Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter

Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are a delicious and indulgent treat, perfect for impressing guests at gatherings or enjoying as a savory snack. These biscuits combine the rich flavors of cheddar and crab, complemented by a zesty lemon butter that adds a delightful finish.

Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Crab Filling:

• 1 cup cooked crab meat
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)

For the Lemon Butter:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Biscuit Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Add Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Shape Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times. Pat or roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness and cut out biscuits using a round cutter.
5. Prepare Crab Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the crab meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, parsley, and Old Bay seasoning if using.
6. Stuff Biscuits: Place a small spoonful of crab filling in the center of each biscuit round. Fold the biscuit dough around the filling and pinch to seal. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown.
8. Prepare Lemon Butter: While the biscuits are baking, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, parsley, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
9. Brush with Lemon Butter: After baking, immediately brush the warm biscuits with the lemon butter mixture.
10. Serve: Serve the crab stuffed biscuits warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Total Time: Approximately 27-30 minutes
Servings: 12 biscuits

Variations

• Cheese Options: Substitute the sharp cheddar with other cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Herb Additions: Add fresh herbs such as chives or dill to the crab filling for added freshness.
• Spicy Twist: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the crab mixture for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, though this may make them a bit softer.

FAQs

1. Can I use imitation crab meat instead of real crab?
   Yes, imitation crab meat works well for a budget-friendly option.
2. Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
   Buttermilk adds moisture and flavor, but you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a similar acidity.
3. Can these biscuits be frozen?
   Yes, you can freeze the unbaked biscuits. Just assemble them and freeze before baking, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
4. What type of crab is best for this recipe?
   Sweet lump crab meat or claw meat works best for its flavor and texture.
5. Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
   You can prepare the biscuit dough and crab filling in advance, but it’s best to bake them just before serving for the freshest taste.
6. How do I know when the biscuits are done?
   The biscuits should be golden brown on top and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Can I skip the lemon butter?
   Yes, while the lemon butter adds a delicious touch, the biscuits are tasty on their own.
8. What can I serve with these biscuits?
   They pair well with a light salad, soup, or as part of a seafood platter.
9. How can I make these biscuits more flaky?
   Be sure to handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits light and flaky.
10. Can I add vegetables to the crab filling?
    Yes, finely chopped bell peppers or green onions can be a great addition for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress at any meal. With a bit of preparation, these savory biscuits can elevate your dining experience, whether as an appetizer or a main dish. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, and don’t forget to try out some of the variations to make this recipe your own!

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