Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Zesty Lemon Butter for a Flavor-Packed Appetizer

Benefits and Advantages of Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits offer a delicious, impressive appetizer that is surprisingly easy to prepare, making them suitable for cooks of all experience levels. This recipe stands out thanks to the rich combination of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh lump crab meat, which together deliver a savory, flavor-packed bite that seafood lovers appreciate.

Nutritionally, these biscuits provide a good amount of protein from the crab meat, which supports muscle health and satiety. The cheddar cheese contributes calcium and adds to the dish’s richness without overwhelming the fresh crab flavors. The biscuits themselves provide satisfying texture and a comforting, fluffy base that complements the savory filling.

Versatile and adaptable, this recipe can be tailored to various dietary needs without losing its indulgent qualities. It makes an excellent crowd-pleaser at gatherings or a tasty snack to enjoy any time, bringing together the creamy, cheesy, and delicate seafood elements in perfect harmony.

“The ease of preparation combined with rich flavors and health benefits makes crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits a uniquely satisfying dish.”

Essential Ingredients for Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits

To recreate this enticing recipe, gather these essential ingredients:

• 1 package cheddar bay biscuit mix (or homemade: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (if not included in the mix)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk (if preparing biscuit dough from scratch)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for dough if homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for homemade dough)
• 1 pound lump crab meat, well-drained
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1/2 sleeve crushed crackers (such as Ritz crackers)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic (powder or minced)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley or chives (optional)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for lemon butter topping)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for lemon butter topping)
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes (optional, for lemon butter topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for lemon butter topping)

These ingredients are thoughtfully selected to build the biscuits’ rich, cheesy base and the savory, lightly seasoned crab filling, while the lemon butter topping adds brightness and a golden finish.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Several dietary substitutions make this recipe accessible to a wide range of preferences and restrictions without compromising flavor or texture:

• Vegan: Substitute crab meat with seasoned hearts of palm or artichoke hearts to mimic texture and flavor. Use vegan cheddar cheese and dairy-free biscuit mixes, along with vegan mayonnaise or plant-based binders.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit mixes and crushed gluten-free crackers for the filling. This maintains the biscuits’ tender texture and crumbly topping.
• Low-Calorie: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or light mayo, use low-fat cheddar cheese, and reduce or substitute salt and sugar in the biscuit mix to control calories.
• Shellfish Allergy: Swap crab meat with cooked shredded chicken or jackfruit, seasoned similarly to the crab mixture to keep the savory profile.

These substitutions ensure the crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits adapt to diverse diets while preserving their rich, savory character.

How to Prepare the Perfect Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to the temperature indicated on the biscuit mix package or your homemade biscuit recipe (typically between 375°F and 450°F).
2. Prepare Crab Filling: In a bowl, gently combine well-drained lump crab meat with paprika, onion powder, garlic, mayonnaise, mustard, crushed crackers, Parmesan cheese (if using), chopped parsley or chives, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix carefully to keep crab lumps intact.
3. Make Biscuit Dough: Prepare the biscuit dough according to the package instructions or your homemade recipe. For homemade dough, combine dry ingredients, add melted butter and milk, and stir just until mixed. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
4. Form Dough Portions: Using floured hands, divide biscuit dough into equal-sized portions. Flatten each piece into a disc shape.
5. Stuff Biscuits: Place approximately 2 tablespoons of crab filling into the center of each dough disc. Fold the dough over, sealing the edges well to form a smooth stuffed biscuit.
6. Arrange for Baking: Place the stuffed biscuits evenly spaced onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or muffin tins.
7. Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
8. Lemon Butter Topping: While still warm, brush biscuits with a lemon butter mixture made from melted butter, lemon juice, dried parsley flakes, and garlic powder (optional).
9. Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. These biscuits are best enjoyed warm and can be paired with dips like garlic aioli or spicy remoulade.

Following these steps carefully will help you bake perfectly golden, cheesy, and flavorful crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits every time.

For tips on making the biscuit dough, you can refer to this guide on cheddar bay biscuits. For baking techniques to enhance biscuit texture, visit this tutorial on baking perfect biscuits.

Advanced Tips and Variations

Enhance the crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits by incorporating fresh herbs such as parsley or chives into the crab filling for a vibrant flavor boost. Adding finely diced jalapeños can introduce a mild heat, perfectly balancing the rich cheese and crab. Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or smoked cheddar for unique taste variations. For a more indulgent treat, brush the biscuits with melted butter mixed with garlic before baking for a golden, flavorful crust. When preparing vegan or gluten-free versions, consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or mixing in almond flour for texture enhancement. These tips ensure the crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits recipe can be personalized to suit a variety of taste preferences and dietary requirements while maintaining its distinct character.

How to Store Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Best Practices

To maintain freshness, store crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap each biscuit tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to two months. When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, to preserve the biscuit’s texture. Avoid microwaving as it may cause sogginess. Proper storage and reheating ensure the crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits remain flavorful and maintain their intended texture with minimal quality loss.

Nutritional Value of Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits are a relatively nutrient-dense option providing a good balance of macronutrients. One serving typically contains around 250-300 calories, with protein coming primarily from the crab meat and cheddar cheese, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. The biscuits contain moderate fat levels, largely from the cheese and biscuit dough, including beneficial fatty acids from crab. Carbohydrates come from the biscuit base, offering energy, while fiber content varies depending on the flour used, with gluten-free options sometimes providing less fiber. Key vitamins and minerals include calcium, vitamin B12, and zinc from crab, as well as vitamin A from cheddar. Those monitoring sodium intake may consider low-sodium seasoning alternatives. Overall, crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits deliver a nutritious balance that combines taste with healthful benefits.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits

crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits

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• Author: Isabella Hayes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 18 stuffed biscuits 1x
• Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

🦀 Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits offer a delightful blend of savory crab filling and cheesy biscuits, perfect for impressing guests.
🍋 The zesty lemon butter topping adds a fresh, tangy touch that enhances every bite, making for a delicious appetizer or snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 package cheddar bay biscuit mix (or homemade: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt)

1 teaspoon garlic powder (if not included in the mix)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup buttermilk or whole milk (if preparing biscuit dough from scratch)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for dough if homemade)

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for homemade dough)

1 pound lump crab meat, well-drained

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon mustard

1/2 sleeve crushed crackers (such as Ritz crackers)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1 teaspoon garlic (powder or minced)

1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley or chives (optional)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons melted butter (for lemon butter topping)

1 teaspoon lemon juice (for lemon butter topping)

1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes (optional, for lemon butter topping)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for lemon butter topping)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to the temperature indicated on the biscuit mix package or your homemade biscuit recipe (typically between 375°F and 450°F).

Prepare Crab Filling: In a bowl, gently combine well-drained lump crab meat with paprika, onion powder, garlic, mayonnaise, mustard, crushed crackers, Parmesan cheese (if using), chopped parsley or chives, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix carefully to keep crab lumps intact.

Make Biscuit Dough: Prepare the biscuit dough according to the package instructions or your homemade recipe. For homemade dough, combine dry ingredients, add melted butter and milk, and stir just until mixed. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Form Dough Portions: Using floured hands, divide biscuit dough into equal-sized portions. Flatten each piece into a disc shape.

Stuff Biscuits: Place approximately 2 tablespoons of crab filling into the center of each dough disc. Fold the dough over, sealing the edges well to form a smooth stuffed biscuit.

Arrange for Baking: Place the stuffed biscuits evenly spaced onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or muffin tins.

Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Lemon Butter Topping: While still warm, brush biscuits with a lemon butter mixture made from melted butter, lemon juice, dried parsley flakes, and garlic powder (optional).

Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. These biscuits are best enjoyed warm and can be paired with dips like garlic aioli or spicy remoulade.

Notes

🦀 Use well-drained lump crab meat to avoid soggy biscuits.
❄️ Prepare the crab filling a day ahead and refrigerate to meld flavors.
🍽️ Gently fold crab ingredients to maintain chunky texture for the best bite.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed biscuit
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Zesty Lemon Butter, Crab Appetizer, Cheesy Crab Biscuits