These Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a fun twist on a classic! Fluffy, cheesy biscuits loaded with sweet crab meat are just too good to resist. Plus, they come with a zesty lemon butter sauce!
I love how the warm, buttery biscuits melt in your mouth, and that lemon sauce adds a bright kick! They make the perfect snack or tasty appetizer for any gathering. Who can say no to crab and cheese, right? 🦀🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your biscuits and helps achieve that fluffy texture. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour; just make sure it’s a blend that can replicate all-purpose flour.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a delicious flavor. If you want a milder cheese, you can use mild cheddar or even mozzarella. For a kick, crumbled feta or pepper jack can add interest!
Crab Meat: Fresh lump crab is the star. If you can’t find it, canned crab meat works in a pinch, but look for high-quality brands. Alternatively, use cooked shrimp or lobster for a different seafood twist.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tang and helps keep the biscuits tender. If you don’t have any, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice as a quick substitute.
How Do You Achieve Fluffy Biscuits?
Making perfectly fluffy biscuits takes a few key techniques! Start by handling the dough gently. Over-mixing can lead to tough biscuits. Here’s what to do:
- After mixing your dry ingredients, cut in the cold butter until the mix looks like coarse crumbs. It’s the small butter pieces that create pockets for fluffiness!
- When adding the buttermilk, stir just until combined. It’s okay for the dough to be slightly lumpy.
- Fold the dough rather than kneading it for a lighter texture. Pat it out into shape instead of rolling it.
- Make sure your oven is preheated well to help the biscuits rise nicely while baking.
How to Make Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Crab Filling:
- 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp finely chopped green onion
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of baking time. You’ll have warm, flaky biscuits ready in about 45 minutes total, making them perfect for a gathering or a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light greasing to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Crab Filling:
In a small bowl, gently mix together the lump crab meat, mayonnaise, chopped green onion, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning (if you’re using it). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Set this tasty filling aside while you work on the biscuits.
3. Make the Biscuit Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper until everything is combined.
4. Cut in Butter:
Next, take your cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. Keep mixing until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
5. Add Cheese and Buttermilk:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the buttermilk into the bowl and gently stir everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
6. Assemble Biscuits:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and pat it into a rectangle that’s about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into squares or rounds about 2-3 inches in diameter.
7. Stuff Biscuits:
Take half of the biscuit pieces and make a shallow indentation in each. Place about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the prepared crab filling in the center of each. Cover with the remaining biscuit pieces and gently press the edges to seal them up.
8. Bake Biscuits:
Arrange the stuffed biscuits on your baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and are cooked through!
9. Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce:
While your biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Mix in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and a tiny pinch of salt. Keep this warm on low heat until you’re ready to serve.
10. Serve:
Once the biscuits are nicely baked, take them out of the oven and brush the tops generously with the warm lemon butter sauce. Serve them immediately for a delicious treat!
Enjoy your Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits dipped in that delightful lemon butter sauce—perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own!
FAQ for Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce
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 refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for quicker thawing. Drain well and pat dry before using to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
How Can I Make These Biscuits Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the biscuit dough and the crab filling a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble and bake as usual! This also helps the flavors to blend nicely.
What Are the Best Storage Tips for Leftover Biscuits?
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. They can also be reheated in the microwave, but they may lose their crispiness.
Can I Substitute Other Cheeses?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can use any cheese you prefer. Options like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack can add unique flavors. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the texture or taste slightly.
