There are some dishes that instantly feel like a celebration, and Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter is exactly that. Imagine the buttery, cheesy flavor of a Cheddar Bay biscuit paired with a rich, savory crab filling, all finished with a bright hint of lemon butter. This recipe takes the iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuit to the next level, turning a simple side into a show-stopping appetizer or an indulgent brunch treat.
Perfect for seafood lovers, these biscuits are ideal for entertaining, holiday gatherings, or a special weekend treat. The combination of tender biscuits, lump crab meat, Parmesan, and lemon-infused butter creates a balance of flavors that is both decadent and comforting. While they look impressive, the recipe is surprisingly approachable, allowing home cooks to create a gourmet-inspired dish with everyday ingredients.
Ingredients :
For the Biscuits
- 1 package Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Crab Filling
- 1 pound lump crab meat, fully cooked
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup + a little more mayonnaise (adjust as needed)
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- ½ sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Lemon Butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions :
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Mix
Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix according to the package instructions, incorporating the garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Set the prepared biscuit dough aside while you assemble the crab filling.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Pans
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray two muffin tins generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
Step 3: Make the Crab Filling
In a large bowl, combine the lump crab meat, paprika, onion powder, mustard, mayonnaise, and crushed Ritz crackers. Stir gently until the ingredients are well incorporated. If the mixture seems too dry, add a touch more mayonnaise to achieve a creamy but firm consistency. Finally, fold in the grated Parmesan to give the filling a savory, cheesy depth.
Step 4: Form the Biscuit Cups
Lightly dust your hands with flour. Take a small portion of biscuit dough and flatten it slightly in your hand, forming a small cup or bowl shape. Be careful not to stretch the dough too thin — you want it to hold the crab filling without breaking.
Step 5: Stuff the Biscuits
Scoop a portion of the crab mixture into each biscuit cup. Cover the filling with a little more biscuit dough, pinching the edges lightly to seal, but leaving a small opening if desired to show off the crab inside. Place the stuffed biscuits into the prepared muffin tins.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and fully cooked through. The crab filling should be heated and slightly firm.
Step 7: Prepare Lemon Butter
While the biscuits bake, melt the butter and stir in fresh lemon juice. Adjust the amount of lemon to taste, depending on how bright and tangy you want the flavor.
Step 8: Serve
Once the biscuits are done, remove them from the oven and immediately brush generously with the lemon butter. Serve warm as a decadent appetizer, brunch item, or side dish alongside a fresh salad or light seafood entrée.
Tips for Perfect Crab Stuffed Biscuits
- Use lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor; avoid canned crab for a fresher taste.
- Keep biscuit dough slightly chilled if it becomes too soft while forming the cups.
- Don’t overfill — too much crab filling can make the biscuits difficult to bake evenly.
- Customize the seasoning — add a pinch of cayenne or Old Bay seasoning for a subtle kick.
- Serve immediately — these are best enjoyed fresh and warm, though leftovers can be reheated gently in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these biscuits with a light salad or coleslaw for a balanced appetizer platter.
- Serve alongside grilled shrimp, crab cakes, or a seafood chowder for a full seafood-themed meal.
- They also work beautifully for holiday brunches or dinner parties, impressing guests with minimal effort.
Conclusion :
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are a true culinary delight, combining buttery, cheesy biscuits with a rich, flavorful crab filling and the bright freshness of lemon butter. They elevate a classic side into a show-stopping appetizer or indulgent breakfast treat, perfect for entertaining or treating yourself at home.
Every bite offers a contrast of textures — the tender, flaky biscuit exterior, the creamy, savory crab interior, and the hint of citrusy butter — that creates a multi-dimensional flavor experience. These biscuits are a celebration of comfort food and elegance in one, proving that with a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re serving them for brunch, a dinner party, or a special occasion, these Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits will surely become a favorite recipe in your kitchen. They’re the kind of dish that brings people together, sparks conversation, and leaves everyone asking for seconds — a true testament to the magic of homemade comfort food elevated with a gourmet twist.
