Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
If you love the irresistible combination of fluffy, cheesy biscuits and succulent crab meat, then you’re in for a real treat with this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe. These golden, savory bites pack a delightful crab filling inside every buttery cheddar biscuit, all finished with a zesty lemon butter glaze that perfectly balances the richness. Whether you’re craving a party appetizer or a comforting snack, this recipe turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable flavor experience that’s bound to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward, essential ingredients that work in harmony to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component brings something special to the table whether it’s the sharpness of cheddar, the fresh sweetness of lump crab, or the tangy brightness of lemon butter.
- Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The base of the biscuit with cheesy, buttery flavor and fluffy texture.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the biscuits and filling.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend that enhances the overall flavor with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Lump Crab Meat (1 pound): The star of the filling, offering sweet and tender chunks of seafood goodness.
- Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky flavor and lovely color to the filling.
- Onion Powder: A subtle savory note that complements the crab.
- Mayonnaise (½+ cup): Binds the filling ingredients while adding creaminess.
- Mustard (1 tbsp): Adds a gentle tang and sharpness to balance the sweetness of crab.
- Ritz Crackers (½ sleeve, crushed): Gives texture and helps hold the filling together.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Sprinkled inside for a nutty, cheesy punch.
- Lemon Juice (1 tsp): The bright note in the butter sauce to cut through richness.
- Melted Butter (2 tbsp): Coats the baked biscuits for that irresistible glossy finish and flavor.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
Begin by following the package instructions to prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix. This mix forms the fluffy, cheesy dough that will hug the crab filling perfectly. Setting this aside now lets us move smoothly through the next steps without missing a beat.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Muffin Tins
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, generously spray two muffin tins with nonstick spray. This ensures the biscuits bake evenly and pop out effortlessly once golden brown. Proper prep here pays off in perfect biscuits later!
Step 3: Make the Crab Filling
In a mixing bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat with paprika, onion powder, mustard, mayonnaise, and crushed Ritz crackers. Stir carefully to keep those lovely crab chunks intact, adding a little more mayonnaise if the mixture feels too dry. This filling is the savory heart of the recipe, so take a moment to appreciate how all the ingredients come together.
Step 4: Form and Stuff the Biscuits
Lightly flour your hands and take a scoop of biscuit dough, pressing it gently to create a small cup shape. Spoon a generous amount of the crab filling into each dough cup, then cover with a smaller piece of biscuit dough to seal in the deliciousness. This step is fun and hands-on, and the reward is a biscuit bursting with crab in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place each stuffed biscuit into the prepared muffin tins. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed up and beautifully golden. The aroma alone will have you eagerly waiting to taste these gems!
Step 6: Prepare and Brush on the Lemon Butter Sauce
While the biscuits bake, whisk together melted butter and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush this zesty lemon butter sauce on top to add a shiny glaze and an extra layer of flavor. This finishing touch makes all the difference in brightening up the buttery, cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To make your presentation pop, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives over the biscuits. These vibrant green herbs add not only a burst of color but also a fresh, mild flavor that complements the rich crab filling. A small lemon wedge on the side encourages an extra squeeze of citrus if someone wants a little more zing.
Side Dishes
These crab stuffed biscuits shine as a hearty appetizer or snack, but they also pair wonderfully with light, crisp sides. A fresh mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or some steamed asparagus with a touch of sea salt, balances the richness and rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these biscuits on a platter lined with parchment paper for that casual, inviting feel. Or for a fancier affair, place each biscuit in a mini ramekin or on individual appetizer plates. Drizzle extra lemon butter sauce around the plate for artistic effect and extra indulgence. The versatility makes them great for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Proper storage helps preserve the biscuit’s moisture and keeps the crab filling fresh for your next craving.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled crab stuffed biscuits on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. This way, you can enjoy these delightful bites anytime without re-making the whole batch.
Reheating
For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated biscuits in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible because the biscuit texture might become too soft. The oven keeps them tasting almost as fresh as when first baked.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab meat for this recipe?
While lump crab meat offers the best texture and flavor, you can use good-quality imitation crab in a pinch. Just be aware that the taste and consistency will be slightly different but still tasty in this rich, cheesy biscuit context.
Is it necessary to use the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix?
The Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix simplifies the process and guarantees that signature flavor, but you can substitute with any buttermilk biscuit dough and add your own cheddar and seasonings for a homemade twist.
Can these biscuits be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free biscuit mix and gluten-free crackers to keep all the flavors intact while accommodating gluten sensitivities. Just check all ingredient labels carefully.
How can I make the lemon butter sauce more tangy?
Simply increase the amount of lemon juice or add a tiny bit of lemon zest for even brighter citrus notes that will cut through the richness even more.
What’s the best crab to use for stuffing?
Lump crab meat is ideal because it has large chunks and a sweet flavor that stands out. Avoid canned crab meat, which is often too fine and can make the filling mushy.
Final Thoughts
Making this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is like gifting yourself a little indulgence that’s easy to prepare yet feels so special. Each fluffy biscuit filled with sweet crab and kissed with lemon butter makes for a perfect dish to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to for parties, gatherings, or any day you want to treat yourself to something truly delicious.
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Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a decadent and flavorful appetizer featuring tender, cheesy biscuits filled with a savory lump crab meat mixture, baked to golden perfection and finished with a zesty lemon butter sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a special snack, this recipe combines the classic Cheddar Bay Biscuit taste with a delicious seafood twist.
Ingredients
Biscuit Mix
- 1 package Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Crab Filling
- 1 pound lump crab meat, fully cooked
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½+ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp mustard
- ½ sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Cheese and Topping
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Biscuit Mix: Make the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix according to the package directions and set aside to use later.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray two muffin tins with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Crab Filling: In a bowl, combine lump crab meat, paprika, onion powder, mustard, mayonnaise, and crushed Ritz crackers. Stir well until the mixture is cohesive, adding more mayonnaise if needed to achieve a moist filling.
- Form Biscuits: Using a scoop, take some biscuit mix and place it in your hand dusted with flour to shape a cup. Add a generous scoop of the crab filling in the center, then cover it with more biscuit dough to seal the filling inside.
- Place in Muffin Tins: Continue forming and stuffing biscuits until all of the dough and crab mixture are used. Place each stuffed biscuit into the prepared muffin tins evenly.
- Bake Biscuits: Bake the stuffed biscuits for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter and lemon juice to create the lemon butter sauce that will enhance the biscuits after baking.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, brush the warm biscuits generously with the lemon butter sauce. Serve immediately for a deliciously warm appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the crab meat is fully cooked and lump style for best texture and flavor.
- You can add extra garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the biscuit mix for more robust flavor.
- Use nonstick spray or muffin liners to avoid sticking in the muffin tins.
- For crispier biscuits, brush additional melted butter on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated lightly in the oven for best texture retention.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
