Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

If you love the comforting allure of cheddar bay biscuits but crave a touch of seaside luxury, these Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce are going to be your new obsession. Picture fluffy, cheesy biscuits bursting with tender crab meat inside, all elevated by a zesty, garlicky lemon butter glaze that makes every bite sing with flavor. This dish feels fancy enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a cozy night in, bringing together bright, buttery, and savory elements in perfect harmony.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just the right ingredients is the secret to nailing these savory treats. Each element is essential, whether it’s the sharpness of cheddar to create cheesy pockets, or the subtle kick of paprika that brightens the dough’s flavor.

• 2 cups biscuit mix: A foolproof base for soft, tender biscuits without endless prep.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds rich, melty goodness and that classic cheddar bay flavor.
• 1/2 cup cold milk: Keeps the dough moist and tender while helping it come together.
• 1/4 cup butter, melted: Brings richness and helps bind the dough gently.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: For that irresistible garlicky aroma that hints at deliciousness.
• 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and a touch of color.
• 1 cup cooked crab meat, chopped: The star of the show, providing sweet, succulent bursts inside each biscuit.
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Freshness and a pop of green for garnish.
• 1/4 cup butter (for sauce): Forms the base of the luscious lemon butter sauce.
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with citrusy zing.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for sauce): Echoes the garlic flavor in the biscuits with a gentle punch.
• 1/4 tsp paprika (for sauce): Harmonizes with the biscuits’ spice to tie flavors together.
• Salt, to taste: Balances and enhances every flavor in the sauce.

How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce

Step 1: Preparing the Biscuit Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a bowl, combine your biscuit mix, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and paprika — this creates the flavorful base of your biscuits. Gradually stir in the cold milk until the dough comes together but remains tender. This step ensures your biscuits will be fluffy, with just the right hint of spice and cheese in every bite.

Step 2: Stuffing the Biscuits

Divide the dough into eight equal portions, then flatten each piece just enough to hold a spoonful of chopped cooked crab meat in the center. Gently fold the dough over the crab and pinch the edges to seal, forming a ball. This step is where the magic happens, turning simple biscuit dough into a seafood-filled delight that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection

Place all your crab-stuffed dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart so they can rise beautifully. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re golden brown and irresistibly fluffy. The smell alone will have you rushing to the kitchen!

Step 4: Making the Lemon Butter Sauce

While your biscuits bake, melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cook this fragrant sauce for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s warm and perfectly melded. This lemon butter sauce is key—it adds a tangy, buttery finish that transforms these biscuits from great to unforgettable.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and generously brush them with the warm lemon butter sauce. If you have fresh parsley on hand, sprinkle some over the top for a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color. Serve immediately to enjoy the biscuits warm, gooey, and perfectly sauced.

How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a simple garnish that adds both color and a slight herbal brightness that complements the buttery, lemony sauce beautifully. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of additional smoked paprika or even a twist of lemon zest can elevate the presentation and enhance the flavor profile.

Side Dishes

These biscuits shine as a star appetizer or accompaniment, pairing wonderfully with light, crisp sides. Think along the lines of a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or some crunchy coleslaw. The rich, cheesy crab flavor balances perfectly with simple, fresh vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, serve these crab-stuffed beauties with a small bowl of extra lemon butter sauce on the side for dipping. You could also slice them in half and layer with a little extra crab salad for an elegant, bite-sized treat. Adding small skewers to hold them together makes a charming finger food perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any biscuits left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain freshness, so their soft texture and vibrant flavors stay intact for another snack or quick meal.

Freezing

These crab stuffed cheddar bay biscuits freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months, making it easy to enjoy a gourmet treat on demand.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the biscuits in a preheated 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside. You can brush on a little warm lemon butter sauce again after reheating to restore that fresh, tangy touch that makes them irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab meat for this recipe?

While fresh or quality cooked crab meat is preferred for the best flavor and texture, imitation crab can work in a pinch. Just make sure to chop it finely and drain any excess moisture to prevent soggy biscuits.

Is there a substitute for the biscuit mix?

If you don’t have biscuit mix handy, you can use self-rising flour plus a bit of baking powder and salt to mimic its leavening properties. This DIY approach works well but might require slight adjustments in liquid for perfect dough consistency.

How spicy are these biscuits?

These biscuits have a mild kick thanks to the paprika and garlic powder, but they are not spicy hot. You can easily adjust the seasonings to your taste or add a pinch of cayenne if you’re craving a bit more heat.

Can I prepare the biscuits without the lemon butter sauce?

You can serve them plain, but the lemon butter sauce is what truly sets this dish apart by adding brightness and richness. It’s highly recommended to make the sauce to complete the flavor experience.

Are these biscuits gluten-free?

The recipe as written is not gluten-free because it uses traditional biscuit mix. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free biscuit mix and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free to make an alternative version.

Final Thoughts

Making Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce is like inviting a little piece of coastal comfort right into your kitchen. Their blend of cheesy tenderness, sweet crab, and tangy butter sauce is downright addictive. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or treating yourself on a quiet night, these biscuits promise smiles and full hearts. Don’t wait to try this recipe — your taste buds will thank you!