These yummy Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are super cheesy and packed with crab meat. They have a soft, fluffy texture that makes them so hard to resist!
And the lemon butter sauce? It’s like a cheerful party for your taste buds! I like to enjoy them fresh out of the oven—perfect for dipping or just munching on their own!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our biscuits. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It might not be as fluffy, but it works well!
Crab Meat: Fresh lump crab is the star here. If it’s too pricey or hard to find, opt for canned crab or imitation crab. Just remember, it won’t have the same texture or flavor, but it’ll still taste good!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives these biscuits their delicious flavor. If you want to mix things up, try using pepper jack for a little heat or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice—let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’re good to go!
How Do I Make the Biscuits Fluffy and Tender?
To achieve fluffy, tender biscuits, it’s vital to handle the dough gently. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix dry ingredients and cut in cold butter until you have coarse crumbs—small chunks of butter create steam while baking, making it fluffy.
- When adding buttermilk, stir just until the wet and dry ingredients come together; don’t keep stirring!
- After dividing the dough, flatten each piece gently before adding the crab filling to keep them light.
These simple tips will help you create the best crab-stuffed cheddar bay biscuits! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cheddar Bay Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For the Crab Filling:
- 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll need around 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for whipping up a tasty snack or appetizer in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crab Filling:
In a bowl, gently combine crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to break the crab meat too much; you want chunks in there for texture!
2. Make the Biscuit Dough:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Next, cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Then, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Combine and Mix:
Pour in the buttermilk and give it a gentle stir until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing; you want the dough nice and tender!
4. Assemble the Biscuits:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 12 portions. Flatten each piece slightly, place about 1 tablespoon of the crab filling in the center, then fold the dough around it, sealing it securely and shaping into round biscuits.
5. Bake:
Arrange the stuffed biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced slightly apart. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:
While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Then, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Take it off the heat once it’s ready!
7. Serve:
Once the biscuits are done baking, brush them generously with the lemon butter sauce and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve the remaining lemon butter sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy these warm, cheesy crab-stuffed biscuits—they’re a real treat!
Enjoy your delightful Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce! They’re sure to impress everyone at the table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Crab Meat?
Yes! If using frozen crab meat, make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge or under cold running water before using it in the filling. Drain any excess moisture to avoid soggy biscuits.
How Can I Store Leftover Biscuits?
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their texture. You can also warm them in the microwave, but they may lose some crispness.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the biscuit dough up to a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before assembling the biscuits with the crab filling.
What Can I Substitute for Cheddar Cheese?
If you want a different flavor, consider using pepper jack for some heat or a mild mozzarella for a softer taste. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the cheese you choose!
