These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a mouthwatering treat! Fluffy biscuits are filled with delicious crab mix and topped with a zesty lemon butter that makes them extra special.
Oh boy, these biscuits are a game changer! Perfect for parties or just a cozy snack at home. I love serving them fresh out of the oven—there’s nothing better than that warm, cheesy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This is the base for the biscuits. You can use whole wheat flour for a denser texture or a gluten-free blend if needed.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a fantastic flavor. If you want a different taste, try Gruyère or a blend of cheeses.
Crab Meat: Lump crab is the best for texture. If you’re on a budget, imitation crab works, but the flavor won’t be the same. You can also use shrimp or even a veggie mix for a twist.
Buttermilk: It adds richness. If you don’t have any, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Fluffy Biscuits?
Getting those biscuits perfectly fluffy comes down to a few techniques. First, don’t overmix the dough; this can make it tough.
- Use cold butter—it helps create flaky layers. Cut it into the flour mixture until it’s crumbly, like sand.
- When you add the buttermilk, stir just until combined. Overworking the dough is a common mistake!
- Use a light hand when forming biscuits; simply pat them into shape instead of rolling out.
Lastly, bake them until golden and puffed, around 12-15 minutes. Letting them cool slightly before serving will help keep them soft!
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk (cold)
For the Crab Filling:
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, lump or claw, picked through for shells
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Butter Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- Zest of 1 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes of preparation time and around 15 minutes of baking time. You’ll have these tasty Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits ready to enjoy in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crab Filling:
In a medium bowl, gently mix together the crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chopped chives, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Combine everything until it’s well mixed but still chunky. Set this tasty mixture aside.
2. Make the Biscuit Dough:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, parsley flakes, salt, baking soda, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Next, use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now, pour the cold buttermilk into the mixture and stir gently until the dough just comes together. Remember, do not overmix—this will help keep your biscuits fluffy!
4. Form the Biscuits:
Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough, patting it gently into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Using a round biscuit cutter (about 2.5 to 3 inches), cut out your biscuits. Then, flatten each round, place about 1 tablespoon of the crab filling in the center, fold the dough over, and pinch the edges to seal the biscuit completely.
5. Bake the Biscuits:
Place the stuffed biscuits seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top.
6. Prepare the Lemon Butter:
While the biscuits are baking, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, parsley flakes, and lemon zest in a small bowl.
7. Brush and Serve:
As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the lemon butter mixture. Serve them warm, and enjoy your amazing Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with a side of extra lemon butter for dipping if you’d like!
FAQ for Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
Can I Use Fresh Crab Instead of Canned or Imitation?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat will give your biscuits a nice sweet flavor and a great texture. Just make sure to pick through it carefully to remove any shells before mixing with other filling ingredients.
Can I Make These Biscuits Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour. Just ensure that the blend contains a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to help the biscuits hold together.
How Do I Store Leftover Biscuits?
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Make the Crab Filling Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the crab filling up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to make the biscuits, gently fold it into the dough as directed.
