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If you’re craving a show-stopping appetizer that’s bursting with flavor, you absolutely must try this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe. These golden, cheesy biscuits boast a luscious crab filling infused with bright lemon notes, all sealed inside a tender, buttery biscuit that’s simply irresistible. This recipe blends the best of comforting Southern biscuits with fresh seafood elegance, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building those layers of texture and flavor. From the sharp cheddar that gives the biscuits their signature tang to the fresh crab that adds that luxurious seafood touch, every component matters.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your biscuits their structure and fluffiness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise perfectly for a light crumb.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth to the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Gives a gentle kick and adds warmth.
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: The secret to layers of tender, flaky biscuit texture.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Infuses the biscuit dough with bold, cheesy goodness.
- 3/4 cup whole milk: Hydrates the dough, ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
- 1 cup lump crab meat: Picked over for shells to keep that delicate crab flavor front and center.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the crab filling.
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened: Makes the crab filling extra luscious and smooth.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Brightens and lifts the crab mixture with citrus freshness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Balances richness with a zingy tang.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds herbal freshness in the filling.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: For brushing, adding a glossy finish and richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for topping): Enhances the buttery topping with savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for topping): A fresh pop of color and flavor on top.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. This dry mix creates the flavorful foundation for your biscuits.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter and Add Cheese
Next, cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The small butter bits create layers and tenderness during baking. Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, bringing a vibrant, cheesy dimension to every bite.
Step 3: Mix in the Milk to Form Dough
Pour in the whole milk and gently mix just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender and fluffy. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: Prepare the Crab Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the lump crab meat with mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Gently fold these ingredients together, taking care not to break up the crab too much so that you still get delightful lumps of seafood in each biscuit.
Step 5: Shape and Stuff the Biscuits
To assemble, scoop a portion of biscuit dough into your hand and flatten it slightly. Spoon a generous dollop of the crab filling onto the center, then top it with a small amount of dough. Seal the edges carefully to enclose the filling completely. Place each stuffed biscuit on the prepared baking sheet, giving them enough space to rise.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the biscuits for 14 to 16 minutes until beautifully golden brown and cooked through. These warm biscuits will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that promises incredible flavor.
Step 7: Brush with Heartwarming Lemon Butter
Mix melted unsalted butter with garlic powder and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Brush the hot biscuits generously with this aromatic lemon butter right out of the oven. This final touch adds shine, moisture, and a punch of lemony garlic goodness, perfectly complementing the crab filling.
How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra lemon zest curls can add a beautiful burst of color and a hint of fresh brightness to these biscuits. A dash of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper also pairs wonderfully to add a little extra depth.
Side Dishes
These biscuits shine as the star appetizer but also pair delightfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or a simple corn chowder. For a seafood-themed meal, serve alongside grilled shrimp or a chilled crab salad to keep the flavors harmonious.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a charming presentation. Alternatively, arrange them in a basket lined with a brightly colored kitchen towel for an inviting touch at parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled first to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze these biscuits before or after baking. For unbaked biscuits, shape and stuff them, then freeze on a tray until firm and transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. For baked biscuits, wrap individually and freeze; reheat gently before serving.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm the biscuits in a 350-degree oven for about 8-10 minutes. This helps retain their crisp edges and melty interior without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it can make their texture rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?
While fresh or lump crab meat gives the best flavor and texture, high-quality canned crab can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture that could make the dough soggy.
Is the cayenne pepper necessary in the biscuits?
The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference. It adds a subtle warmth that enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming the crab or cheese.
Can I make these biscuits dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based one and use a non-dairy milk alternative. Replace the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese that melts well, and choose a dairy-free cream cheese for the crab filling.
How do I prevent the biscuits from being doughy inside?
Make sure not to overpack the biscuits, and bake them until they are nicely golden on top. If your oven runs cool, you might need to add a couple of minutes. A toothpick inserted in the dough should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I add other fillings besides crab?
Absolutely! While crab is the star here, you could experiment with shrimp, crab and corn, or even a spinach and artichoke filling for a different twist. Just be mindful of moisture content to keep the dough from getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, buttery Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuit with Lemon Butter Recipe that beautifully marries tender biscuit texture with decadent crab filling and bright lemon notes. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or because you simply deserve a delicious treat, this recipe will become a beloved favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy of these irresistible bites with your friends and family!
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Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuits
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter offer a delicious twist on classic cheddar bay biscuits by incorporating succulent lump crab meat and a zesty lemon butter finish. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, these biscuits are tender, cheesy, and packed with rich seafood flavor complemented by bright citrus notes.
Ingredients
Biscuit Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup whole milk
Crab Filling
- 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Lemon Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the biscuit dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Add the milk gradually and mix gently until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Prepare crab filling: In a separate bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat with mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped fresh parsley until evenly mixed but still chunky.
- Assemble stuffed biscuits: Scoop a portion of biscuit dough into your hand and flatten it slightly to create a small disc. Add a spoonful of the crab filling in the center, then top with a small amount of biscuit dough. Seal the edges carefully to enclose the filling completely, forming a biscuit shape. Place the stuffed biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.
- Bake the biscuits: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the biscuits turn golden brown and cooked through, signaling a fluffy interior and melted filling.
- Prepare lemon butter topping and serve: While the biscuits bake, mix melted butter with garlic powder and chopped parsley in a small bowl. When biscuits are hot from the oven, brush them generously with the lemon butter for a flavorful, glossy finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use high-quality lump crab meat to ensure maximum flavor and a delicate texture.
- If the biscuit dough feels sticky while shaping, lightly flour your hands to make handling easier.
- These biscuits are best enjoyed warm fresh from the oven to savor the melty cheese and crab filling.
