These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a tasty twist on a classic! Fluffy biscuits are packed with sweet crab meat and cheesy goodness, making them a real treat.
To top it all off, drizzle some zesty lemon butter on them. Who can resist that combination? I love serving these at gatherings; they always disappear fast! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the biscuits. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried it, and it works pretty well!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor. If you prefer something milder, you can use medium cheddar. I’ve even mixed in some pepper jack for a little kick!
Crab Meat: Fresh crab tastes best, but canned crab meat is fine if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to pick through it for shells. I usually stick to lump crab for a better texture, but claw meat is a budget-friendly alternative.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for a few minutes. It’s a great shortcut that works every time!
How Can You Make Perfectly Fluffy Biscuits?
The key to fluffy biscuits is all in the mixing and the temperature of your ingredients. Make sure your butter is very cold. This helps create flaky layers. When mixing in the buttermilk, do it gently. Overmixing will make them tough, and nobody wants that!
- Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until you see pea-sized pieces, which is just right.
- When pouring in the buttermilk, fold everything together lightly using a spatula until it just comes together. Think of it as a light hug, not a squeeze!
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cheddar Bay Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup buttermilk, cold
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For the Crab Stuffing:
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp finely diced green onions
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 12-15 minutes for baking. So in total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes before you can enjoy these warm and delicious biscuits!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking. Super easy!
2. Make the Biscuit Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together for even mixing. Add the cubed cold butter, using a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it in until you get a mixture that looks like coarse crumbs. Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley.
3. Add the Buttermilk:
Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently mix everything together just until the dough comes together. Be mindful not to mix too much, as this will make your biscuits tough.
4. Prepare the Crab Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the cooked crab meat with mayonnaise, diced green onions, lemon juice, and the Old Bay seasoning (if using). Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and give it a good stir, ensuring everything is well combined.
5. Shape the Biscuits:
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and pat it gently into a rectangle that’s about 1-inch thick. Using a 3-inch round cutter or knife, cut out circles or squares from the dough.
6. Assemble the Biscuits:
Take half of your biscuit pieces and place 1-2 tablespoons of crab mixture in the center of each. Top with the remaining biscuit pieces and gently press the edges together to seal in that tasty filling.
7. Bake the Biscuits:
Arrange the stuffed biscuits on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each. Bake them in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The amazing smell will fill your kitchen!
8. Make the Lemon Butter:
While your biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, remove it from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. It’s tangy and delicious!
9. Finish and Serve:
As soon as your biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm lemon butter. If you want, sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve them warm and watch everyone dig in!
Enjoy your delightful Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with that zesty lemon butter! They are sure to impress! 😋
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds great flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even mozzarella for a milder taste. Just remember that melting properties might vary slightly!
What Can I Substitute for Crab Meat?
If you can’t find crab meat or want a more budget-friendly option, consider using cooked shrimp or lobster instead. For a vegetarian version, you could use sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts mixed with cream cheese as a filling.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the biscuit dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just cover it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling it out and adding the crab filling!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave them for a quicker option!
