Few recipes bring as much joy and comfort to the table as a warm, golden Cheddar Bay Biscuit Casserole. Inspired by the famous Red Lobster biscuits, this casserole layers the flaky, buttery goodness of cheddar biscuits with savory flavors, creating a dish that is both nostalgic and irresistibly satisfying. Whether you serve it as a side dish for a hearty meal or enjoy it as the star of a family dinner, this casserole guarantees compliments and second helpings.
This recipe is the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence. It transforms simple pantry staples like biscuit mix, cheese, and butter into a show-stopping dish. The casserole is versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for potlucks, holiday feasts, and Sunday gatherings. By the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you need to bake the best Cheddar Bay Biscuit Casserole of your life.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe ?
- Cheesy Comfort Food: Packed with sharp cheddar, melted butter, and herbs.
- Easy Preparation: Uses simple ingredients with minimal prep time.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners, parties, or potlucks.
- Customizable: Add proteins or veggies for a full meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare ahead and bake when ready.
🛒 What Do You Need to Prepare Cheddar Bay Biscuit Casserole?
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose biscuit mix | 2 cups | (like Bisquick or Red Lobster mix) |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 1 ½ cups, shredded | Freshly shredded for best melt |
| Milk | ¾ cup | Whole milk recommended |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | Melted, divided |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Dried parsley | 1 tsp | Or fresh chopped |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | For extra fluffiness |
| Eggs | 2 large | Lightly beaten |
| Sour cream (optional) | ½ cup | Adds creaminess |
| Salt | ½ tsp | To balance flavors |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
👩🍳 How to Make Easy Cheddar Bay Biscuit Casserole Step-by-Step ?
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Biscuit Base
In a large bowl, combine biscuit mix, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in milk, eggs, and sour cream (if using) until a thick batter forms. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Fold in the Cheese
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and gently fold into the batter for even distribution.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with half of the melted butter. Add the remaining batter on top and spread evenly.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Add the Garlic Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the remaining melted butter with parsley and garlic powder. Brush over the casserole while still warm.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm.
🔄 Variations
One of the best things about Cheddar Bay Biscuit Casserole is its adaptability. You can easily turn this side dish into a full meal by adding proteins or veggies. For a heartier option, fold in cooked bacon bits, ham cubes, or shredded chicken before baking. If you’re a seafood lover, adding lump crab meat or small shrimp can transform this casserole into a coastal-inspired main dish.
Vegetarians can enjoy this casserole by incorporating sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor. For a Tex-Mex twist, add diced jalapeños, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the batter.
Cheese lovers can experiment with blends: mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese for different flavor profiles. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and reduce the butter slightly.
You can even make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free biscuit mix and ensuring your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Each variation adds a unique spin, but the classic cheddar-and-garlic foundation keeps the dish cozy and irresistible.
🍳 Cooking Note
Baking this casserole successfully depends on a few key techniques. First, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can make the biscuits dense rather than fluffy. Stir just until the ingredients come together. Second, always shred your cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Timing is also important. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking. Depending on your oven, the top can brown quickly. If it gets too dark, lightly cover it with aluminum foil.
When applying the garlic butter glaze, make sure the casserole is still hot. This allows the butter to seep into the surface, infusing every bite with flavor. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the biscuits soggy.
If freezing, bake the casserole first, cool completely, then wrap tightly. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This makes it perfect for meal prep or holiday planning. With these notes in mind, you’ll consistently bake a casserole that rivals any restaurant dish.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Casserole pairs wonderfully with a wide range of main dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or baked salmon for a comforting dinner spread. For a Southern-style feast, enjoy it with fried chicken, collard greens, and mashed potatoes.
At brunch, this casserole makes a standout side dish. Pair it with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausages, or an omelet station. You can even cut it into small squares and serve it as an appetizer with dips like ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli.
For holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, this casserole can replace traditional dinner rolls, saving time while adding extra flavor. It’s also ideal for potlucks—easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser. Garnish with extra parsley or chives before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Cheese: Always grate your cheddar from a block for the creamiest melt.
- Don’t Overbake: Start checking at 25 minutes to avoid a dry casserole.
- Layering Butter: Drizzling melted butter in between batter layers makes the casserole ultra-moist.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow 5–10 minutes of cooling to let the casserole set for easy cutting.
- Season to Taste: Adjust garlic powder and salt to suit your preference.
- Prep Ahead: Mix the dry ingredients in advance and store in a sealed jar to speed up prep.
- Bake Evenly: Spread the batter evenly in the dish to prevent one side from overcooking.
- Reheat in Oven: Avoid the microwave to maintain crispness—350°F for 10 minutes is ideal.
- Double the Recipe: For large gatherings, make two casseroles side by side.
- Customize Flavor: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill for a gourmet twist.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll elevate a simple recipe into a memorable dish every time.
🧑🍳 Tips for the Best Cheddar Bay Biscuit Casserole
- Balance Flavors: Don’t skimp on garlic—it’s what makes the casserole taste like the famous Red Lobster biscuits.
- Moisture Matters: Adding sour cream ensures tender, fluffy biscuits.
- Golden Top: For extra crunch, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Butter Glaze: Never skip the parsley-garlic butter topping—it’s the signature finish.
- Serve Warm: This casserole tastes best straight out of the oven.
⏱️ Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – approx. 12 servings)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day.
Q2: Can I freeze Cheddar Bay Biscuit Casserole?
Absolutely. Bake, cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F.
Q3: What’s the best cheese substitute?
Monterey Jack or mozzarella work, but sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.
Q4: How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Don’t overbake and be sure to brush with butter immediately after baking.
Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free biscuit mix and verify all ingredients are gluten-free.
🎉 Conclusion
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Casserole is the ultimate comfort food: buttery, cheesy, garlicky, and absolutely irresistible. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and endless customization options, this casserole can be enjoyed as a side dish, appetizer, or even a main course. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal, feeding a crowd at a potluck, or simply craving something cozy on a weeknight, this recipe delivers every single time.
Bake it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen—a dish your family and friends will request again and again.
