If you love the irresistible charm of classic cheddar bay biscuits and have a soft spot for fresh seafood flavors, then you are absolutely going to adore this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe. Imagine biting into a warm, cheesy biscuit with a delightful surprise of savory crab filling, all enhanced by a luscious lemon butter glaze that adds the perfect zesty finish. This dish isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a showstopper that brings bold, comforting, and upscale taste to your table in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each item plays a key role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and that golden color that makes these biscuits so enticing.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The essential base for tender, fluffy biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps create that light, airy biscuit texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds a bit of lift and softness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory warmth throughout the dough.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all flavors.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for that rich, cheesy bite.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Creates flakiness and buttery goodness.
- ¾ cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess while tenderizing the dough.
- 1 large egg (beaten): Binds and enriches the biscuit dough.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional): For a fresh green finish.
- 8 oz lump crab meat: The star of the show – fresh and shell-free for delicate bites.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the crab filling.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the crab mixture.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: Classic seafood seasoning kick.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Highlights the crab’s natural sweetness with citrusy zip.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives: Adds mild oniony freshness to the filling.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): For the luscious lemon butter glaze.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Boosts the glaze’s brightness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Complements the lemon butter with savory notes.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the glaze perfectly.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper — this makes cleanup a breeze. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl. Then, cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is key to achieving those flaky layers you want in every biscuit. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese to distribute that irresistible cheesy flavor throughout.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine
Next, add the buttermilk and beaten egg to your dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined — be careful not to overwork the dough, or you’ll risk denser biscuits. The buttermilk’s tang and moisture help keep these biscuits soft with a tender crumb.
Step 3: Prepare the Crab Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the lump crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and chopped chives. Mix until everything is well incorporated. This creamy, tangy mix will be the terrific surprise inside each biscuit, bringing the fresh taste of the sea with a little kick.
Step 4: Shape and Stuff the Biscuits
Grab about 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough and flatten it in your hand. Spoon roughly 1 tablespoon of the crab filling into the center. Carefully fold the dough over, sealing the crab filling inside by pinching the edges tightly. Place each stuffed biscuit seam side down on your prepared baking sheet. These little packages are ready for their golden transformation!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the biscuits in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. While baking, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to create your lemon butter glaze.
Step 6: Finish with Lemon Butter Glaze
Once the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the lemon butter mixture. For an extra touch of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top if you like. The lemon butter adds that final burst of brightness that elevates these biscuits to a whole new level of deliciousness.
How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a clean, herbaceous contrast to the richness of the biscuits. For some added flair, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a lemon wedge on the side offers a beautiful presentation and punch of flavor.
Side Dishes
This Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. You could also serve it alongside a bowl of hearty seafood chowder or a fresh tomato and cucumber salad for a light, refreshing complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider stacking these biscuits in a pyramid shape on a wooden board with small bowls of extra lemon butter or cocktail sauce for dipping. They also make fantastic sliders by slicing them and adding a leaf of lettuce or a thin slice of avocado for a more substantial appetizer or brunch item.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed warm, so the crab filling stays tender and the biscuits remain soft and flavorful.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the unbaked stuffed biscuits on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can keep fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed biscuits in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the biscuits soggy and the crab filling less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use crab imitation meat for this recipe?
While imitation crab can work in a pinch, lump crab meat really shines in this recipe for its natural flavor and texture. Using real crab enhances the overall taste, making the dish feel fresh and authentic.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just keep in mind that texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Is there a way to make these spicier?
Absolutely! Adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the crab filling or sprinkling a little chili powder on top before baking will give these biscuits a delightful kick without overpowering their flavor.
Do I have to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk is key for moisture and tanginess, but if you don’t have any, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to ¾ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I prepare the crab filling in advance?
Yes, you can mix the crab filling a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before stuffing the biscuits for easier handling and better flavor melding.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking something that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and delivers incredible flavor in every bite. This Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe is sure to become your new favorite, impressing friends and family with its perfect balance of cheesy biscuit goodness and fresh, zesty crab indulgence. Give it a try, and watch as these little bundles of joy disappear right off the plate!
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Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 stuffed biscuits 1x
Description
Delight in these Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter, a perfect blend of fluffy, cheesy biscuits filled with savory crab meat and a zesty blend of seasonings. Brushed with a luscious lemon garlic butter, these biscuits are a scrumptious seafood appetizer inspired by classic American flavors, ideal for gatherings or a special treat.
Ingredients
Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Crab Filling
- 8 oz lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Lemon Butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the biscuits don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Prepare Biscuit Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk and beaten egg to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make biscuits tough.
- Make Crab Filling: In a separate bowl, combine lump crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and chopped fresh chives until well mixed and seasoned.
- Form Stuffed Biscuits: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough and flatten it in your hand. Place one tablespoon of the crab filling in the center, then carefully fold the dough around it, sealing the edges to fully encase the filling.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the stuffed biscuits seam side down on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Prepare Lemon Butter: While the biscuits bake, mix melted butter with fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to create a flavorful brush-on topping.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, generously brush the warm biscuits with lemon butter and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the crab filling before stuffing.
- These biscuits are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to retain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
