These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a fun twist on a classic favorite! They’re soft, cheesy, and filled with savory bits of crab that make every bite exciting.
Not to mention, the lemon butter drizzle adds a zesty kick that will make your taste buds dance! I love serving these with a smile; they always impress guests without much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your biscuits. If you’re going gluten-free, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix instead. It usually works well for biscuit recipes!
Crab Meat: Fresh lump crab is great for flavor. You can substitute it with canned crab meat, just ensure it’s drained well. If you want to keep it budget-friendly, you could use imitation crab meat, but the flavor might differ.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This gives the biscuits a rich flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use medium Cheddar or even a mix of cheese like Monterey Jack. I enjoy a bit of a kick, so sometimes I add a hint of pepper jack!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tenderness. If you don’t have any, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes as a substitute. Perfectly tangy!
How Do I Ensure My Biscuits Are Fluffy?
The key to fluffy biscuits lies in the mixing method. It’s important to handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing. Here’s how to do it:
- When cutting in the butter, stop when you see small pea-sized pieces. This creates flaky layers.
- Once you add the buttermilk, mix just until combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; don’t aim for a perfectly smooth dough.
- When shaping the dough, gently pat it down instead of rolling it out with a rolling pin. This keeps the layers intact.
If you follow these tips, your biscuits will be melt-in-your-mouth delicious and perfectly fluffy!
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Crab Filling:
- 1 cup lump crab meat, drained and picked over to remove shells
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp finely chopped green onions
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious, warm biscuits ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the biscuits from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Making the Biscuit Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. This mix of dry ingredients creates the tasty base for the biscuits.
3. Add the Butter:
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t worry about being perfect—the little bits of butter are what will make your biscuits flaky!
4. Mix in the Cheese:
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This will add a yummy cheesy flavor.
5. Combine with Buttermilk:
Pour the buttermilk into the bowl and stir gently until the dough just comes together. Remember, you don’t want to overmix, so stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.
6. Prepare the Crab Filling:
In a separate small bowl, gently mix together the lump crab meat, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture is what makes these biscuits truly special!
7. Shape the Biscuits:
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the biscuit dough out onto it. Pat it gently into a rectangle about 8×6 inches. Using a knife, cut the dough into 8 equal squares.
8. Stuff the Biscuits:
Take 4 of the squares and place about 1 tablespoon of the crab mixture in the center of each. Top with another square and gently press the edges together to seal. This step is where the magic happens!
9. Arrange for Baking:
Place the stuffed biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet, giving them some space to rise and expand as they bake.
10. Bake the Biscuits:
Pop the biscuits into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are golden brown and looking delicious!
11. Prepare the Lemon Butter:
While your biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the lemon juice, garlic powder, and chopped parsley. Remove from heat and set aside.
12. Brush with Lemon Butter:
When the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the prepared lemon butter while they are still hot. This step adds a burst of flavor!
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your warm biscuits right away, garnishing with a sprinkle of extra parsley if you like. They are perfect as an appetizer or as a delightful side to any meal!
Enjoy these warm, cheesy, savory crab-stuffed biscuits with a bright lemon butter drizzle—each bite is a wonderful experience!
FAQ for Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
Can I Use Frozen Crab Meat?
Yes, you can use frozen crab meat! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge or under cold running water before mixing it with the other filling ingredients. Pat it dry to remove any excess moisture for the best flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the biscuit dough and crab filling a day in advance. Store the biscuit dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and keep the crab filling in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply assemble and follow the baking instructions!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes until heated through; you can also microwave them, but the oven will keep them crispy.
Can I Substitute Buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This will give you a similar tangy flavor!
