These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a fun twist on the classic. Imagine soft, cheesy biscuits filled with tasty crab and topped with a zesty lemon butter—yum!
Every bite feels like a cozy seaside treat. I love serving them fresh out of the oven; they disappear faster than I can say “delicious!” Perfect for parties or just a treat for yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your biscuits. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve found this works well without changing the texture too much!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a tasty kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, use mild cheddar or substitute with pepper jack for a bit of spice.
Crab Meat: Fresh crab meat is ideal for the best flavor, but you can also use canned crab or imitation crab if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to drain and rinse if using canned.
Buttermilk: This gives the biscuits a nice tang and fluffiness. If you’re out of buttermilk, a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice works great as a substitute!
How Do I Make Sure the Biscuits Are Fluffy?
The key to fluffy biscuits is not overmixing your dough. Mix just until everything is combined and you see no dry flour. Here’s a tip:
- Use cold ingredients, especially the buttermilk and butter, to help the biscuits rise during baking.
- When shaping the biscuits, handle them gently so they stay light and airy. The less you work the dough, the better!
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Crab Filling:
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon Butter Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 15-18 minutes to bake, making a total of approximately 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a delicious snack or appetizer that you can whip up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the biscuits from sticking.
2. Make the Biscuit Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, baking soda, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley until well mixed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Pour in the buttermilk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined, making sure not to overmix the dough—this is the secret to fluffy biscuits!
4. Prepare the Crab Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix the crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, green onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
5. Stuff the Biscuits:
Take about 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough in your hand and flatten it slightly. Add about 1 tablespoon of the crab filling in the center, then fold the dough around the filling and shape it into a round biscuit. Ensure that the filling is completely enclosed and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake the Biscuits:
Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling, spacing the biscuits about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
7. Prepare the Lemon Butter:
While the biscuits are baking, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, lemon juice, and chopped parsley in a small bowl.
8. Finish and Serve:
Once the biscuits are out of the oven, brush the tops generously with the lemon butter mixture while they are still warm. Serve them up hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of your crab-stuffed Cheddar Bay biscuits with a zesty lemon butter finish!
FAQ for Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
Can I Use Frozen Crab Meat for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen crab meat! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge or under cold running water. Drain well and pick over for any shells before adding it to your filling.
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the biscuit dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before assembling the crab-filled biscuits.
How Should I Store Leftover Biscuits?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain their fluffy texture!
Can These Biscuits Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the baked biscuits! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each biscuit tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes from frozen.
