These delicious crab stuffed biscuits are a fun twist on the classic Cheddar Bay Biscuit! Stuffed with tender crab and topped with a tasty lemon butter, they are sure to impress.
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness? I always make extra because they disappear quickly! Serve them fresh out of the oven for the best experience.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your biscuits. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. I find that a 1:1 blend works well in most biscuit recipes!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite. If you want a milder flavor, you can use medium cheddar. For a fancier touch, try Gruyère or any aged cheese you enjoy.
Crab Meat: Fresh crab is the star here, but don’t worry! I often use lump crab meat for the best texture. You can also substitute with imitation crab or even shredded chicken for a different twist.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. It works almost the same in baking and gives the biscuits great moisture and flavor!
How Do I Make Sure My Biscuits Are Flaky and Tender?
Achieving that perfect flaky texture can be tricky but totally doable! The key is in the butter and mixing process.
- Keep your butter cold. This helps create steam during baking, lifting the biscuit layers.
- When mixing the dough, less is more. Over-mixing can lead to tough biscuits. Just stop mixing as soon as the ingredients combine.
- Gently knead the dough only a few times. This helps retain that flaky texture.
- Be sure to cut out the biscuits without twisting the cutter. Twisting seals the edges and stops them from rising!
Following these tips will give you those light and fluffy biscuits everyone loves!
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 onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For the Crab Filling:
- 1 cup fresh crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/4 lemon
For the Lemon Butter Topping:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and approximately 15 minutes for baking. Overall, you’ll have warm, scrumptious biscuits ready in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First things first, let’s get your kitchen ready! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Biscuit Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This will make sure your biscuits have great flavor from the start!
3. Cutting in the Butter:
Next, take your cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers. You want the mixture to look like coarse crumbs—small and crumbly, but not melted!
4. Adding Cheese and Buttermilk:
Now, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Then, pour in the buttermilk and gently mix it all together until just combined. Remember, don’t over-mix; lumps are okay!
5. Making the Crab Filling:
In another bowl, combine your crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, Old Bay seasoning (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently so you don’t break up the crab too much.
6. Shaping the Dough:
Lightly flour your countertop and turn out the biscuit dough. Knead it gently 3-4 times to bring it together, then pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
7. Cutting the Biscuits:
Using a knife or biscuit cutter, cut the dough into squares or rounds, about 3 inches across. You’ll need half of them for stuffing!
8. Stuffing the Biscuits:
On half of the cut dough pieces, place about 1-2 teaspoons of the crab filling in the center. Cover them with the other dough pieces and pinch the edges to seal the filling inside. Make sure they’re well sealed so nothing leaks out while baking!
9. Baking the Biscuits:
Arrange your stuffed biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
10. Preparing the Lemon Butter:
While your biscuits are baking, mix the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This will be drizzled over your biscuits for that final touch!
11. Finishing Touches:
As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the lemon butter mixture to give them that delicious flavor and shine—yum!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits warm. They’re perfect as an appetizer or a lovely addition to any meal. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ: Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds a wonderful flavor, you can substitute it with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly based on your choice!
How Do I Store Leftover Biscuits?
Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their softness, you can wrap them in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in the container. Reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Make These Biscuits Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the biscuit dough and crab filling ahead of time! Just keep them separately wrapped in the fridge and assemble them right before baking. They can also be frozen unbaked; just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
What Can I Serve with These Biscuits?
These biscuits are wonderfully versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer, alongside a fresh salad, or as part of a seafood-themed meal. They also pair excellently with a warm bowl of chowder or a crisp, cold glass of white wine.
