Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a savory, indulgent treat that combine everything you love about a classic cheesy biscuit with the luxury of a creamy crab filling. Imagine pulling apart a warm, golden biscuit and discovering a luscious center of real lump crab, kissed with a hint of lemon and spice. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next dinner party or simply want a comforting snack that’s a little out of the ordinary, these biscuits are guaranteed to steal the show. They’re incredibly easy to make, but taste like something you’d order at your favorite seafood restaurant—trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits lies in their straightforward ingredient list—every component adds a pop of flavor, texture, or color. From the sharpness of cheddar to the sweet, delicate crab, each ingredient plays a starring role in creating biscuits that are out-of-this-world delicious.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, fluffy biscuit base.
- Baking powder: Gives your biscuits that irresistible lift and lightness.
- Baking soda: Helps the biscuits brown beautifully and rise just right.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dough with subtle, savory depth.
- Old Bay seasoning: A classic seafood spice that perfectly complements the crab.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the cheese and crab.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Creates flaky layers and rich flavor—keep it cold for best results.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds sharp, melty pockets of cheese in every bite.
- Buttermilk: Makes the dough tender and adds a subtle tang.
- Lump crab meat: The star of the filling—opt for real crab for the best flavor and texture.
- Mayonnaise: Binds the crab filling and makes it extra creamy.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds richness and helps hold the filling together.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle kick and balances the richness of the crab.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the filling and cuts through the richness.
- Paprika: Adds mild warmth and a touch of color.
- Green onion or parsley (finely chopped): Gives a fresh, herby note to the filling.
- Butter (for topping): Brushed on top for a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Garlic powder (for topping): Infuses the melted butter with savory flavor.
- Chopped parsley (for topping): Adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits bake evenly and don’t stick—plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar, then pour in the buttermilk and gently mix just until a soft dough forms—don’t overmix, or your biscuits won’t be as tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Crab Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the lump crab meat, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, and chopped green onion or parsley. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and creamy. This filling should be slightly thick so it stays put inside the biscuits.
Step 4: Assemble the Biscuits
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a heaping teaspoon of the crab filling in the center, then top with another tablespoon of dough, pinching the edges to seal the filling inside. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling, and arrange the biscuits on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake and Finish with Topping
Bake the biscuits for 13 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and irresistible. While they’re baking, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, and chopped parsley. As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the seasoned butter for a glossy finish and extra flavor. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits. For a little extra zing, you can also add a tiny squeeze of lemon juice or a dusting of Old Bay right before serving.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are the ultimate appetizer, but they also shine alongside seafood chowder, creamy tomato soup, or a crisp green salad. If you’re serving them for brunch, try pairing with scrambled eggs and a citrusy fruit salad for a coastal twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, arrange your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits on a rustic wooden board with lemon wedges and a bowl of herbed butter. You can also make mini versions for bite-sized hors d’oeuvres, or stack them high on a cake stand for a dramatic centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The filling will stay creamy and delicious, and the biscuits will still be soft when gently reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked, stuffed biscuits on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, for a fresh-from-the-oven treat anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, wrap your biscuits in foil and warm them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps them moist and prevents the crab filling from drying out—almost as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat instead of lump crab?
Yes, canned crab meat works in a pinch, but for the best flavor and texture in Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits, real lump crab is unbeatable. Just be sure to drain canned crab well and pick out any bits of shell.
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the biscuits up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake them off just before serving for fresh, gooey centers and crisp, golden exteriors.
What’s the best way to seal the biscuits?
Pinch the edges of the dough together firmly using your fingers, and gently roll the biscuit in your palm to help seal the seam. If any filling peeks out, simply patch it with a bit of extra dough.
Can I substitute another cheese for cheddar?
Sharp cheddar gives the biscuits their classic flavor, but you can swap in Colby, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little more kick. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well.
How do I make mini Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits for a party?
Use a teaspoon-sized scoop for both the dough and filling, and watch the bake time—mini biscuits will be ready in about 8 to 10 minutes. They’re perfect for appetizers or a fun addition to a brunch spread!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to take your biscuit game to the next level, Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are the way to go. The combination of cheesy, garlicky biscuit and creamy crab filling is simply unforgettable. Give this recipe a try and I guarantee you’ll be coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds)!
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Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits packed with sharp cheddar cheese and savory lump crab filling, topped with a buttery garlic parsley glaze. Perfect as appetizers or a flavorful seafood snack, inspired by classic Red Lobster style biscuits.
Ingredients
Biscuit Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Crab Filling
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion or parsley
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dry Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and salt to combine all dry ingredients evenly.
- Cut in Butter and Add Cheese: Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
- Add Buttermilk and Form Dough: Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix just until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender and flaky.
- Make Crab Filling: In a separate bowl, combine lump crab meat, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, and finely chopped green onion or parsley. Mix until the filling is smooth and well blended.
- Shape and Stuff Biscuits: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough and flatten slightly in your hand. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of crab filling in the center, then top with another tablespoon of biscuit dough. Seal the edges carefully to enclose the filling completely. Repeat with remaining dough and crab filling.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the stuffed biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until the biscuits turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Topping and Brush Biscuits: While baking, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and chopped parsley. As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the seasoned butter for added flavor and shine.
- Serve Warm: Serve these crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits warm for the best taste and texture, perfect for appetizers or alongside seafood dishes.
Notes
- Use real lump crab meat for authentic flavor; avoid imitation crab meat.
- The crab filling can be prepared a day in advance and kept chilled for convenience.
- Great as party appetizers or paired with seafood chowder for a hearty meal.
- Seal the biscuit dough edges well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
