Introduction and Overview
What are Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter?
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are a mouthwatering, savory treat that combines the rich, cheesy goodness of classic Cheddar Bay biscuits with a decadent crab filling, all topped off with a zesty lemon butter glaze. This dish elevates the traditional biscuit experience by incorporating tender, flavorful crab meat into the mix, making it a perfect appetizer or side dish for seafood lovers. The biscuits are soft, buttery, and cheesy, with a slightly crispy exterior, while the crab stuffing adds a luxurious, seafood twist that pairs beautifully with the fresh, tangy lemon butter.
A Gourmet Twist on a Comfort Classic
These biscuits are an indulgent take on a comfort food favorite, making them ideal for special occasions, dinner parties, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extra delicious. The combination of cheesy biscuits, savory crab filling, and bright lemon butter creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits
Main Ingredients
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dough
The biscuit dough is made with a combination of all-purpose flour, sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and a blend of seasonings. These ingredients come together to create a soft, fluffy biscuit with a rich, cheesy flavor and a slightly crispy, golden-brown exterior.
Crab Meat
Crab meat is the star of the stuffing, offering a delicate, sweet flavor that complements the cheddar cheese perfectly. Crab meat is also a good source of lean protein and provides essential nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is mixed with the crab meat to create a creamy, rich filling that holds the stuffing together and adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the crab. It also helps to keep the filling moist and flavorful.
Lemon Butter
The lemon butter glaze is made by melting butter and mixing it with fresh lemon juice and zest. This topping adds a bright, tangy finish that cuts through the richness of the cheese and crab, enhancing the overall flavor of the biscuits.
Seasonings
A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh parsley is used to season both the biscuit dough and the crab filling, adding layers of savory flavor that make these biscuits truly irresistible.
Nutritional Benefits
High in Protein
Thanks to the crab meat and cheddar cheese, these biscuits are packed with protein, making them a satisfying and filling dish. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and it helps keep you feeling full longer.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Crab meat is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function.
Good Source of Calcium
The cheddar cheese and cream cheese in the biscuits provide a good amount of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Vitamin C Boost
The lemon juice and zest used in the lemon butter provide a dose of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and helps protect the body from free radicals.
Preparation and Variations
Basic Recipe
Ingredients List
To make the perfect Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter, you’ll need:
- For the Biscuit Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- For the Crab Filling:
- 8 ounces lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- For the Lemon Butter:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crab Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped parsley.
- Gently fold in the crab meat until well combined. Be careful not to break up the crab too much. Set aside.
- Make the Biscuit Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and onion powder.
- Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Assemble the Biscuits:
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough and flatten it slightly in your hand.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the crab filling in the center of the dough.
- Top with another tablespoon of biscuit dough and press the edges together to seal the filling inside.
- Place the stuffed biscuits on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and crab filling.
- Bake the Biscuits:
- Bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter:
- While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley.
- Serve:
- As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the lemon butter.
- Serve warm, with any remaining lemon butter on the side for dipping.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Crab Stuffed Biscuits
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the crab filling for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the biscuits before baking.
Herb and Garlic Biscuits
Enhance the flavor of the biscuits by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the dough. You can also add extra garlic powder for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
Cajun Crab Stuffed Biscuits
Replace the Old Bay seasoning with Cajun seasoning for a Southern-inspired twist. This will give the biscuits a bold, smoky flavor that pairs well with the crab.
Cheddar and Bacon Biscuits
For an extra indulgent version, add cooked, crumbled bacon to the biscuit dough. The smoky bacon adds another layer of flavor that complements the cheese and crab perfectly.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serving Suggestions
As an Appetizer
Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits as an appetizer at your next dinner party or gathering. They’re perfect for sharing and make a great start to a seafood-themed meal.
With a Side Salad
Pair the biscuits with a light, refreshing salad, such as a mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette. The salad adds a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy biscuits.
With Soup
These biscuits are excellent served alongside a creamy soup, such as clam chowder, lobster bisque, or a hearty tomato soup. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
As a Side Dish
Serve the biscuits as a side dish with grilled or baked seafood, such as salmon, shrimp, or scallops. They’re also great with roasted chicken or steak for a surf-and-turf experience.
Pairing Ideas
With a Glass of Chardonnay
A glass of lightly oaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the cheesy, buttery biscuits and the rich crab filling. The wine’s acidity balances the richness of the dish, while its flavors complement the lemon butter.
With Iced Tea
For a non-alcoholic option, serve the biscuits with a glass of iced tea, either sweetened or unsweetened. The tea’s refreshing flavor complements the savory biscuits.
With Sparkling Water
A glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime is a light, refreshing pairing that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich biscuits.
With a Beer
A light, crisp beer, such as a pilsner or a lager, pairs well with the cheesy biscuits and crab filling. The beer’s carbonation helps cut through the richness of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, you can use canned crab meat if fresh crab is not available. Just make sure to drain it well and pick through it to remove any shells.
How do I store leftover biscuits?
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the biscuits ahead of time and freeze them unbaked. To bake, simply place the frozen biscuits on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
If you don’t have Old Bay seasoning, you can substitute it with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses. Each will give the biscuits a slightly different flavor, but all will be delicious.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Just make sure to use gluten-free baking powder as well.
What can I do if my biscuit dough is too dry?
If your biscuit dough is too dry, try adding a little more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to add too much, as the dough should be soft but not sticky.
Can I add other seafood to the filling?
Yes, you can add other seafood like shrimp, lobster, or scallops to the crab filling. Just be sure to chop them finely and mix them well with the other ingredients.
Conclusion
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are a decadent, savory treat that combines the rich flavors of cheesy biscuits with a luxurious crab filling and a bright, zesty lemon butter glaze. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or part of a seafood feast, these biscuits are sure to impress with their indulgent flavors and satisfying texture. Perfect for special occasions or simply when you want to elevate your meal, these biscuits are a must-try for any seafood lover!