If you’re looking to impress with an irresistible appetizer or elevate your bread basket game, Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter is the recipe you absolutely need in your repertoire. These fluffy, savory biscuits are packed with tender lump crab and sharp cheddar cheese, then finished with a buttery, garlicky lemon glaze that takes them right over the top. Whether you’re serving them for a special brunch, a dinner party appetizer, or simply treating yourself to a little luxury, the flavors and textures here are pure comfort and downright celebration in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter is refreshingly approachable, yet each item plays a starring role in making these biscuits shine. From the flaky biscuit base to the decadent crab filling and zesty lemon butter, every component brings flavor, richness, and just the right amount of flair.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of your biscuits, providing a tender crumb and perfect structure.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners guarantee plenty of height and irresistible fluffiness.
- Garlic powder: Delivers savory depth and a gentle, aromatic warmth.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors into harmony and brightens every bite.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a subtle kick and a pop of color for those who love a little spice.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): The secret to those signature flaky layers and that rich, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Infuses each layer with bold, cheesy goodness and a beautiful golden hue.
- Buttermilk: Adds tanginess, tenderness, and moisture — there’s nothing like it in a biscuit.
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough and gives a slightly richer texture.
- Lump crab meat (canned, drained, and picked over): The star of the show — real crab brings sweet, delicate flavor and elegant texture.
- Mayonnaise: Keeps the crab filling creamy and juicy.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a touch of sharpness and complexity to the filling.
- Old Bay seasoning: It just wouldn’t be a classic seafood dish without this iconic blend of spices.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For freshness and a pop of green color.
- Lemon zest: Brightens the crab filling with aromatic citrus notes.
- For the Lemon Butter: Unsalted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, pinch of salt — mixed together to brush warm biscuits for a signature savory finish.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. This step is all about getting ready for biscuit greatness, so have your ingredients measured and chilled butter cubed — cold butter is key to those irresistible layers.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, salt, and a sprinkle of cayenne if you’re after a little kick. This creates the perfect blank canvas for your buttery, cheesy biscuits to come to life.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse, crumbly sand. This method ensures those magical pockets of steam for biscuits that rise tall and flake just right.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheddar Cheese
Next, fold in your shredded cheddar. It’ll distribute cheesy flavor throughout the dough, so every biscuit is loaded with melty, savory goodness.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients
Whisk the buttermilk and egg together in a separate bowl, then gently stir it into the flour mixture. Mix just until combined — overmixing means tough biscuits, so go easy here!
Step 6: Prepare the Crab Filling
In another bowl, combine the lump crab meat with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, chopped parsley, and fresh lemon zest. Gently mix until the crab is nicely coated but still chunky. This filling is the heart of Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter, bringing seafood flair and savory creaminess.
Step 7: Assemble the Biscuits
Scoop about two tablespoons of biscuit dough and gently flatten in your palm. Add a heaping teaspoon of crab filling to the center, then press another tablespoon of dough on top, pinching around the edges to seal. Repeat until you’ve used up all the dough and crab stuffing, arranging biscuits about two inches apart on your baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your tray into the hot oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the biscuits are gloriously golden and the kitchen smells like pure comfort.
Step 9: Brush with Lemon Butter
While the biscuits are still warm from the oven, whip up your quick lemon butter: melt unsalted butter and stir in fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Generously brush each biscuit for that extra layer of flavor and shine that makes Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter truly irresistible.
How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
Garnishes
Let’s get fancy — a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a light dusting of Old Bay, or even a bit more lemon zest over the top adds both color and lively flavor. These small touches will make your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter look and taste like they came straight from a restaurant kitchen.
Side Dishes
Pair these beauties with creamy chowders, crisp salads, or a simple bowl of steamed green beans. The rich, briny filling and cheesy biscuit are perfect with anything light and fresh — or keep it cozy with more seafood favorites.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making them mini for a cocktail party, or serve them split with a dollop of remoulade or extra crab salad. For a showstopper brunch, serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter alongside poached eggs and asparagus for a decadent twist on eggs benedict.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s a big “if”), wrap them tightly and keep them in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat before serving so you don’t miss out on that gooey, melty cheese and tender crab filling.
Freezing
To enjoy fresh-baked Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter any time, assemble the biscuits but don’t bake. Freeze unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a bag — you can bake them straight from frozen, just tack on a couple of extra minutes in the oven.
Reheating
Warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 7–10 minutes until heated through. This helps the biscuits regain their fluffy texture and revives the lemon butter glaze. Avoid microwaving, which can make them a bit chewy.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab instead of real lump crab meat?
While you can substitute imitation crab in a pinch, the depth of flavor and luxurious texture of real lump crab meat truly sets Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter apart. If using imitation, look for the highest quality and adjust seasoning as needed.
Do I have to use buttermilk, or is there an alternative?
Buttermilk is best for that signature tang and tender crumb. In a bind, you can make your own by stirring a tablespoon of lemon juice into regular milk, letting it sit for five minutes before using.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and ensure your baking powder and fillings are gluten-free as well. The texture will change slightly, but you’ll still get a delicious crab-stuffed treat.
How do I keep the biscuit dough from getting tough?
The key is not to overwork the dough: stir only until just combined, and use light hands when sealing the biscuits around the crab filling. Cold ingredients and minimal handling create the fluffiest results.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter warm on a platter, perhaps halved for easy sharing. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a visual pop and a little extra flair.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a better way to impress your guests — or simply treat yourself — than with a batch of Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter. These biscuits are pure comfort with a gourmet twist. Give them a try, and see if they don’t become your new signature bake!
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Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 stuffed biscuits
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delectable Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with a zesty Lemon Butter topping. A perfect blend of seafood, cheese, and savory flavors in a warm, flaky biscuit.
Ingredients
Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
Crab Filling:
- 1 (6 oz) can lump crab meat, drained and picked over
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
Lemon Butter:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare biscuit dough: In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients, cut in butter, and add cheddar. Mix buttermilk and egg separately, then combine with flour mixture.
- Make crab filling: Mix crab meat, mayonnaise, mustard, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, and lemon zest.
- Assemble biscuits: Flatten biscuit dough, add crab filling, and seal with more dough. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare Lemon Butter: Mix melted butter with lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt.
- Finish: Brush warm biscuits with lemon butter and serve.
Notes
- Use real lump crab meat for best flavor.
- Best served fresh; can be reheated.
- Unbaked stuffed biscuits can be frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
