If you are a fan of rich, flavorful seafood appetizers that bring together cheesy goodness and zesty citrus notes, you will absolutely adore this Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe. Imagine warm, fluffy cheddar biscuits bursting with a creamy, savory crab filling and then brushed with a luscious lemon butter glaze—a combination that brightens every bite and elevates your snack or side dish game to something truly special. This recipe is a fantastic way to impress friends and family with a dish that feels both indulgent and approachable, marrying the classic charm of Cheddar Bay Biscuits with the fresh, delicate taste of lump crab meat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, simple ingredients that each play an essential role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and color. From the sharp cheddar that adds tangy richness to the lemon butter sauce that lifts every bite, these components come together effortlessly to create a memorable dish.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the biscuits providing structure and tenderness.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents that guarantee fluffy, light biscuits.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth that complements the cheddar cheese beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness of the crab and tanginess of the cheese.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Offers bold, melty pockets of flavor in every biscuit.
- Cold unsalted butter: Creates flakiness in the biscuits and a rich mouthfeel.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, enriching the biscuit dough.
- Lump crab meat: The star of the crab filling, bringing sweetness and a delicate seafood flavor.
- Mayonnaise and cream cheese: Provide creaminess and help bind the crab filling together.
- Dijon mustard and lemon juice: Introduce zesty brightness and a hint of heat to the filling.
- Fresh parsley: Offers freshness and a pop of color both in the filling and the lemon butter sauce.
- Old Bay seasoning: A classic seasoning blend that perfectly accents the seafood taste.
- Unsalted butter (for sauce): Creates a silky lemon butter glaze to brush atop the warm biscuits.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus notes in the lemon butter sauce, making it vibrant and refreshing.
How to Make Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Filling
Begin by gently mixing the lump crab meat with mayonnaise, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, fresh parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taking care not to break up the crab too much will ensure you have chunky, flavorful bites inside the biscuits. Set this mixture aside as the delectable stuffing that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt to create that classic cheddar bay biscuit base. Then add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients either with a pastry cutter or by hand until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this step is key for flaky layers. Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and then add the buttermilk, stirring just until the dough comes together. Remember, overmixing can make your biscuits tough, so keep it light.
Step 3: Assemble the Crab-Stuffed Biscuits
Scoop about two tablespoons of biscuit dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place one heaping teaspoon of the crab filling in the center, then cover with another tablespoon of dough, pinching and sealing the edges tightly so the filling stays inside. Repeat this process until all the dough and crab filling are used, then arrange the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready for their golden transformation.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection and Make Lemon Butter Sauce
Bake the stuffed biscuits in a preheated 425°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan and whisk in the lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, and chopped parsley. This lemon butter sauce will be the finishing touch that adds brightness and a buttery sheen to each warm biscuit.
Step 5: Brush and Serve
As soon as the biscuits are out of the oven, brush them generously with the lemon butter sauce. This quick step infuses the biscuits with an irresistible citrusy aroma and makes them shine with flavor. Serve immediately while still warm for the ultimate tasting experience.
How to Serve Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. A light dusting of Old Bay seasoning can also add a touch of heat and crunch. A thin wedge of lemon on the side invites your guests to add an extra squeeze of citrus, enhancing the already lively flavors.
Side Dishes
These biscuits shine as appetizers but also complement a range of seafood entrees like grilled shrimp, roasted fish, or a crisp salad. Consider serving them alongside a creamy clam chowder or a vibrant coleslaw to create a satisfying meal that balances indulgence and brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation at gatherings, arrange the Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of extra lemon butter sauce for dipping. You could also serve mini skewers with a biscuit and a piece of grilled scallop or shrimp for a fun seafood feast platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the crab filling fresh and the biscuits from drying out, allowing you to enjoy them the next day without sacrificing flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked stuffed biscuits on a lined baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. This makes for an easy, ready-to-bake indulgence whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, bake frozen biscuits at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. For refrigerated leftovers, a quick 5–7 minutes in a 350°F oven is sufficient. Brush with warmed lemon butter sauce after reheating to bring back that fresh, buttery finish.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab meat for this recipe?
While you can substitute imitation crab, using high-quality lump crab meat is highly recommended for the best authentic flavor and texture that truly elevates this recipe.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk in the biscuit dough?
Buttermilk adds a pleasant tang and tender crumb to the biscuits, but if you don’t have any, you can use regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve a similar effect.
Can these biscuits be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and be sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free to keep the recipe safe and delicious.
How spicy is the Old Bay seasoning in this recipe?
Old Bay seasoning has a mild, aromatic heat with a blend of spices that adds depth without overwhelming the crab, making it perfect for this delicate dish.
Can I prepare the crab filling a day ahead?
Absolutely! Preparing the crab filling in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and then you can assemble the biscuits just before baking for ease and flavor enhancement.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sharing a warm, buttery biscuit filled with sweet crab and topped with a vibrant lemon butter glaze. This Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe brings a touch of elegance to any meal or gathering, and once you try it, it’s sure to become a favorite staple in your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every delicious bite of this unforgettable seafood treat!
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Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
These Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits combine the classic cheesy, garlicky flavor of cheddar bay biscuits with a rich lump crab meat filling, all topped with a zesty lemon butter sauce. Perfect as appetizers or a seafood dinner side, they deliver a delicious blend of savory and citrus notes in every bite.
Ingredients
For the biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup buttermilk
For the crab filling:
- 8 ounces lump crab meat, drained and picked over
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the lemon butter sauce:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Pinch of garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Make the crab filling: In a medium bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the biscuit dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep biscuits tender.
- Assemble the biscuits: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough and flatten slightly in your hand. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of crab filling in the center and cover with another tablespoon of dough. Pinch and seal the edges securely to encase the filling, then place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Bake the biscuits: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare lemon butter sauce: While the biscuits bake, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, and chopped parsley to create a fragrant, flavorful sauce.
- Brush and serve: As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm lemon butter sauce. Serve immediately to enjoy their warm, tender, and flavorful goodness.
Notes
- Use high-quality lump crab meat for maximum flavor and texture.
- These biscuits make perfect appetizers or a side dish for seafood-focused meals.
- They can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven without losing their flavor.
- Seal the biscuit edges well to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- For an extra kick, sprinkle a little extra Old Bay on top before baking.
