Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
This indulgent recipe combines flaky cheddar biscuits, a savory crab filling, and a luscious lemon butter glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish!
Ingredients
For the Biscuits
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup (115g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk or buttermilk
For the Crab Filling
- 8 oz (225g) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- ¼ cup (60g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon Butter Glaze
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Construction
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Crab Filling
- In a bowl, combine crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined and set aside.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add milk or buttermilk and stir until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Assemble the Stuffed Biscuits
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough and flatten slightly in your hand.
- Place 1 tablespoon of crab filling in the center.
- Cover with another flattened piece of dough and seal the edges. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Arrange biscuits on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Glaze
- While the biscuits bake, mix melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, and parsley.
- Glaze the Biscuits
- Remove biscuits from the oven and immediately brush them with the lemon butter glaze.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the crab filling.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Mix in fresh dill or thyme with the crab filling.
- Seafood Mix: Replace half of the crab meat with cooked shrimp or scallops.
- Cheese Upgrade: Swap cheddar for Gruyère or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking mix in place of flour.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Keep ingredients cold, especially the butter, for flakier biscuits.
- Handle with Care: Be gentle when mixing and assembling to avoid tough biscuits.
- Don’t Overfill: Use just enough crab filling to seal the biscuits properly.
- Fresh Crab is Best: Use fresh or high-quality canned crab for the best flavor.
- Serve Warm: These biscuits are at their best when warm and fresh from the oven.
These Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are a decadent treat sure to impress guests or elevate a casual meal!