Golden, cheesy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft, Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf is a dreamy upgrade from the beloved classic biscuits we all crave. Imagine that familiar buttery flavor with bursts of cheddar, layered into a fluffy loaf that pulls apart effortlessly. It’s got the soul of comfort food with the wow factor of a showstopper bake — an absolute must for brunches, dinner parties, or just a little indulgence on a cozy evening.

This loaf captures everything we love about those iconic biscuits — rich, garlicky, cheesy goodness — but gives it a beautiful, sliceable twist. The exterior has just the right amount of golden crispness, while the inside stays moist and tender with savory pockets of melted cheese and a kiss of herbs. Whether you’re serving it with a bowl of soup, alongside a holiday roast, or on its own with a pat of butter, this loaf never fails to steal the spotlight.

Why You’ll Love This Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf

No biscuit shaping needed: Just layer the dough in a loaf pan and bake — easy and fuss-free.
All the flavor you remember: Buttery, cheesy, garlicky goodness, just like the restaurant favorite.
Incredible texture: Crispy on the outside, airy and tender on the inside.
Perfect for any meal: Brunches, dinners, potlucks, or a quick savory snack.
Crowd-pleasing: Everyone will be asking for the recipe.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf

Making this cheese biscuit loaf is straightforward, but a few essential tools will make your prep seamless and your results flawless:

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two — one for the dry ingredients and one for wet. Using separate bowls helps prevent overmixing, which is key for a fluffy loaf.
Whisk & Spatula: A whisk will evenly blend the dry ingredients, while a spatula helps gently fold everything together without overworking the dough.
Box Grater: Freshly grated cheddar cheese melts better and has more flavor than pre-shredded varieties. A box grater gives you control over the texture.
Loaf Pan (9×5 inch): The star of this bake. It gives the biscuit loaf its iconic height and structure while allowing for even baking.
Pastry Brush: Useful for brushing melted butter or garlic butter on top for that signature Red Lobster finish.
Cooling Rack: Allowing your loaf to cool slightly on a rack prevents a soggy bottom and preserves the crust’s crispness.

Each tool has its purpose, and together they make baking more enjoyable and the results restaurant-worthy.

Preparation Tips

Use cold butter: Just like traditional biscuits, cold butter is key. It creates steam pockets in the oven, which lead to a fluffier texture. You can even freeze and grate the butter for easy distribution.
Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
Layer the dough loosely: This creates those delightful pull-apart layers and helps the loaf rise beautifully.
Check oven temperature: A consistent 375°F (190°C) is crucial. Too hot and the outside will brown before the inside is cooked.
Top it off: A little extra shredded cheddar and chopped parsley before baking gives it that golden, mouthwatering top.

Ingredients for This Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf

To bring that iconic cheesy, garlicky Red Lobster flavor home in loaf form, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s everything you need:

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the dough, gives structure.
1 tablespoon baking powder – Adds lift and fluffiness.
½ teaspoon baking soda – Works with the buttermilk to tenderize.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Essential for that Red Lobster signature taste.
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional) – Adds extra savory depth.
½ teaspoon salt – Balances flavor.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – For a slight kick.

Cold Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Creates that buttery, flaky texture.
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded – The cheesier, the better. Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor.

Wet Ingredients

1 cup buttermilk – Adds tanginess and keeps the loaf tender.
1 large egg – Helps bind the dough and enriches the loaf.

Topping

2 tablespoons melted butter – Brushed on top for shine and extra flavor.
1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley – For that classic green garnish.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder – Mixed with butter for the final touch.

This ingredient list is flexible — you can swap cheeses, play with herbs, or even add crumbled bacon or jalapeños for extra personality.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf

Let’s turn these simple ingredients into a golden, cheesy, pull-apart loaf of biscuit heaven. Follow each step carefully for the perfect texture and flavor.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (if using)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using)

Make sure everything is evenly mixed before adding the butter.

Step 3: Cut in Cold Butter

Add ½ cup cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut or rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.

Tip: You can also use a box grater to grate frozen butter directly into the flour.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Fold in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Distribute it evenly throughout the flour mixture.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg

Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently fold using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix — the dough should be lumpy and sticky.

Step 6: Layer the Dough

Spoon the dough into the prepared loaf pan in layers. Think of it like dolloping pieces on top of each other rather than smoothing into a single mass. This creates the signature pull-apart texture.

Optional: Sprinkle a little extra cheddar and parsley between some layers for a gooey surprise.

Step 7: Bake

Place the pan in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch

While the loaf is still warm, brush the top with 2 tablespoons melted butter mixed with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder and a pinch of parsley.
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

Freshly Grated Cheese Wins: Always go for freshly shredded cheddar. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can interfere with smooth melting and overall texture.
Cold Butter = Flaky Layers: Cold chunks or grated butter help the loaf rise beautifully with distinct fluffy layers. Keep it cold until it hits the oven.
Layering Matters: Instead of pressing the dough flat into the pan, gently layer it in chunks. This creates a pull-apart effect and lets heat circulate for even baking.
Flavor Boosters: Add-ins like chopped chives, crispy bacon bits, or jalapeño slices can take this loaf to the next level if you’re looking to experiment.
Don’t Skip the Butter Topping: The post-bake garlic butter glaze is what gives it that classic Red Lobster appeal — rich, shiny, and packed with flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overmixing the Dough: It’s tempting to keep stirring for a smooth finish, but that will result in a tough loaf. Mix just until no dry flour remains.
Using Warm Butter: If your butter isn’t cold, the dough won’t steam properly during baking, and the texture will fall flat.
Overbaking: Check around the 40-minute mark. Overbaking dries out the interior and can make the cheese chewy instead of melty.
Not Preheating the Oven: This loaf needs an immediate blast of heat to rise correctly. An underheated oven will lead to a dense texture.
Skipping the Resting Time After Baking: Letting the loaf cool for 10–15 minutes helps everything settle and slice cleanly.
Uneven Cheese Distribution: Fold cheese gently but thoroughly to avoid cheese clumps or bare spots in the loaf.

What to Serve With Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf

This loaf is delicious enough to enjoy on its own, but pairing it with the right dishes can elevate your meal into something unforgettable. Its garlicky, cheesy richness complements a variety of mains, sides, and soups — from light and fresh to bold and hearty.

8 Recommendations:

1. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Dip a thick slice right into a warm, velvety bowl. The acidity from the tomatoes balances the loaf’s rich, buttery flavor.

2. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

The bright citrus cuts through the savory cheese and garlic, making each bite feel lighter and more dynamic.

3. Southern-Style Collard Greens

A comforting Southern combo — the loaf soaks up the flavorful pot liquor like a charm.

4. Shrimp Scampi or Garlic Butter Shrimp

Seafood and garlic cheddar bread? Yes, please. It’s like bringing Red Lobster home, course by course.

5. Chili (Beef or Veggie)

This loaf pairs beautifully with bold, spicy chili. Use it to scoop or simply serve on the side.

6. Eggs and Breakfast Hash

For a brunch twist, serve with scrambled eggs, crispy potatoes, and bacon. It becomes the star of your breakfast spread.

7. Garden Salad with Vinaigrette

Keep things light with a crisp salad — the acidity of the dressing balances out the richness of the loaf.

8. Roasted Veggie Platter

A colorful medley of roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers pairs perfectly with warm slices of cheesy bread.

Storage Instructions

Whether you’re prepping ahead or savoring leftovers, Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh without losing that irresistible texture:

Room Temperature

Store the loaf in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To refresh, warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes, or pop them in the toaster oven for crispy edges.

Refrigerator

For longer storage, refrigerate the loaf tightly wrapped for up to 5 days.
Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven to maintain that biscuit-like texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crust.

Freezer

You can freeze individual slices or the whole loaf:
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temp for a few hours, then reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warm throughout.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Slice, Based on 10 Slices)

Keep in mind these are approximate values and may vary depending on added ingredients like bacon or different cheeses.

Calories: 230
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 370mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 7g

This loaf leans indulgent, but every bite is worth it — and it’s easy to pair with lighter dishes if you’re balancing your plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this biscuit loaf without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, make a quick substitute: mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

2. Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of freshly grated?

Technically yes, but freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that affect the final result.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

4. How do I keep the loaf from getting soggy on the bottom?

Cool it on a wire rack after baking to let moisture escape. Also, avoid overmixing the batter and ensure the oven is fully preheated for an even bake.

5. Is this loaf spicy with the cayenne pepper?

Not at all — the ¼ teaspoon adds just a subtle warmth. Feel free to omit it or add more if you prefer a kick.

6. Can I prep this loaf in advance?

Yes! Mix and layer the dough in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temp before baking the next day.

7. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Definitely. Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even Gruyère for a fun twist. You can also mix cheese types for more flavor complexity.

8. What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

You can use a muffin tin or bake it free-form like drop biscuits on a baking sheet. Adjust the baking time accordingly — usually 18–22 minutes for muffins.

Conclusion

Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf is the ultimate comfort bake — warm, cheesy, and full of nostalgic flavor. It’s got everything you love about the classic biscuits, transformed into a golden, sliceable loaf that’s perfect for sharing (or not). Whether you’re making it for Sunday brunch, weeknight dinner, or a cozy treat with a bowl of soup, this loaf is always a hit. With a little layering magic and the right ingredients, you’ll have a bakery-worthy bread that brings smiles to every table.