Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are buttery, flaky biscuits filled with a creamy crab mixture and brushed with a bright, zesty lemon butter. Packed with cheddar cheese, fresh herbs, and tender crab meat, they’re the perfect appetizer, side dish, or seafood-inspired snack for holidays, dinner parties, or weekend dinners.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
- Fluffy cheddar biscuits with a creamy crab filling.
- Rich garlic and cheese flavor in every bite.
- Fresh lemon butter adds the perfect finishing touch.
- Easy enough for weeknights but elegant for entertaining.
- Perfect appetizer or seafood side dish.
- Ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients Overview
For the Biscuits
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the tender biscuit dough.
- Baking Powder – Helps the biscuits rise light and fluffy.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic Powder – Adds classic Cheddar Bay biscuit flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Brings cheesy richness to every bite.
- Buttermilk – Keeps the biscuits soft, moist, and tender.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds buttery flavor and flaky texture.
For the Crab Filling
- Fresh Crab Meat – Sweet, tender seafood that makes these biscuits extra special.
- Cream Cheese – Creates a creamy, rich filling.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds freshness and color.
- Green Onions – Provide a mild onion flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds savory depth.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Season the filling perfectly.
For the Lemon Butter
- Unsalted Butter – Creates a rich finishing glaze.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds bright citrus flavor.
- Lemon Zest – Intensifies the fresh lemon aroma.
- Pinch of Salt – Balances the butter.
Variations
- Spicy Crab Biscuits – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the filling.
- Shrimp-Stuffed Biscuits – Replace the crab with finely chopped cooked shrimp.
- Old Bay Version – Mix a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning into the biscuit dough.
- Bacon Crab Biscuits – Fold crispy crumbled bacon into the crab filling.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Garlic powder
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Pour in the buttermilk and melted butter, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Prepare the Crab Filling
In a separate bowl, gently combine:
- Fresh crab meat
- Cream cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Green onions
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix carefully to keep the crab meat in large pieces.
Step 4: Fill the Biscuits
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Press a spoonful of the crab filling into the centre.
Cover with another spoonful of biscuit dough and gently seal the edges.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Make the Lemon Butter
While the biscuits bake, whisk together:
- Melted butter
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Brush the warm biscuits generously with the lemon butter.
Serve immediately while warm.
Pro Tips & Cooking Secrets
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the sweetest, best texture.
- Don’t overmix the biscuit dough to keep the biscuits tender.
- Seal the biscuit dough well around the filling to prevent leaks while baking.
- Brush the biscuits with lemon butter as soon as they come out of the oven for maximum flavour.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad for a light meal.
- Pair with seafood chowder or lobster bisque.
- Offer as an appetiser for holiday dinners or parties.
- Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh finish.
How to Store Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or in an air fryer until warmed through.
Freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes. Drain it well and gently pat it dry before mixing it into the filling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the biscuits a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use imitation crab?
You can, although fresh or real crab meat provides the best flavour and texture.
Can I freeze these biscuits?
Yes. Freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven for the best results.
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
Equipment
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- whisk
- cookie scoop or spoon
- pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup fresh crab meat
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in the buttermilk and melted butter until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, gently mix the crab meat, cream cheese, parsley, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Place a spoonful of crab filling in the center, then cover with another tablespoon of dough, sealing the filling inside.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown.
- While the biscuits bake, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush the warm biscuits generously with the lemon butter immediately after removing them from the oven.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
