The Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is an absolute showstopper that brings together the cozy warmth of cheddar bay biscuits with a luscious, flavorful crab filling. Imagine biting into a golden, fluffy biscuit bursting with tender, seasoned crab meat, enriched by bright lemon zest and a touch of Old Bay seasoning. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a luxurious appetizer that feels both comforting and indulgent. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of sharp cheddar, tender crab, and savory herbs that will have you craving more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple at first glance, but each one is essential to create the perfect texture, flavor, and vibrant look of this dish. From the sharp cheddar cheese adding richness to the fresh parsley brightening the dish, every element plays a crucial role.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for fluffy, tender biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise beautifully and get that light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to give just the right lift and slight crispiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth to the biscuit dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors just perfectly without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: The secret to flaky, rich biscuits.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings sharp tang and melty goodness.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderizes the dough for soft biscuits.
- 8 oz lump crab meat (drained and picked over): The star ingredient that brings fresh, sweet seafood flavor.
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise: Binds the crab filling and adds creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: Classic seasoning that perfectly complements crab.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds a bright, citrusy lift to the crab filling.
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbaceous color and flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory flavor to the filling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: For brushing the biscuits after baking to add golden shine and richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Mixed into the butter for an extra boost of garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds tang to the finishing butter glaze.
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (optional): For an extra pop of fresh color on top.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Filling
Start by gently combining the lump crab meat with mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This mixture is the heart of the recipe, so take care to mix gently to keep the crab lumps intact. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking, then set it aside in the fridge. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you prepare the biscuit dough.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Next, cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with tiny pea-sized bits of butter. This step is key to making flaky biscuits! Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese for that signature cheddar bay flavor. Pour in the buttermilk and mix gently just until the dough holds together—avoid overmixing to keep your biscuits light and tender. If the dough feels dry, add a tablespoon or two more of buttermilk.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Biscuits
Now comes the fun part! Scoop about 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Add a heaping teaspoon of the crab filling into the center, then fold the dough around it, pinching and sealing the edges carefully so that the crab stays inside. Roll the filled dough into a neat ball and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining dough and crab filling, spacing each biscuit about one inch apart to give them space to rise.
Step 4: Bake the Biscuits
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Bake the stuffed biscuits for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on top. This baking time ensures that the biscuits are cooked through and the crab filling is warmed to perfection within a fluffy, cheesy exterior.
Step 5: Brush With Garlic Lemon Butter
While the biscuits bake, mix melted butter with garlic powder, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you have it. As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, generously brush this glaze all over each biscuit. This final touch adds irresistible shine and an extra zing of flavor that makes these Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley over your freshly glazed biscuits right before serving. You can also add a light dusting of paprika or a few lemon wedges on the side to enhance the bright citrus notes in the crab filling.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair wonderfully with crisp, refreshing salads like a mixed greens salad with vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside creamy chowders or garlic butter sautéed green beans for a fantastic balance of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning appetizer platter, arrange the Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe on a wooden board with bowls of zesty dipping sauces—think remoulade or a spicy aioli. You can also serve them warm with a drizzle of honey butter for a sweet-savory twist that will surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain texture and freshness.
Freezing
These biscuits freeze beautifully! After shaping (but before baking), place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container and store for up to three months. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the biscuits in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and crisp on the outside, about 10 minutes. You can brush them again lightly with garlic lemon butter to refresh the flavor and moisture.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab instead of lump crab meat?
While lump crab meat offers the best fresh, sweet flavor and texture, you can substitute imitation crab in a pinch. Just be aware the taste and texture will be less luxurious but still tasty.
How spicy is the Old Bay seasoning in the recipe?
Old Bay seasoning adds a mild warmth with a blend of herbs and spices—it’s not very spicy but gives a distinctive savory and slightly smoky flavor that enhances the crab perfectly.
Can these biscuits be made dairy-free or gluten-free?
You could experiment with dairy-free buttermilk and cheese substitutes as well as gluten-free flour blends, but expect some changes in texture and flavor. The recipe works best in its original form.
Is it possible to make the crab filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The crab filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which actually helps the flavors meld even more deeply before baking.
Can I add more cheese to the biscuit dough?
Yes, feel free to add extra cheddar if you want an even cheesier biscuit, but be careful not to add too much or it might affect the biscuit’s structure and rise.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and has the perfect balance of cheesy, buttery biscuit and sweet crab, you absolutely must try this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, once you take that first bite, these biscuits will become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
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Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delicious appetizer combining flaky, golden cheddar biscuits with a savory crab filling. These biscuits are packed with juicy lump crab meat, sharp cheddar cheese, and seasoned with Old Bay and fresh herbs, then brushed with a buttery garlic lemon glaze for a perfect finish. Ideal for parties, game days, or a special snack that impresses every time.
Ingredients
Biscuit Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus 1–2 tablespoons extra if needed)
Crab Filling
- 8 oz lump crab meat (drained and picked over)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Lemon Butter Glaze
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crab Filling: In a small bowl, gently mix the lump crab meat with mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the biscuit dough to let the flavors meld.
- Make the Biscuit Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly. Add the buttermilk and stir until the dough just comes together; avoid overmixing. If the dough is too dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra buttermilk.
- Shape and Fill the Biscuits: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough and flatten it into a small disc in your hand. Place a heaping teaspoon of the chilled crab filling in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to fully seal it inside. Roll gently into a ball shape. Place each filled biscuit on a baking sheet about 1 inch apart to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake the Biscuits: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the biscuits for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove from the oven once baked.
- Brush With Garlic Lemon Butter: Immediately after removing from the oven, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, lemon juice, and fresh parsley if using. Brush this garlic lemon butter generously over each hot biscuit to give a flavorful, shiny finish that enhances the crab and cheddar notes. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the crab meat is well-drained to avoid soggy filling.
- Cold butter in the dough is important for flakiness; do not overwork the dough.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley if needed, adjusting quantity accordingly.
- These biscuits are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated in the oven for freshness.
- If you prefer spicier biscuits, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough or crab filling.
