If you’re the type Appetizer, Side Dish. Imagine tender, cheesy biscuits that are crisp on the outside, feather-light inside, and reveal a delicious secret: a rich, savory crab filling with just a touch of bright lemon and fresh herbs. With every bite, you get the best of comforting southern baking and luscious seafood—perfect as a starter, a side, or the star of your next brunch spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about whipping up this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is just how simple the ingredient list is—yet every item brings bold flavor, texture, or color to the table. Each element plays its part in creating that irresistible combination of fluffy biscuit, gooey cheese, and creamy crab filling.
- All-purpose flour: The essential base that gives our biscuits a soft, tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Lifts the dough sky-high, making each biscuit delightfully fluffy.
- Baking soda: Adds an extra boost, working with buttermilk for the perfect rise.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dough with that savory Red Lobster-inspired aroma.
- Onion powder: Offers a subtle hint of sweetness and depth.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the savory notes.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a gentle heat in every bite.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, golden ribbons throughout the biscuits.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The secret to those irresistible flaky layers.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, making your biscuits impossibly tender.
- Lump crab meat (drained and picked through): The true star—choose the freshest you can find for best results.
- Mayonnaise: Binds the crab filling and makes it ultra-creamy.
- Dijon mustard: Delivers a touch of zesty complexity alongside the crab.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the filling and keeps things fresh.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a pop of color and garden-fresh flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the crab so it truly sings.
- Melted butter (for topping): Brushed on at the end for that classic biscuit gloss.
- Garlic powder (for topping): Doubles down on the irresistible garlicky aroma.
- Chopped parsley (for topping): A final sprinkle of freshness and color.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step keeps your biscuits from sticking and ensures an easy clean-up when that gorgeous, cheesy crust forms.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Biscuit Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a sprinkle of cayenne (if you’re feeling feisty). This mix is the bakery-fresh base of your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe, ready for buttery transformation.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter & Add Cheese
Drop cold, cubed butter into the dry mix. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work it in until the mixture is crumbly and dotted with buttery bits. Stir in the shredded cheddar—these pockets of cheese will be your favorite part!
Step 4: Add the Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir. Stop as soon as everything is just combined; overmixing means tough biscuits. The dough should look slightly shaggy—rustic is where all the magic happens.
Step 5: Make the Crab Filling
While your biscuit dough rests, gently toss together the crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, and a touch of salt and pepper in a separate bowl. Don’t overmix—the crab should stay light and fluffy in this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe.
Step 6: Assemble and Fill the Biscuits
Scoop about two tablespoons of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a heaping spoonful of crab filling in the center, then top with another tablespoon of dough. Carefully pinch and seal the edges, shaping each one into a tidy round. Set them on your prepared sheet about two inches apart for plenty of room to puff up.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake the stuffed biscuits for 14–16 minutes, or until beautifully golden and tall. The kitchen will smell unreal at this point, so try not to hover too close to the oven door in anticipation.
Step 8: Brush with Garlic Butter
Right out of the oven, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, and fresh parsley. Paint this glorious topping over each hot biscuit, bathing them in extra savory goodness. Let them cool slightly before diving in…if you can resist!
How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to serving, a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley and a dash of flaky sea salt make these Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe beauties pop with color and that irresistible, fresh-from-the-oven look. A whisper of fresh cracked pepper or even a hint of grated lemon zest offers an extra flourish if you want to lean into gourmet territory.
Side Dishes
Pair these biscuits with your favorite creamy chowder, a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or a platter of roasted asparagus. They complement everything from seafood spreads to brunch feasts—think crab, shrimp, or even a classic chicken Caesar.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopper appetizer, slice the biscuits in half and fill with coleslaw for mini sandwiches, or arrange on a platter with pickled jalapeños and lemon wedges. Serving them warm in a bread basket alongside melted butter is a crowd-pleaser in itself. For a brunch buffet, try stacking them high with other savory pastries to encourage everyone to dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, these biscuits can be tucked into an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to three days. The filling holds up beautifully, keeping every biscuit moist and savory.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your unbaked biscuits! Place them on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When a craving hits, pop them right into the oven (no thawing necessary)—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time for perfect results.
Reheating
To reinvigorate your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe, warm leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This restores the crisp edges and gooey cheese, and you’d never guess they weren’t fresh from the oven!
FAQs
How do I keep the biscuits from falling apart as I stuff them?
If your dough seems a touch sticky, dust your hands with flour before flattening and sealing the biscuits. Work gently, and they’ll hold their secret crab center like pros!
Can I use canned crab meat for the Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe?
Absolutely—just make sure to drain and pick through it for any shells. Fresh lump crab is king for flavor and texture, but canned or refrigerated works wonderfully when fresh isn’t available.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Mini-size them! Scoop smaller pieces of dough and a half-tablespoon of crab filling so guests can grab-and-go. Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of extra parsley for a festive touch.
Can I substitute another cheese if I don’t have sharp cheddar?
You sure can—it’s hard to go wrong with cheese! Try Monterey Jack for extra meltiness or pepper jack for a little heat, but sharp cheddar delivers that classic flavor everyone loves.
Is there a way to make these biscuits spicy?
To kick things up, use the full amount of cayenne in the dough or mix a touch of hot sauce into your crab filling. A dash of smoked paprika is also a fun twist!
Final Thoughts
If you love the sound of tender, buttery biscuits brimming with a luxurious crab filling, you owe it to yourself to try this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe at your next gathering (or whenever the craving strikes). Each bite delivers comfort, indulgence, and pure joy—so don’t be surprised if you start dreaming up new reasons to bake them again and again!
