These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a perfect treat! Fluffy biscuits filled with crabmeat and topped with a tasty lemon butter that adds a zing to every bite.
It’s like a surprise party for your taste buds! I can’t resist having a few with a warm dip. Trust me, they’re a great pick for sharing or enjoying all by yourself! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your main ingredient for the biscuits. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Just be aware that the texture may vary a bit!
Crab Meat: Fresh crab gives the best flavor, but if it’s hard to find, you can use canned crab or even imitation crab for a budget-friendly choice. Just make sure to drain it well before using it.
Buttermilk: For a substitute, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken—it works just as well in the recipe!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice depth of flavor. If you prefer a milder cheese, go for medium cheddar or even mozzarella. Just keep in mind that it will change the taste a little!
How Do I Successfully Seal the Biscuits with Filling?
The sealing process can be tricky, but here are some simple steps to make it easier:
- Use a light touch when placing the top biscuit layer over the filling to avoid squishing it.
- Pinch the edges to ensure the filling doesn’t leak out during baking; this also helps the biscuits rise well.
- If you’re worried about sealing, you can use a bit of buttermilk around the edges to help them stick better.
Feeling confident in sealing these biscuits will help them bake up perfectly! Enjoy the flavors of crab and cheddar baking together.
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits With Lemon Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Crab Filling:
- 1 cup fresh crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon Butter Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake for a total of around 40 minutes. You’ll enjoy some time mixing and assembling these tasty biscuits before they bake up into golden, fluffy bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the biscuits from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Making the Biscuit Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, cayenne pepper (if you’d like a hint of spice!), and the shredded cheddar cheese. This combination creates a flavorful base for your biscuits. Once mixed, gently stir in the buttermilk and melted butter until just combined—remember, don’t overmix!
3. Preparing the Crab Filling:
In another bowl, prepare the crab filling by gently mixing the crab meat, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much; you want nice chunks for the filling!
4. Shaping the Biscuits:
Now, lightly flour a clean surface and turn out the biscuit dough. Gently flatten it into a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or biscuit cutter to cut the dough into squares or rounds—make enough pieces for two layers for each biscuit.
5. Filling and Sealing:
Take one piece of dough and place it on your lined baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crab filling onto the center of the dough. Top it with another piece of dough and gently seal the edges, making sure the crab filling is all wrapped up snugly inside. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling, spacing the biscuits about 2 inches apart.
6. Baking the Biscuits:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. The aroma will be irresistible!
7. Preparing the Lemon Butter Glaze:
While your biscuits are baking, prepare the lemon butter glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, and chopped parsley. This glaze will add a nice tangy finish to your biscuits.
8. Finishing Touches:
As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the lemon butter glaze. Let them cool for a minute or two, then serve warm and enjoy these delicious crab-stuffed cheddar bay biscuits, packed with flavor and drizzled with that bright lemon butter glaze!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Crab Meat Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen crab meat! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator and drain it well before using it in the filling. This ensures the best flavor and texture for your biscuits.
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own! Mix 3/4 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will mimic the acidity of buttermilk and work perfectly in the recipe.
Can I Prepare the Biscuits Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the biscuit dough and filling a day in advance. Store the dough wrapped in plastic wrap and the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake them just before serving for the best results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can brush them with a little more lemon butter glaze for extra flavor!
