These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are a luxurious and flavorful twist on the classic Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Imagine buttery, cheesy biscuits filled with sweet, succulent crab meat, then topped off with a zesty lemon butter glaze for the ultimate indulgence. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers, as an appetizer or side to any meal. It’s easy to prepare, and sure to impress your guests or your family.
Ingredients:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra color)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk, but buttermilk adds richness)
- 1/2 cup cooked and drained crab meat (lump crab is ideal)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Crab Filling:
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat (drained and patted dry)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for a little tang)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon green onion or chives, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Butter:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crab Filling:
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, green onions, lemon zest, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir gently: Gently mix everything together until combined, making sure the crab meat stays in large chunks. Be careful not to break it up too much.
- Chill: Set the crab mixture aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the biscuit dough.
2. Make the Biscuit Dough:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Add the buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. The dough will be a little sticky but should hold together.
3. Assemble the Crab-Stuffed Biscuits:
- Form biscuit dough: Using your hands or a spoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough and form it into a ball. Flatten it slightly with your hands or the back of a spoon.
- Add the crab filling: Place a small spoonful (about 1 tablespoon) of the crab mixture in the center of the flattened dough.
- Seal the biscuit: Gently fold the dough over the crab filling to enclose it. Pinch the edges together to seal, and roll the dough ball back into a round shape. Be careful not to overfill or the dough may burst during baking.
- Place on baking sheet: Place the stuffed biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
4. Bake the Biscuits:
- Bake the biscuits: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool slightly: Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the lemon butter.
5. Make the Lemon Butter:
- Combine lemon butter ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush the biscuits: Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the warm biscuits with the lemon butter mixture. This will give them a shiny, flavorful finish.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the biscuits for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve warm: Serve the crab-stuffed cheddar bay biscuits warm, either as an appetizer, side dish, or part of your main meal. These biscuits pair perfectly with a simple salad, seafood dishes, or a savory soup.
Tips & Notes:
- Crab meat: If fresh lump crab is unavailable, you can use canned crab meat, but make sure it’s well-drained and patted dry. If you want to save time, you can also use imitation crab meat, though real crab will provide a richer flavor.
- Dough consistency: If your biscuit dough is too dry, add a tablespoon more buttermilk at a time until the dough comes together. Conversely, if it’s too wet, add a bit more flour.
- Cheese options: For a different flavor profile, try swapping cheddar cheese with a sharper variety like Gruyère or a mild cheese like mozzarella for a gooier texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked stuffed biscuits for later use. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer — they may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the crab filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Prepare the biscuit dough just before baking.
Why You’ll Love These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter:
- Indulgent and flavorful: The combination of flaky, cheesy biscuits with the rich crab filling is truly irresistible. The lemon butter glaze gives them a refreshing, zesty kick.
- Perfect for entertaining: These biscuits are perfect for serving at parties, holidays, or a special family meal. They are sure to impress your guests with both their appearance and taste.
- Easy to customize: You can easily adjust the crab stuffing with additional seasonings or even try different fillings, such as shrimp or lobster, to make them your own.
- Comfort food with a twist: These biscuits offer all the comfort of classic cheddar bay biscuits but with the added luxury of crab and a tangy lemon finish.
These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are the perfect combination of indulgence, flavor, and texture. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or enjoy a decadent treat at home, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

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