Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Garlic Butter Recipe

Name: crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits
Prep time: PT-486667H24M27S
Cook time: PT-486667H4M27S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 package cheddar biscuit mix; – 1 teaspoon garlic powder; – 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; – 1 pound (about 450 grams) lump crab meat, fully cooked and well-drained; – 1/4 teaspoon paprika; – 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; – 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (add more if needed for consistency); – 1 tablespoon mustard; – 1/2 sleeve crushed crackers (about 3/4 cup); – 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; – Melted butter (amount per preference); – 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Benefits and Advantages of crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits

This recipe features savory stuffed cheddar biscuits filled with a flavorful lump crab mixture and finished with a zesty lemon butter glaze. Crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits offer a delicious way to enjoy the freshness of crab meat combined with the comforting texture of biscuits. One of the key benefits is their balanced nutritional profile: crab meat is low in fat and high in protein, supporting muscle health and satiety, while cheddar cheese adds calcium and flavor. The use of lump crab meat provides a tender, sweet texture that enhances the overall eating experience without overwhelming richness.

Another advantage is the ease and flexibility of preparation. Using a cheddar biscuit mix simplifies the dough-making step, and the stuffing approach allows for portion control and neat presentation, ideal for entertaining or casual meals. The lemon butter glaze adds a bright, savory finish that complements both the crab and cheese, making the biscuits more memorable.

These biscuits are great for busy home cooks who want to impress with minimal fuss, as the recipe takes about 40 minutes total from start to finish.

Furthermore, crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits are versatile. They can be served as appetizers, side dishes, or part of a main course, pairing well with salads or soups. Their unique stuffed design separates them from typical cheddar bay biscuits, providing a satisfying flavor combination and texture contrast in every bite.

Overall, this recipe combines taste, nutrition, and convenience, making it a smart choice for a variety of occasions and diets.

Jump To

1. Benefits and Advantages of crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits
2. Essential Ingredients for crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits
3. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits
4. How to Prepare the Perfect crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits: Step-by-Step Guide
5. Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Best Practices
7. Nutritional Value of Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits
8. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits
9. crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits

Essential Ingredients for crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits

Understanding the key ingredients helps home cooks achieve the perfect crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits. Below is a detailed list of the items needed:

For the biscuits:

1 package cheddar biscuit mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the crab filling:

1 pound (about 450 grams) lump crab meat, fully cooked and well-drained
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (add more if needed for consistency)
1 tablespoon mustard
1/2 sleeve crushed crackers (about 3/4 cup)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the lemon butter glaze:

Melted butter (amount per preference)
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Each ingredient plays a specific role: the cheddar biscuit mix provides a cheesy, fluffy base with the garlic and Italian seasoning adding aromatic layers to the dough. The lump crab meat is the star protein, while spices and condiments in the filling balance moisture and flavor. Parmesan cheese adds a savory sharpness and helps bind the filling, alongside crushed crackers for texture. The lemon butter glaze brightens the finished biscuits, creating an appealing savory-sour complement.

This precise combination ensures the signature taste and texture that make these biscuits stand out. For readers looking to learn more about baking cheddar bay biscuits, the How to Bake Cheddar Bay Biscuits article is a helpful resource.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits

Customizing crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits allows you to meet various dietary needs or ingredient availability while maintaining flavor. Here are practical substitutions organized by common modifications:

Dairy-Free and Vegan Options

Replace cheddar biscuit mix with a dairy-free biscuit mix or homemade gluten-free flour blend without cheese.
Use plant-based vegan cheese alternatives, such as cashew or soy-based cheddar-style shreds.
Swap mayonnaise for vegan mayonnaise and butter with plant-based or coconut oil alternatives.

Gluten-Free Alternatives

Use certified gluten-free biscuit mix or blend all-purpose gluten-free flour with xanthan gum for structure.
Substitute crushed crackers with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Lower Fat and Calorie Modifications

Reduce the amount of cheese or use reduced-fat versions.
Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to lower fat while keeping moisture.
Use unsalted light butter or oil spray in place of melted butter for the glaze.

Protein Variants

For a vegetarian choice, substitute lump crab with artichoke hearts or finely chopped mushroom mixtures to mimic texture and umami.
Consider mixing in fresh herbs such as chives or dill to amplify flavor in vegan or vegetarian versions.

These substitutions keep the dish approachable and enjoyable, allowing most people to savor crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits regardless of their dietary lifestyle.

How to Prepare the Perfect crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

Begin by preparing the cheddar biscuit mix following the package directions. Incorporate 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning into the dough to enhance the biscuit’s flavor base. This simple addition provides a robust, savory touch that complements the crab filling beautifully.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or spray a muffin tin to keep biscuits from sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Crab Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the following:

1 pound lump crab meat (drained well)
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon mustard
1/2 cup mayonnaise (add more if needed to reach creamy consistency)
1/2 sleeve crushed crackers (around 3/4 cup)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Mix ingredients thoroughly to create a savory and texturally balanced filling.

Step 4: Shape and Stuff the Biscuits

Dust your hands with flour to prevent sticking. Take portions of the biscuit dough and either flatten them into rounds or create small cups. Place a spoonful of crab filling in each portion. Cover each with additional dough, sealing edges carefully to encase the filling and avoid leakage during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Biscuits

Arrange the stuffed biscuits in the prepared muffin tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the biscuits turn golden brown and are cooked through. Since oven temperatures vary, keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Step 6: Apply Lemon Butter Glaze

Immediately after removing from the oven, brush each biscuit liberally with melted butter mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice. This final step adds a bright, zesty finish that complements the rich crab flavor perfectly.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Serve your crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits warm. They make a satisfying side or appetizer, especially with fresh salads or soups. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Step	Action	Time Estimate
1	Prepare biscuit dough with garlic powder and Italian seasoning	5 minutes
2	Preheat oven and grease muffin tin	5 minutes
3	Mix crab filling	10 minutes
4	Shape and stuff biscuits	10 minutes
5	Bake biscuits	12-15 minutes
6	Brush with lemon butter glaze and serve	2 minutes

For more delicious meal ideas to accompany your crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits, consider trying recipes like fresh healthy salmon salad or easy vegetable beef soup available on Recipes Isabella.

Advanced Tips and Variations

Creating the perfect crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits involves some thoughtful touches to bring out the best flavors and textures. Here are several expert tips and creative variations that will help you prepare a standout dish:

Choose fresh lump crab meat: For authentic taste and ideal texture, use fresh or well-drained cooked lump crab meat. Avoid imitation crab, which lacks the natural sweetness and chunkiness.
Chill biscuit dough: Keeping the dough cold before baking helps the butter maintain its form, producing flakier, more tender biscuits.
Add mild heat or freshness: Try mixing in finely diced jalapeños or green onions within the crab filling to add a subtle kick and brightness.
Use smoked cheese or spices: Replace regular cheddar with smoked cheddar or spritz in smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky profile.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Dill or chives work wonderfully to complement the crab’s delicate flavors.
Garlic butter finish: Brushing biscuits with garlic-infused butter before and after baking boosts aroma and richness.

There are also great ways to vary the form and function of your biscuits:

Mini sliders: Make smaller crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuit bites to serve as appetizers.
Crab salad stuffing: Use pre-made crab salad for a quicker filling alternative.
Cheese and seasoning swaps: Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack or mozzarella, and adjust seasonings for mild or bold flavors.

The beauty of these biscuits is in their versatility. You can easily tweak the spices and fillings to tailor them to your taste. For more ideas on complementing the flavors of seafood, check out this guide to the best dipping sauces for seafood.

How to Store Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Best Practices

Proper storage ensures your crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits stay fresh and delicious for longer. Below are recommended methods to store and reheat, preserving their texture and flavor.

Short-Term Storage

Room Temperature: Store biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft without hardening or drying out.
Refrigeration: Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or use a sealed container. Biscuits remain good for 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Tips

Preparation: Separate biscuits using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Storage: Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months.
Label and Date: Always mark the container with the freezing date for best tracking.

Reheating Suggestions

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm biscuits for 10-15 minutes until heated through, preserving their flakiness and crisp crust.
Microwave: Use as a quicker alternative by heating for 20–30 seconds, though this softens the crust.

Storing crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits properly supports meal prepping convenience while protecting their delightful texture.

For insights on baking techniques that help maintain a perfect crust, see this guide on how to bake cheddar bay biscuits.

Nutritional Value of Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Understanding the nutritional content helps you fit crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits into your balanced diet. Here’s a clear breakdown per biscuit serving based on this recipe:

Nutrient	Amount Per Biscuit	Notes
Calories	Approximately 98–250	Varies by portion size
Total Fat	7–12 grams	Includes fat from butter and cheese
Saturated Fat	2–4 grams	Mostly from cheddar and butter
Carbohydrates	2–22 grams	Depends on biscuit size and mix
Dietary Fiber	0–1 gram	Low fiber content
Protein	6–10 grams	High due to crab and cheese
Cholesterol	33–45 milligrams	From crab meat and dairy ingredients

Crab meat supplies essential nutrients and is relatively low in fat, making this dish a good source of lean protein. For more details on the health benefits of crab meat, visit this comprehensive resource.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits

What type of crab meat is best for making crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits?

Lump crab meat is the preferred choice for crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits because it has a tender texture and sweet flavor that complements the biscuits perfectly. It also holds its shape well inside the filling, preventing the biscuits from becoming watery. Fresh crab meat is ideal, but high-quality frozen lump crab or canned crab meat can be used if fresh is not available. Be sure to drain any excess liquid before mixing it into the filling.

Can I prepare the crab filling ahead of time for the biscuits?

Yes, you can prepare the crab filling up to 24 hours in advance. Storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator allows the flavors to blend and intensify. Just make sure to check the filling before assembling the biscuits; if it has released excess moisture, drain it to avoid sogginess.

How can I avoid soggy biscuits when stuffing them with crab filling?

To prevent sogginess, ensure the crab filling is not too wet. Drain any liquid from the crab meat and avoid adding too much mayonnaise or creamy sauce. You can also lightly toast or partially bake the biscuits before stuffing to help maintain their structure. Properly sealing the filling inside the dough creates a barrier that keeps moisture from soaking the biscuit.

What is the best way to store leftover crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits?

Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the biscuits in a freezer-safe bag, labeling it with the date. They keep well for up to two months frozen. When ready to eat, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispness.

What sides and sauces pair well with crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits?

Crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits go well with light, fresh sides such as green salads, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables. For sauces, try serving them with tartar sauce, remoulade, or a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavors. A simple garlic butter drizzle over the biscuits also complements the cheddar and crab nicely.

Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Garlic Lemon Butter Recipe