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When you want a show-stopping appetizer that combines flaky, buttery biscuits with a luscious seafood surprise, look no further than this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. Each biscuit bursts with sharp cheddar goodness on the outside, giving way to a creamy, flavorful crab filling that feels like a little coastal vacation in every bite. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors that’s sure to impress any guest or simply elevate your snack game on a quiet evening at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look familiar, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. From the tangy buttermilk that creates tender dough to the fresh crab that adds rich, oceanic flavor, this combination is all about simplicity meeting irresistible taste.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your biscuit dough, providing structure and that tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives your biscuits that wonderful rise and fluffiness.
- Baking soda: Works with buttermilk to tenderize and help with the rise.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory depth throughout the dough and topping.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the richness.
- Cold unsalted butter: Key for flaky layers and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds bold flavor and a beautiful melty quality when baked.
- Buttermilk: Brings moisture and a slight tanginess that tenderizes the dough perfectly.
- Lump crab meat: The star ingredient offering a sweet, briny filling that takes these biscuits to the next level.
- Mayonnaise: Keeps the crab filling creamy and luxurious.
- Old Bay seasoning: Classic crab lover’s spice that brings warmth and complexity.
- Lemon zest: Adds brightness and a refreshing citrus note.
- Fresh parsley: Packs in freshness and a hint of herbaceous flavor.
- Minced garlic clove: Amplifies the savory punch in the crab mixture.
- Melted butter for brushing: Creates a glossy, garlicky finish with lemon and parsley to seal in all the flavors.
- Lemon juice: Enhances the finishing butter with zing and freshness.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Filling
Start by making the most flavorful filling that will make these biscuits unforgettable. Gently mix the lump crab meat with mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, bright lemon zest, chopped parsley, and freshly minced garlic. Taste and season with salt and pepper to make sure every bite bursts with balanced flavor. Chill the mix in the fridge to help the flavors meld while you prepare the biscuit dough.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. Cut in cold, cubed butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it looks like coarse crumbs studded with butter flecks. Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, which adds richness and that signature tang you crave. Pour in the buttermilk just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix to keep the biscuits tender. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon or two more buttermilk.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Biscuits
Using about 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten it gently in your palm to make a disc. Spoon a generous teaspoon of that luscious crab filling into the center, then fold the dough up around it, pinching the edges tightly to seal in every bit of that creamy seafood goodness. Roll the filled dough into a ball and place it on a baking sheet lined about an inch apart. Repeat this until every last bit of dough and filling are used up. This shaping process is the heart of the Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe, so take your time to make each biscuit a perfect little bundle of flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Biscuits
Preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Bake the biscuits for 15 to 18 minutes until they’ve puffed up and donned a gorgeous golden-brown crust. The smell alone is enough to make your kitchen the happiest place on earth, with cheddar and garlic teasing your senses.
Step 5: Brush With Garlic Lemon Butter
The finishing touch is what truly elevates this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. Mix melted butter with garlic powder, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley, then brush it generously over the hot biscuits straight from the oven. This glaze creates a glossy, flavorful coat that keeps these biscuits irresistibly moist and fragrant. Serve hot and watch everyone fall in love bite after bite.
How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant finish, sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley over your biscuits to brighten the presentation. Thin lemon slices or a gentle dusting of Old Bay seasoning can also complement the flavors nicely, adding a pop of color and a bit of extra zing.
Side Dishes
These biscuits steal the show, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw balances the richness beautifully. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a creamy tomato bisque or roasted vegetables to round out your taste experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Arrange your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe on a rustic wooden board with bowls of flavored butter or homemade remoulade for dipping. You can also skewer a biscuit with a tiny flag labeled “Crab Stuffed” for fun party platters that are sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If there happen to be any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Wrapped properly, they retain their moistness, but it’s best to enjoy them warm to capture their full cheesy, buttery glory.
Freezing
You can freeze these biscuits before baking by shaping and sealing them tightly on a tray, then transferring to a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to a month. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring those biscuits back to life, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until they are heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep that delightful flaky texture intact and the garlic lemon butter flavor fresh.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat instead of lump crab meat?
While fresh lump crab meat offers the best texture and flavor, you can use canned crab meat in a pinch—just be sure to drain it well and avoid varieties packed in heavy sauces that might overpower the filling.
Is it possible to make these biscuits vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the crab filling for a savory mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and sautéed mushrooms or spinach to keep the cheesy, garlicky biscuit experience without seafood.
Can I prepare the crab filling a day ahead?
Yes, making the filling a day in advance allows the flavors to deepen beautifully. Just cover and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to assemble your biscuits.
How do I prevent the dough from becoming too sticky?
Using cold butter and not overworking the dough are key tips. If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much or the biscuits will be dense instead of tender.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, try using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but the bold flavors will still shine.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and utterly decadent appetizer, the Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is your new best friend. It strikes the perfect harmony between flaky biscuits and a luxurious crab filling that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a delicious staple in your recipe collection. So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get ready to bake some magic!
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Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delectable appetizer featuring flaky cheddar biscuits filled with a savory lump crab mixture. These golden-brown treats are brushed with garlic lemon butter for a burst of rich, tangy flavor, perfect for parties or special occasions.
Ingredients
Biscuit Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more if needed)
Crab Filling
- 8 oz lump crab meat (drained and picked over)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Lemon Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crab Filling: In a small bowl, gently combine lump crab meat, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate this mixture while preparing the biscuit dough.
- Make the Biscuit Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Add the buttermilk and stir until the dough just holds together; avoid overmixing. If the dough seems too dry, add an extra 1–2 tablespoons of buttermilk.
- Shape and Fill the Biscuits: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it into a small disc in your hand. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of the crab filling into the center, then fold the dough around the filling, pinching the edges tightly to seal. Roll the filled dough into a ball and place it on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and crab filling, spacing the biscuits about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the Biscuits: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the stuffed biscuits for 15–18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Brush with Garlic Lemon Butter: Immediately after removing the biscuits from the oven, mix melted butter with garlic powder, lemon juice, and chopped fresh parsley (if using). Brush this flavorful garlic lemon butter generously over each biscuit to give them a shiny, delicious finish.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is cold when cutting it into the flour mixture to create flaky biscuits.
- Do not overmix the biscuit dough to keep it tender and light.
- If desired, you can substitute lump crab meat with canned crab meat, but fresh or lump crab provides the best texture and flavor.
- These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be reheated gently in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Adjust the seasoning in the crab filling according to your taste preference.
