Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter

Introduction:

Crab-stuffed Cheddar Bay biscuits with a zesty lemon butter glaze are an indulgent and savory treat that takes the classic biscuit to a whole new level. Combining the rich, buttery flavor of cheddar biscuits with the sweetness of crab and a tangy lemony finish, these biscuits make for an unforgettable appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to something special, these crab-stuffed biscuits will surely impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients:

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For the Crab Stuffing:

• 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your preferred seasoning)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lemon Butter Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
• A pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Prepare the Biscuits:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
• Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.
• Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring gently with a fork until the dough begins to form. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly shaggy.

2. Make the Crab Stuffing:

• In a medium bowl, combine the lump crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and green onions (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Gently fold the ingredients together, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much.

3. Assemble the Biscuits:

• Scoop a generous spoonful of the biscuit dough (about 2 tablespoons) and place it on the baking sheet. Flatten it slightly with your hands or the back of a spoon.
• Spoon a small amount of the crab mixture into the center of each biscuit dough portion.
• Top with a second spoonful of biscuit dough to cover the crab mixture, gently pressing the edges together to seal the stuffing inside.
• Repeat with the remaining dough and crab mixture.

4. Bake:

• Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. You may want to check the biscuits at 15 minutes and adjust the time if necessary.

5. Make the Lemon Butter Glaze:

• While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
• Stir in the fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat once the mixture is well combined.

6. Finish the Biscuits:

• Once the biscuits are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the lemon butter glaze for that extra burst of flavor.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips:

• Serving: These crab-stuffed Cheddar Bay biscuits are perfect as an appetizer, served with a fresh salad, or alongside a seafood dinner. They also work well as a light lunch or snack.
• Storage: Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to crisp up the edges.
• Freezing: If you’d like to make these biscuits in advance, you can freeze them after assembling (before baking). Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To bake, simply increase the baking time by a few minutes, as they will need extra time from frozen.

Variations:

• Crab Alternatives: If you don’t have access to fresh crab, you can substitute it with cooked shrimp or lobster for a different flavor profile. You could also use a blend of seafood for a mixed-stuffed biscuit.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños to the crab stuffing to give these biscuits a spicy twist.
• Cheese Variations: Try using different cheeses, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses, to give the biscuits a new flavor dimension.
• Vegan Version: For a vegan option, substitute the butter, buttermilk, and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, and use a vegan crab meat substitute made from hearts of palm or jackfruit.

FAQ:

1. Can I use regular cheddar cheese instead of sharp cheddar?
Yes, you can use regular cheddar, but sharp cheddar will give the biscuits a more pronounced, tangy flavor that pairs well with the crab.

2. Can I use a different kind of crab meat?
Yes! While lump crab meat is ideal for its texture, you can use claw meat or imitation crab if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning if using imitation crab, as it’s often more heavily salted.

3. How do I prevent the crab filling from leaking out?
Be sure to seal the edges of the biscuit dough tightly around the crab filling. If the dough is too dry, add a little more buttermilk to make it easier to work with and seal.

4. Can I make the crab-stuffed biscuits without buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk, adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice per cup of milk to create a buttermilk substitute. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

5. Can I make the crab stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, the crab filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the biscuits.

This recipe offers a fun twist on the classic Cheddar Bay biscuit, turning it into a gourmet dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the sweet, savory, and citrusy flavor explosion in every bite!