Cheddar Bay Biscuits

I can't believe I have not made these yet. I used to LOVE these when we had a Red Lobster near us. I've seen recipes for imitations and just never really glanced them over. That is, until yesterday, when I decided to read one and found out how ridiculously easy it is to make them. I could make them anytime I wanted, considering that it's all pantry staples other than the buttermilk and some shredded cheddar (which is usually something I always have on hand anyways). Now, I know it's 3:40 in the afternoon, but I figured I could make them ahead for dinner (steak tips, carrots and rice)...(something Dan would eat every day of the year if he could).

I see commercials for Red Lobster all of the time, and really have no idea where the closest one is since the one near us in New Hampshire closed many moons ago. Every time I see a commercial I think of these biscuits. I don't remember exactly what they taste like, but they were heaven, and these are pretty bleeping good too. Yes, that's right, before I sealed them up to save them for dinner I tried one. What kind of food blogger/novice chef would I be if I didn't sample my wares???

Now I just have to try not to sample another one. You know, just to see if the second's as good as the first...

Cheddar Bay Biscuits
from Wishes N Dishes

Biscuits:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp sugar
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (I used slightly less than this)
About 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, I used a cheddar blend
1/2 cup melted unsalted  butter, cooled for 5 minutes
1 cup cold buttermilk

Topping:
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tsp fresh)

1. Preheat oven to 475.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Mix in the cheddar.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the buttermilk and melted butter until small clumps form.
5. Add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula until a soft sticky dough forms and there are no dry ingredients remaining.
6. Use a greased 1/4 cup measuring cup to spoon dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes.
7. As they are baking, mix together the topping ingredients. When biscuits come out of the oven, immediately brush them with the butter mix. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

**Can be stored for a few days in an air-tight container at room temperature. Makes 12 biscuits.

 

*** Note: Though they looked burnt, the bottoms didn't burn. That's from me moving the dough around before baking, leaving some residue that burnt.