Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible charm of Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits! Imagine the softest, cheesiest biscuit you’ve ever tasted, now with a warm, savory crab filling tucked inside and brushed with a garlicky, herby butter as soon as they come out of the oven. This recipe takes everything you adore about classic Cheddar Bay biscuits and gives them a decadent seafood twist. Perfect as an appetizer for parties, a crave-worthy snack, or even a cozy supper starter, these little showstoppers are guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to grab one while they’re still warm!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits serves a delicious purpose, turning simple pantry staples and fresh crab into handheld bites of pure comfort. From the flaky biscuit dough to the creamy, seasoned crab filling, let’s take a look at why each item makes this recipe truly special.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of your biscuits, providing just the right structure for that perfect crumb.
- Baking powder: This is what gives your biscuits their satisfying lift, making them tall and fluffy.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the savory flavors and rounds out each bite.
- Garlic powder: Essential for both the dough and butter topping, it adds that familiar garlicky warmth Cheddar Bay biscuits are known for.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors to life while enhancing both the cheese and crab filling.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Creates those dreamy pockets of flakiness throughout each biscuit.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the biscuit, lending bold, melty richness in every bite.
- Whole milk: Helps bind the dough, keeping it soft and tender.
- Lump crab meat (picked over): Use the freshest crab you can find for sweet seafood flavor that truly makes this recipe shine.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creamy moisture and helps bring the crab filling together.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash to brighten and balance the richness of the crab and cheese.
- Old Bay seasoning: The classic partner for crab, infusing the filling with zesty, savory spice.
- Green onions (chopped): Add a pop of fresh, savory flavor and a pretty touch of color.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Used for brushing the biscuits after baking—this buttery finish seals in flavor and adds richness.
- Dried parsley: For a touch of color and mild herbal flavor in the finishing butter.
- Garlic powder (for topping): Doubles down on that irresistible, garlicky goodness in the finishing touch.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a big, welcoming bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt until everything is combined. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers, if you’re feeling rustic) to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and give everything a quick toss, then gently stir in the milk just until the dough comes together—don’t overwork it! This keeps your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits wonderfully tender.
Step 2: Mix Up the Crab Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the lump crab meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped green onions. Fold everything together gently so you don’t break up the lovely chunks of crab. The filling should be creamy, zesty, and absolutely irresistible—just try not to sneak a few bites!
Step 3: Shape and Fill
Divide your biscuit dough into 10 equally-sized portions. Flatten each one into a disk in the palm of your hand. Place a heaping spoonful of the crab filling right in the center, then pull up the edges and pinch them together to seal. This step is both fun and a little meditative, and it results in the familiar pouch shape that hides the crab surprise inside.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the filled biscuits seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until they’re deeply golden, cheesy, and irresistible. The aroma at this point will have everyone circling the kitchen!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
While the biscuits are still hot, mix together the melted butter, dried parsley, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Brush the tops generously—this is the secret to those glossy, flavor-packed bakery-style biscuits. Serve them warm, right out of the oven, for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions across the tops of your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits right before bringing them to the table. If you’re feeling fancy, add a touch of flaky sea salt or a squeeze of lemon juice. These subtle touches add a restaurant-worthy finish that amplifies the colors and flavors.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are dynamite with creamy clam chowder, a crisp green salad, or a simple tomato soup. For a Southern twist, serve them with coleslaw or alongside sautéed greens. The melty cheese and savory crab make the perfect partners to fresh, simple sides that don’t steal the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits make incredible appetizers stacked high on a platter at parties. For brunch, plate them with poached eggs and a light salad. If you want to go all out, try slicing them in half and filling with a bit more crab salad for mini sandwiches—guests will swoon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits (no judgment if you don’t!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The biscuits will maintain their flavor and stay tender when stored well.
Freezing
These biscuits freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled biscuits in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight for an easy seafood treat anytime.
Reheating
To revive that bakery-fresh warmth and flakiness, reheat your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re short on time, a few seconds in the microwave will work, but the oven is best for bringing back the crisp exterior.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab instead of fresh lump crab meat?
Absolutely! While fresh lump crab gives the sweetest, most delicate flavor, high-quality canned crab is a great alternative in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly and pick over for any shells before mixing your filling.
What’s the best way to keep the biscuits from opening while baking?
Be sure to really pinch the edges of the dough to seal the filling inside. You can also place the seam-side down on the baking sheet—that little bit of gravity helps the biscuits hold their shape and keeps all that juicy crab mixture inside where it belongs.
Can I make these without Old Bay seasoning?
No Old Bay on hand? You can swap in a blend of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne for a similar effect. Or, go rogue and try your favorite seafood seasoning blend; the Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits will still be a hit!
Do these work as a make-ahead appetizer?
Definitely! Assemble the biscuits and refrigerate (unbaked) on a baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 8 hours. Bake just before serving and brush with butter for that just-made appeal that guests will love.
How can I make these even more flavorful?
For all the flavor lovers, try adding a bit of extra cheese or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crab filling. Fresh herbs like dill or tarragon can also kick up the sophistication, making these Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits truly unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers both wow-factor and pure comfort, you simply have to try Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits. They’re guaranteed to turn any gathering into an occasion, and they just might become your new favorite way to bake with crab. Dive in and enjoy every warm, savory, cheesy bite!
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Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delightful seafood twist on the classic favorite. Buttery, cheesy biscuits filled with a flavorful crab mixture, these make a perfect appetizer or accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup whole milk
Crab Filling:
- 8 ounces lump crab meat (picked over)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 green onions (chopped)
Finishing Touches:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly, then stir in cheddar cheese. Add milk and mix until dough forms.
- Make Filling: In another bowl, mix crab meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and green onions.
- Assemble Biscuits: Divide dough into 10 portions, flatten each, add a spoonful of crab mixture, then seal edges.
- Bake: Place biscuits on the baking sheet and bake for 14-16 minutes until golden.
- Finish: Combine melted butter, parsley, and garlic powder; brush over hot biscuits. Serve warm.
Notes
- For added heat, sprinkle cayenne pepper into the crab filling.
- Great as appetizers or paired with soup or salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
