Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits are an easy Red Lobster copycat recipe made with almond flour, cheddar cheese, and garlic for a quick homemade drop biscuit. These cheesy gluten-free biscuits are ready in under 30 minutes and make the perfect side dish or savory snack.
These Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a quick and easy homemade copycat inspired by the famous Red Lobster biscuits everyone loves. They are cheesy, buttery, garlicky, and ready in under 30 minutes, all while being made with almond flour instead of regular flour. If you are craving a warm drop biscuit but need a gluten-free option, this recipe absolutely hits the spot.
These biscuits are not an exact replica of the original Red Lobster version since those are made with all-purpose flour (for a closer replica with flour, try these Garlic Cheese Biscuits). That said, these almond flour Cheddar Bay Biscuits are still incredibly delicious in their own way. They have a slightly different texture, but they deliver all the flavor you expect from a cheesy garlic biscuit.
These gluten-free biscuits are simple to make and use easy-to-find ingredients. Almond flour has become much more common in grocery stores, but you can always order it online if needed. I have only tested this recipe with almond flour, so I cannot guarantee results with other gluten-free flours.
These biscuits are best enjoyed the same day they are baked, but leftovers will keep for a few days. They are also great sliced in half and toasted for a mini breakfast or sandwich biscuits. The recipe makes six smaller biscuits, but you can also make four larger ones, depending on how you want to serve them.
What Are Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a drop biscuit-style bread inspired by Red Lobster’s iconic cheddar garlic biscuits. This version uses almond flour instead of traditional flour, making them naturally gluten-free and lower-carb than classic biscuits.
Instead of rolling or cutting dough, these biscuits are simply scooped and baked, which makes them quick and beginner-friendly. The cheddar cheese, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and parsley give them that familiar Cheddar Bay flavor.
What I Love About This Recipe
- I love how fast these biscuits come together. From start to finish, they are ready in about 25 minutes.
- They are made with simple ingredients and no complicated steps.
- The flavor is bold and savory, with plenty of cheesy garlic goodness.
- They work well as a side dish, snack, or even split and toasted for mini sandwiches.
- They are a great gluten-free option when you want something warm and comforting.
Equipment You May Need
- Baking Sheet – A standard baking sheet works well for these drop biscuits.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing Bowl – A medium mixing bowl is all you need for the dough.
- Pastry Blender or Knives – Used to cut the cold butter into the almond flour mixture.
- Ice Cream Scoop or Spoon – Makes forming evenly sized biscuits easy.
(Full printable recipe card is at the bottom of the post.)
Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits Ingredients
- Almond Flour – Use a finely ground almond flour for the best texture. Almond meal is more coarse and may change the results.
- Dried Parsley – Adds classic Cheddar Bay flavor and color.
- Old Bay Seasoning – Gives the biscuits a subtle savory seasoning similar to the original.
- Baking Powder – Helps the biscuits rise slightly.
- Garlic Powder – Adds garlic flavor throughout the biscuit.
- Salted Butter – Cold butter is cut into the dough, and melted butter is brushed on top for flavor.
- Egg – Helps bind the dough together.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar works best for bold flavor, but other cheeses can be used.
How to Make Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Step One: Preheat
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick mat.
Step Two: Mix Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the almond flour, dried parsley, Old Bay seasoning, baking powder, and garlic powder until well combined. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles small crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until combined.
Step Three: Form Biscuits
Using a scoop or spoon, form six small biscuits or four larger biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press each one into a thick round shape. Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter.
Step Four: Bake
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes for smaller biscuits, or 15 to 20 minutes for larger biscuits, until golden brown around the edges.
(Full detailed directions are in printable recipe card at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these biscuits warm straight from the oven.
- They are perfect alongside soups, salads, seafood (like this Garlic Butter Salmon), or roasted vegetables.
- Slice them in half and toast for mini breakfast sandwiches.
- Serve with extra melted butter or a drizzle of garlic butter on top.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use finely ground almond flour, not almond meal.
- Cold butter helps create a better texture, so do not skip that step.
- These biscuits are best enjoyed the day they are baked, but they do keep for a few days if you have some leftover.
- If you prefer, you can mix the seasonings into the melted butter and brush it on after baking instead of adding them to the dough.
Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits FAQ
How should I store the biscuits?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for a few days longer.
Can I freeze the biscuits?
You can freeze the baked biscuits, but the texture may change slightly when reheated.
How long will the biscuits last?
About two days at room temperature or a few more days in the refrigerator.
Substitutions?
Any shredded cheese will work, but sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
You can use a low-fat cheese, but be sure to use one that bakes well.
What else can I add to this recipe?
You can add your favorite herbs and spices to the dough or butter on top.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – This would be a tough one to make vegan, but you can try using vegan ingredients for the egg, butter, and cheese.
Vegetarian – It’s vegetarian. Be sure to check individual brands/products just to be sure.
Low-Carb – The biscuits are fairly low-carb on their own.
Gluten-Free – Yes, the recipe is gluten-free.
Almond Flour Recipes:
Looking for more almond flour recipes? Take your pick of some of my favorites…
- Almond Flour Banana Bread
- Easy Almond Flour Muffins
- Mini Almond Flour Chocolate Cakes
- Tropical Almond Flour Mango Muffins
- Almond Flour Pancakes
- Almond Flour Pizza Crust
- Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Almond Flour Brownies
Hope you enjoy!
Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups almond flour
- 1 teaspoon crushed dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons salted cold butter cubed + 2 tablespoons melted salted butter, divided
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick mats.
- In medium mixing bowl, mix together almond flour, parsley, Old Bay, baking powder, and garlic powder until well combined. Cut in 2 tablespoons of cold butter with 2 butter knifes or pastry blender until small crumbs form. Mix in beaten egg, then shredded cheese.
- Using a scoop or spoon, form 6 small balls (or 4 large) and place on prepared baking sheet. press down gently to form round thick biscuit shape. Brush tops with melted butter.
- Bake 6 biscuits at 350 degrees F for 12-15 minutes (or 15-20 minutes for larger biscuits) or until golden brown around edges.
Notes
Nutrition:
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
About Lisa Huff
Lisa Huff is a Cookbook Author, Freelance Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, Blogger/Writer, and award-winning home chef. She loves creating unique recipes from healthy to decadent including cocktails, appetizers, main dishes, dessert recipes and more and has appeared on various shows, publications, and websites.
How can I make these without the cheese or substitute something for it? Cannot do dairy… thanks so much!!
How about a vegan cheese? or perhaps goats cheese?
Sorry, I’m not very familiar with vegan cheese. You can definitely try any cheese you have baked with before and that holds up well.
Does anyone know the nutritional information on these biscuits???
You can use an online calculator but they’re not always reliable and things can be quite different depending on specific brands. I’d suggest calculating yourself based on brands you have and you can reference the nutritional info of each product on Amazon, Peapod, etc.
Lisa, these biscuits look amazing. Mmmm, And I love that they are gluten-free AND low carb which is an important thing in my house. Consider these pinned! Also, thank you for linking to my post for Crispy Almond Crackers.
Thanks Kim!