Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Savory Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe: Zesty Lemon Twist

Crispy, golden cheddar bay biscuits bursting with succulent crab make a mouthwatering appetizer that surprises everyone at the table.

Seafood lovers rejoice when these delectable bites arrive hot from the kitchen.

Melted butter cascades over each perfectly seasoned morsel, creating an irresistible aroma.

Sharp cheddar cheese blends seamlessly with delicate crab meat, promising pure indulgence in every bite.

Coastal flavors shine through this simple yet elegant recipe that impresses without complicated techniques.

Comfort meets sophistication in these crowd-pleasing treats that will have you reaching for seconds before the first plate is empty.

Your dinner guests won’t be able to resist these incredible little biscuits.

Why To Try Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits

  • Savor Gourmet Comfort: These crab-stuffed biscuits elevate classic comfort food with a luxurious seafood twist, transforming an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.
  • Master Culinary Simplicity: Novice cooks can confidently create this impressive dish using basic kitchen skills, requiring minimal technical expertise while delivering maximum flavor impact.
  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Adaptable recipe allows personal touches like adjusting seasoning, choosing different cheese types, or swapping crab for alternative proteins to suit individual preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, these biscuits guarantee smiles and compliments from guests who'll be delightfully surprised by the gourmet combination of cheddar, crab, and zesty lemon butter sauce.

Ingredients in Crab-Stuffed Biscuits

For the Biscuit Base:
  • Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the biscuits.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the biscuits rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt, Sugar: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the biscuits.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the biscuit dough.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: Provides a classic seafood-style seasoning with a blend of herbs and spices.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp, tangy cheese flavor to the biscuits.
For the Moisture and Richness:
  • Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and adds richness to the biscuit texture.
  • Buttermilk: Provides tenderness and a slight tanginess to the biscuit dough.
  • Crab Meat: Offers a delicate seafood protein that makes the biscuits special.
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
  • Butter, Lemon Juice, Garlic Powder, Salt: Creates a zesty, rich sauce that complements the biscuits.
For the Garnish:
  • Parsley: Adds a fresh, green color and light herbal note to the finished dish.

How to Make the Stuffed Biscuits

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 400F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect baking.

Step 2: Create Dry Biscuit Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Sugar

Blend these ingredients thoroughly to create a consistent dry mixture.

Step 3: Work in Butter

Add cold cubed butter to the flour mixture.

Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to break down the butter until the texture looks like rough breadcrumbs. This technique ensures flaky, tender biscuits.

Step 4: Enhance with Cheese and Seasoning

Sprinkle in:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Old Bay seasoning

Mix these into the buttery flour blend to distribute flavor evenly.

Step 5: Moisten the Dough

Pour buttermilk into the mixture.

Stir gently until ingredients just come together. Avoid overmixing to keep biscuits light and airy.

Step 6: Fold in Crab Treasure

Carefully incorporate chopped crab meat into the dough. Use a gentle folding motion to prevent breaking the delicate crab pieces.

Step 7: Shape and Arrange Biscuits

Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Form 10-12 biscuits, leaving space between each for even baking.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place biscuits in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until tops turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 9: Whip Up Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in:
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients into a smooth, fragrant sauce.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Remove biscuits from the oven. Drizzle warm lemon butter sauce generously over the top.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Best Tips for Biscuit Baking Success

  • Ensure butter is cold and cubed for flakier, more tender biscuits that melt in your mouth.
  • Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture, avoiding stringy or mushy results.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough biscuits; gently fold ingredients until just combined.
  • Brush extra lemon butter sauce on top for an intense burst of citrusy flavor and glossy appearance.
  • Let biscuits rest for a few minutes after baking to help them set and become easier to handle.

Flavor Variations for Cheddar Bay Biscuits

  • Gluten-Free Seafood Biscuits: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum to maintain texture. Perfect for those avoiding gluten.
  • Dairy-Free Ocean Bites: Swap cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast and use coconut oil instead of butter. Ideal for lactose-intolerant seafood lovers.
  • Low-Carb Keto Crab Puffs: Substitute flour with almond flour or coconut flour, reducing carbohydrate content. Great for ketogenic diet followers.
  • Spicy Cajun Crab Biscuits: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and extra Old Bay seasoning for a zesty kick. Recommended for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors.

Pair These Biscuits with Soup or Salad

  • Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, buttery biscuits and complement the delicate crab meat.
  • Serve Refreshing Citrus Salad: Create a light citrus salad with mixed greens, grapefruit segments, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheddar bay biscuits and provide a bright, fresh contrast.
  • Match Chilled Seafood Appetizer: Start with a classic shrimp cocktail or ceviche as an appetizer to enhance the maritime flavor profile and prepare the palate for the crab-stuffed biscuits.

How to Store These Cheesy Biscuits

Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.

Wrap individual biscuits tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.

Preheat oven to 350F, place biscuits on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Zap biscuits for 20-30 seconds, then let rest for a minute to prevent toughness and distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

  • Can I use other types of seafood instead of crab?

Yes, you can substitute crab with shrimp or imitation crab meat for a similar flavor profile and texture.

  • Is Old Bay seasoning necessary for this recipe?

While Old Bay adds a classic seafood flavor, you can replace it with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper if unavailable.

  • How do I know if the biscuits are properly cooked?

The biscuits should be golden brown on top and have a firm, slightly crispy exterior when done. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

  • Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze the unbaked biscuits for up to a month.

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Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Irresistible crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits dance with rich, buttery flavors and delicate seafood notes. Zesty lemon butter sauce elevates this coastal-inspired dish, promising you a memorable culinary experience that blends comfort and elegance.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup lump crab meat, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Lemon Butter Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for baking.
  2. Blend dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
  3. Incorporate cold butter into the flour mixture, using a pastry cutter or fingertips to create a texture resembling rough breadcrumbs.
  4. Integrate shredded cheddar cheese and Old Bay seasoning, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
  5. Pour buttermilk gradually into the mixture, stirring until ingredients just come together without overmixing.
  6. Delicately fold chopped crab meat into the dough, maintaining large, distinct pieces for texture.
  7. Portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, creating 10-12 uniform biscuits with gentle mounds.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and crisp exterior.
  9. During baking, craft the lemon butter sauce by melting butter on low heat in a small saucepan.
  10. Whisk lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt into the melted butter, creating a vibrant, tangy sauce.
  11. Remove biscuits from the oven and immediately drizzle with the warm lemon butter sauce.
  12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbal finish.

Notes

  • Chill butter thoroughly before cutting into flour to ensure flakier, more tender biscuits with delicate layers.
  • Handle crab meat delicately to maintain large, succulent chunks that provide satisfying texture and prevent mushy consistency.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining identical measurements and mixing technique.
  • Seafood allergies? Replace crab with cooked, shredded chicken or finely diced mushrooms for equally rich and savory alternative.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 266 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 331 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 54 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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