These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are fluffy bites filled with tasty crab meat and cheddar cheese. They’re super easy to make and perfect for any seafood lover!
And let’s not forget the lemon butter sauce! It adds a zesty kick that makes everything even better. I can’t resist slathering it all over my biscuits. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for these biscuits, giving a nice texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. But do check that it includes a binding agent!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for flavor, but if you want something milder, mild cheddar or even a pepper jack can work. Just remember that the type of cheese will affect the final taste!
Crab Meat: Fresh crab meat is ideal, but canned or frozen crab will do just fine if that’s what you have. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, try using imitation crab instead.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with one cup of milk and let it sit for about five minutes. This will mimic the tanginess of buttermilk perfectly!
How Do You Make Sure Your Biscuits Turn Out Fluffy?
Getting those biscuits puffed and fluffy is all about keeping the dough cold and handling it gently. Here are some key tips:
- When mixing, don’t overwork the dough. Just stir until the ingredients are combined.
- Keep your butter and buttermilk cold until ready to use. Cold fat creates steam, which helps the biscuits rise.
- Use a light hand when shaping the biscuits to keep the air pockets intact.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have light and airy biscuits bursting with flavor!
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
For the Crab Filling:
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions or chives
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 12-15 minutes of baking time. Altogether, you’re looking at about 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious crab stuffed biscuits with lemon butter sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crab Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cooked crab meat, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, green onions, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and set it aside.
2. Make the Biscuit Dough:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, parsley, and shredded cheddar cheese. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and melted butter together, then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until they come together—it’s okay if it’s a bit sticky!
3. Assemble the Biscuits:
Now for the fun part! Lightly flour your hands and take about 2 tablespoons of dough. Flatten it gently in your hand and place about 1 tablespoon of crab filling in the center. Top it with another tablespoon of dough and pinch the edges to seal. Place the stuffed biscuit seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this with all the dough and filling.
4. Bake:
Pop your biscuits into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked all the way through.
5. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:
While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and fresh parsley. Keep it warm until you’re ready to serve.
6. Serve:
Once your biscuits are out of the oven and looking golden, brush them generously with the lemon butter sauce. Serve them warm with extra sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy!
Dig into your delicious Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with their tasty lemon butter sauce—a delightful treat for any seafood lover!
FAQ for Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds great flavor, you can substitute with mild cheddar, pepper jack for some heat, or even mozzarella for a milder taste. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change a bit.
Is It Possible to Prepare the Fillings Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the crab filling a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, mix up the biscuit dough just before assembling.
How Should I Store Leftover Biscuits?
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
Can I Freeze These Biscuits?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked stuffed biscuits! Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.