Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe

If you are ready to wow your friends and family with something truly irresistible, let me introduce you to Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter. These golden, fluffy biscuits are packed with sweet lump crab meat and sharp cheddar, then finished with a zesty lemon butter glaze that elevates every bite. They combine the comfort of a classic cheddar bay biscuit with a luxurious seafood surprise, making them perfect for special gatherings or an elevated weeknight treat. Once you try these, you’ll find they quickly become a go-to that brings warmth and excitement to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in these biscuits. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender crumb of the biscuit to the savory crab filling and the bright, buttery finish.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a light but sturdy biscuit structure.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise and become fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds extra lift alongside the baking powder.
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Gives the biscuits that subtle garlic kick enhancing their savory appeal.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to complement the crab.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Infuses the biscuit dough with melty, tangy richness.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk: Provides moisture and a slight tanginess to tenderize the dough.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• 1 egg: Binds the dough and helps with browning.
• 1 cup lump crab meat, picked for shells: The star of the filling, offering sweet, delicate seafood flavor.
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor to the crab filling.
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Binds and adds creaminess to the crab mixture.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy depth to the filling.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Elevates the umami and adds complexity.
• Lemon Butter: A luscious blend of 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted), 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest that crowns the biscuits with bright, buttery goodness.

How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures a hot, even environment for the biscuits to rise perfectly and develop that irresistible golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This dry mix forms the flavorful base of your biscuit dough, with garlic powder adding that signature savory note we love.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Next, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture. The shredded cheddar will melt during baking, creating pockets of cheesy delight inside every biscuit.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg. These bring moisture, richness, and binding power to the dough, ensuring your biscuits come out tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky and soft enough to form rounds with your hands or a biscuit cutter.

Step 6: Prepare the Crab Filling

In another bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat, chopped green onions, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. This creamy, tangy filling is what makes these biscuits truly special, so handle the crab with care to preserve its luscious texture.

Step 7: Shape and Stuff the Biscuits

Divide your biscuit dough into rounds about 1 to 2 inches thick. Press an indentation into each round, then spoon in a generous amount of the crab filling. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, sealing any edges and shaping into a neat biscuit round.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the stuffed biscuits on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden brown color and a slight crisp on the edges. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!

Step 9: Prepare the Lemon Butter

While the biscuits bake, mix melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl. This bright and buttery glaze balances the savory richness of the biscuits and adds a fresh citrus spark.

Step 10: Brush and Serve

Remove the hot biscuits from the oven and generously brush the tops with the lemon butter. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of warm, flaky biscuit filled with tender crab and topped with a zesty finish.

How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a mild herbal note that complements the lemon butter beautifully. Consider a light dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky twist that brings out the richness of the crab.

Side Dishes

These biscuits pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette, or a bowl of creamy clam chowder for an indulgent meal. For something lighter, steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts are great vegetable options that balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, serve these biscuits on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra lemon butter or tartar sauce for dipping. You can even halve them and build mini open-faced sandwiches with fresh arugula or pickled red onions for a visually stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered prevents them from drying out, preserving their soft texture and flavorful filling.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked biscuits by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and storing in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and make a perfect ready-to-bake treat whenever you want a quick, impressive snack or side.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or frozen biscuits in a 350-degree Fahrenheit (175-degree Celsius) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. Refresh the lemon butter glaze by brushing again after reheating to enjoy that fresh, zesty finish just like out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh lump crab?

Yes, canned crab meat can work in a pinch, but fresh lump crab is preferred for its delicate texture and sweet flavor. If using canned, drain carefully to avoid excess moisture that could make the filling runny.

Is it possible to make these biscuits dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with alternatives like coconut oil or plant-based butter and non-dairy milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk. The flavor will be different but still delicious with some extra creativity.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

Simply add one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to half a cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This DIY buttermilk provides the acidity needed to tenderize the biscuit dough beautifully.

Can I make the crab filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the crab filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. This makes the assembly process quicker and allows the flavors to meld even more, enhancing the delicious taste of your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter.

How do I prevent the crab filling from leaking out during baking?

Be sure to seal the dough edges tightly around the filling and shape into firm, neat rounds. Using slightly less filling per biscuit can help, and chilling the dough briefly before baking can make it easier to handle.

Final Thoughts

Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are one of those dishes that feel like a hug on a plate, blending comforting, familiar flavors with a touch of seafood elegance. Once you try baking these yourself, you’ll see how simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to this sensational recipe that promises smiles and satisfied taste buds all around.

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