These warm, cheesy biscuits are filled with sweet crab meat and topped with a zesty lemon butter that makes them extra tasty. Perfect for a special treat or just because!
I can’t help but smile when I take a bite; it’s like a little party in my mouth! Serve them warm, and you’ll surely impress anyone at your table. Plus, who could resist that buttery goodness? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your biscuits. You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, but it may yield a denser biscuit.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Cold butter gives the biscuits a flaky texture. For a healthier option, you can replace it with coconut oil; just be sure it’s solid, not melted.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds a bold flavor. If you want a milder taste, use mild cheddar or even mozzarella. Goat cheese can also add a nice twist!
Cooked Crab Meat: Fresh crab is best, but you can substitute with canned crab or even imitation crab if necessary. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid sogginess.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. It works similarly!
What’s the Best Way to Mix Ingredients Without Overdoing It?
Mixing dough too much can lead to tough biscuits. Here’s how to keep it light and fluffy:
- Combine dry ingredients first to ensure even mixing.
- When adding cold butter, only cut it in until it resembles coarse crumbs—tiny pea-sized lumps are fine.
- Pour in buttermilk, then stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined. Some small lumps are okay!
- When forming the biscuits, handle them as little as possible to maintain that fluffy texture.
By following these steps, your biscuits will turn out light and fluffy with a delicious crab filling!
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Crab Stuffing:
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or similar seafood seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon Butter Topping:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 20 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake, making a total of around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick appetizer or side dish that your family and friends will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease, so the biscuits don’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, baking soda, and optional cayenne pepper. This gives the biscuits a nice flavor boost!
3. Add the Butter:
Cut the cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers. Keep mixing until it looks like coarse crumbs. You want tiny bits of butter for that flaky texture!
4. Cheese, Please!
Gently stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This will make your biscuits extra cheesy and delicious.
5. Incorporate the Buttermilk:
Pour in the buttermilk and stir until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine—this helps keep the biscuits light and fluffy.
6. Prepare the Crab Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the crab meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and salt and pepper. Be gentle to keep the crab nice and chunky!
7. Form the Biscuits:
Take about 2 tablespoons of the biscuit dough in your hands and flatten it slightly. Place about 1 tablespoon of the crab mixture in the center. Top with another 2 tablespoons of dough and pinch the edges together to seal. Shape it into a round biscuit. Repeat until you’ve used all the dough and filling.
8. Bake the Biscuits:
Place your stuffed biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches between them. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked!
9. Make the Lemon Butter:
While the biscuits are baking, mix the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. This topping is what makes the biscuits sing!
10. Serve Them Warm:
Once the biscuits are out of the oven, brush them generously with the lemon butter mixture while they’re warm. Serve them up and enjoy the deliciousness!
These savory, cheesy crab-stuffed biscuits with a burst of lemon butter flavor are bound to be a hit. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
Can I Substitute the Crab Meat?
Yes, you can substitute crab meat with cooked shrimp, lobster, or even canned tuna for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to complement the alternative ingredient.
How Can I Make These Biscuits Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free biscuits, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to check the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the biscuits for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain their texture, rather than using a microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Filling?
Absolutely! You can mix in ingredients like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra richness. Just be sure not to overload the filling so the biscuits can still hold their shape!