Cheesy Garlic Loaf

This filling cheese bread loaf brings all the amazing taste of those famous Red Lobster biscuits straight to your home table in an easy-to-slice form. That mix of tangy cheddar and buttery garlic creates that unforgettable flavor combo that'll have everyone reaching for another piece.

I whipped this loaf up during a blizzard when we couldn't make it to our go-to seafood place. Now my family asks for it every week, and honestly, they swear it tastes better than the restaurant version when it's fresh from the oven with butter slowly melting on each slice.

What You'll Need

• Biscuit mix: such as Bisquick makes the ideal foundation, giving you soft texture without any fuss
• Cold water: makes sure the dough stays moist while keeping just the right thickness
• Shredded cheddar cheese: adds that trademark flavor - go for sharp cheddar to get the most authentic taste
• Melted butter: gives that wonderful richness and spreads garlicky goodness through every bite
• Garlic powder: creates that classic Red Lobster taste profile, try using fresh for even tastier results
• Dried parsley flakes: bring a touch of green and herby flavor to cut through the richness

Tasty Preparation Steps

Warm Up Your Kitchen:

Get your oven going at 375°F and butter your loaf pan completely. Don't skip greasing it well since this cheesy mixture tends to stick. I always use butter for greasing because it adds extra flavor to the outside crust.

Mix Everything Up:

Throw the biscuit mix, cold water, and cheese into a big bowl. Stir until just mixed together - too much mixing will make your bread tough. You want the dough sticky but workable. If it feels too dry, add water one spoonful at a time.

Into The Oven:

Spoon your mixture into the buttered pan, pushing it gently into all the corners so it bakes evenly. Don't worry about making the top smooth - those little bumps will turn golden brown. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, and check it at 25 by sticking a toothpick in the middle.

Whip Up The Topping:

While it's baking, stir together your melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl. Let it sit so all those flavors can mix together properly. For more taste, try adding a tiny bit of salt to your butter mixture.

Add The Finishing Touch:

As soon as you take the loaf out of the oven, brush all that garlic butter mix over the top. Use it all up - it'll soak into the hot bread making little pockets of garlicky deliciousness. The heat from the bread helps those flavors sink in deeply.

Get Ready To Enjoy:

Let your loaf sit in the pan for 10 minutes exactly - this keeps it from breaking apart when you take it out. Then move it to a wire rack until it's just cool enough to handle without burning yourself. This bread tastes way better when it's still warm.

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What I love most about this bread is how the outside gets a bit crunchy while the middle stays soft and moist. It always reminds me of dinners at my grandma's house, where bread wasn't just a side but a main attraction. She always told me good bread can turn even the plainest soup into something special.

Keeping It Fresh

This bread stays good on your counter for about 2 days if you wrap it up tight in plastic or put it in a sealed container. If you need longer, stick it in the fridge for up to 5 days, though it really tastes best in the first couple days. To make day-old slices taste fresh again, stick them in your toaster or warm them up quickly in the oven with a tiny sprinkle of water to bring back moisture.

Ways To Switch It Up

The standard recipe tastes great as is, but you can easily change it to suit what you like. Try throwing in some cooked bacon bits for a smoky taste. Play around with different cheeses - mixing cheddar with Gruyère makes an amazing combo. If you want some heat, add a dash of cayenne to your dough or mix in some finely chopped jalapeños.

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What To Eat It With

This handy loaf goes perfectly with thick soups like clam chowder or tomato bisque for that at-home seafood restaurant feel. It also makes great sandwiches - cut thick slices, toast them a bit, then add whatever fillings you love. For a fancy starter, cut the bread into chunks, toast them lightly, and serve with spinach or crab dip.

Where Red Lobster Biscuits Came From

Red Lobster started serving their famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits back in 1992, and they quickly became so popular that people would come in just for the bread. They were first called "freshly baked, hot cheese garlic bread" but got renamed after the made-up Cheddar Bay to create a coastal vibe. This loaf version captures all those beloved flavors while giving you a new way to enjoy this restaurant favorite at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the best way to keep the loaf from sticking?

Rub butter or spray a good layer of non-stick coating on your pan before adding the mix. You can also lay parchment paper inside for an easier cleanup.

→ Can I swap cheddar with another cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar steals the spotlight, try mixing it up with something like Jack cheese, Gruyère, or even a blend for a twist.

→ What goes well with this garlic loaf?

Pair it up with soups, serve alongside salads, or make it a sidekick to roasted meats. Honestly, it’s tasty just on its own too!

→ Can I freeze it to use later?

Totally. Wrap it up tight with plastic wrap first, then foil, and pop it in the freezer. Heat it up in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

→ How long will it stay good?

If you seal it in an airtight container, you’ll have about 3 good days at room temp. Pop it in the freezer or fridge if you need to store it longer.