If you’re craving a cozy, irresistible appetizer that brings the flavors of the sea and comfort baking together, then you absolutely must try this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe. Imagine tender, cheesy biscuits bursting with savory lump crab meat and a tangy layer of lemon butter shining through every bite. This dish marries the buttery, garlicky charm of Cheddar Bay biscuits with a luscious crab filling and a bright, buttery sauce that elevates the whole experience. Whether you’re entertaining friends or indulging on a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, approachable ingredients makes this recipe both convenient and unbelievably satisfying. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures, from the rich crab to the crispy biscuit exterior enhanced with aromatic herbs and a hint of garlic.
- 1 package Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The delicious base for your biscuits, packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness that sets the tone.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds an extra punch of savory depth that works beautifully with the biscuit mix.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings a subtle herbal complexity to the biscuit dough.
- 1 pound lump crab meat, fully cooked: The star ingredient providing sweet, delicate seafood flavor in every bite.
- ¼ tsp paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and color to the crab filling.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Enhances the crab mixture with a gentle onion aroma that’s not overpowering.
- ½+ cup mayonnaise: Helps bind the crab filling while contributing creaminess and moisture.
- 1 tbsp mustard: Adds a little tang and sharpness to brighten the crab blend.
- ½ sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed: Provides a slight crunch and volume to the filling, keeping it light yet cohesive.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty finish that pairs beautifully with the cheddar in the biscuits.
- 1 tsp lemon juice: Injects a fresh zing that balances richness in the lemon butter sauce.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Used both in the biscuit dough and for creating the luscious finishing sauce.
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 instructions on your cheddar bay biscuit mix package and mixing it according to the directions. This will form the fluffy, cheesy biscuit dough that’s the perfect vehicle for your crab stuffing. Once ready, set the dough aside as you prepare the filling so everything comes together smoothly.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Muffin Tins
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming, spray two muffin tins well with nonstick spray. These tins will help you shape and bake the stuffed biscuits into perfectly portioned, golden rounds that are just the right size for a delightful appetizer.
Step 3: Make the Crab Filling
In a mixing bowl, blend the lump crab meat with paprika, onion powder, mustard, mayonnaise, and crushed Ritz crackers. The mayonnaise keeps the filling moist, the crackers provide a pleasant texture, and the seasonings elevate the natural sweetness of the crab. Adjust the mayonnaise as needed to get a creamy yet scoopable consistency that stays inside the biscuits as they bake.
Step 4: Form and Stuff the Biscuits
Dust your hands lightly with flour and scoop a portion of the biscuit dough, shaping it into a small cup in your palm. Fill each cup generously with the crab mixture, then cover with a bit more biscuit dough, sealing the edges gently to encase the crab filling inside. This technique ensures a delicious surprise with every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place each stuffed biscuit carefully into the prepared muffin tins, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown. The biscuits should be fully cooked, fluffy, and boasting a crispy edge around the crab-filled center.
Step 6: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
While the biscuits bake, whisk together the melted butter and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. This simple sauce is the perfect finishing touch, infusing the biscuits with bright citrus notes and buttery richness that complement the crab and cheddar beautifully.
Step 7: Brush and Serve
Once the biscuits are golden and out of the oven, immediately brush the lemon butter sauce generously over each biscuit. The warm butter soaks into the crust, adding moisture and an aromatic zing that ties the entire dish together.
How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a lovely burst of color and fresh flavor. A few lemon zest curls can also brighten the presentation and enhance the citrus notes already present in the sauce—turning these biscuits into little works of art.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing these stuffed biscuits with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or a creamy coleslaw to provide contrast to the richness. They also shine alongside a bowl of homemade clam chowder or a refreshing cucumber salad for a full seafood-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve these crab-stuffed cheddar bay biscuits on a wooden board surrounded by lemon wedges and small bowls of extra lemon butter sauce for dipping. You can also thread cocktail picks through them to make handheld snacks that are easy to grab and enjoy while mingling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep nicely for up to 3 days, making them a wonderful leftover treat.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, freeze the fully baked and cooled biscuits in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain their flavor for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your leftover crab-stuffed biscuits back to life, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the biscuit soggy and affect the texture of the crab filling.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab meat for this recipe?
While lump crab meat offers the best flavor and texture, you can substitute with high-quality imitation crab if needed, though the dish may lose some of its authentic seafood allure.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe relies on biscuit mix and crackers that typically contain gluten, but you can experiment with gluten-free biscuit mix and gluten-free crackers. Just keep in mind that texture and rise may vary slightly.
How do I keep the crab filling from leaking during baking?
Using a slightly sticky biscuit dough and properly sealing the edges around the filling helps keep everything enclosed. Chilling the filled biscuits for a few minutes before baking can also help them hold their shape.
Can I prepare the crab filling in advance?
Yes! The crab filling can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors meld nicely. Just mix the filling fresh with the biscuit dough when ready to assemble and bake.
What is the best kind of mustard to use for the filling?
A mild yellow or Dijon mustard works well, providing just enough tang without overpowering the delicate crab flavors. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe—the balance of cheesy biscuit, tender crab, and bright, buttery lemon that creates a dish everyone will rave about. If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply satisfy a craving for something decadent yet easy to make, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try. It’s a delicious way to bring a little seaside charm right into your kitchen!
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Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these savory Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits, where fluffy cheddar biscuits are loaded with a flavorful lump crab filling and finished with a zesty lemon butter sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a special snack for gatherings, these biscuits combine creamy, cheesy, and seafood flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Biscuits
- 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
Topping
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Biscuit Mix: Make the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix according to the package directions, incorporating the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray two muffin tins with nonstick spray to prepare for baking.
- Make Crab Filling: In a bowl, combine the lump crab meat with paprika, onion powder, mustard, mayonnaise, and crushed Ritz crackers. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and moist; add extra mayonnaise if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
- Form Biscuits: Using a scoop, take a portion of the biscuit dough and form a cup shape in your flour-dusted hand. Spoon a scoop of the crab filling into the center, then cover with additional biscuit dough to seal the filling inside.
- Place in Muffin Tins: Arrange the stuffed biscuits upright in the prepared muffin tins, continuing until all dough and crab filling are used.
- Bake Biscuits: Bake the stuffed biscuits in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color and are cooked through.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: While baking, in a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the lemon juice to create a bright, flavorful brush-on glaze.
- Finish and Serve: Once the biscuits have baked and slightly cooled, brush each generously with the lemon butter sauce. Serve warm and enjoy these delicious crab-stuffed cheddar bay biscuits.
Notes
- Ensure crab meat is lump and fully cooked for best texture and safety.
- Adjust mayonnaise quantity to achieve the right moisture level in the crab mixture for easy stuffing.
- Spraying muffin tins well prevents sticking and helps biscuits release easily.
- These biscuits are best served fresh and warm to enjoy the melty cheese and tender crab filling.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the crab filling.
