brush with a little melted butter before warming to revive its flavor and softness.

FAQs

Why did my loaf turn out dense instead of fluffy?

Overmixing the batter can develop too much gluten, resulting in a dense loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and accept some small lumps in the batter. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh—it loses potency over time and should be replaced every 6-12 months.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

While pre-shredded cheese will work, freshly grated cheese is recommended. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect both melting properties and moisture content. Grating your own cheddar will give you a meltier, more flavorful result.

Is there a way to make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with ½ cup of plain yogurt or ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce plus ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. The texture may be slightly different, but the loaf will still be delicious.

Can I make this in a different pan shape?

Absolutely! This batter works well in muffin tins (bake for 18-22 minutes), mini loaf pans (25-30 minutes), or even as drop biscuits on a baking sheet (15-18 minutes). Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

My bread is browning too quickly in the oven. What should I do?

If the top is browning too fast while the inside remains uncooked, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time. This will prevent the top from burning while allowing the center to finish baking.

Can I add other mix-ins like olives or sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes! Additional mix-ins work well, but keep the total amount to about ½ cup and ensure they're well-drained and patted dry to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.

Why does my bread crack on the top when baking?

A crack on top is actually normal for quick breads like this one! It happens as the top sets while the inside continues to rise. It's a sign of a good rise and doesn't affect the flavor or texture.

How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?

The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter). The internal temperature should reach about 200°F (93°C) if you're using a thermometer.

Can I reduce the amount of butter to make this healthier?

You can reduce the butter by up to ¼, but keep in mind that this will affect both flavor and texture. Consider replacing some butter with Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture.

Is there a lactose-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can use lactose-free milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative designed for melting. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the structure of the bread should remain similar.

Conclusion

This Red Lobster-inspired Cheese Biscuit Loaf brings the beloved restaurant favorite into your home kitchen in a convenient, sliceable form. Perfect for everything from casual family dinners to special gatherings, this loaf combines the comfort of homemade bread with the irresistible appeal of cheesy, garlicky goodness. The straightforward preparation makes it accessible even to novice bakers, while the impressive results will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with the suggested variations, this versatile loaf is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection—bringing a touch of restaurant magic to your everyday meals.