Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Tangy Lemon Butter

Cheddar Bay Biscuits are already a classic favorite, but when you take them to the next level by stuffing them with delicious crab filling and brushing them with tangy lemon butter, they become an irresistible treat. This savory combination of cheesy, garlic-flavored biscuits and rich, seasoned crab meat makes for an incredible appetizer, snack, or side dish.

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These Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Tangy Lemon Butter are perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a fancy seafood night. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make using a simple Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix and lump crab meat, so you get the taste of gourmet without the fuss.

Follow along with these step-by-step instructions to make these delicious crab-stuffed biscuits that will have everyone asking for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1. Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix

The foundation of this recipe is a Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, which gives the biscuits that signature cheesy, garlicky flavor. These mixes are widely available and help you whip up a batch of flavorful biscuits with ease. The biscuits create a perfect contrast to the rich crab filling.

2. Garlic (1 Teaspoon)

Garlic adds depth of flavor and complements the crab and biscuit mix beautifully. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add a little extra, or opt for fresh minced garlic for a bolder taste.

3. Italian Seasoning (1 Teaspoon)

Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil that enhances the flavor of both the biscuits and the crab filling. It adds a subtle herbaceousness without overpowering the other ingredients.

4. Lump Crab Meat (1 Pound)

For the best results, use lump crab meat, which is tender and sweet. It’s already fully cooked, so you just need to mix it with the seasonings and stuff it into the biscuits. This gives the biscuits a rich, seafood-forward filling.

Pro Tip: If lump crab meat is unavailable, you can substitute with claw meat or even imitation crab for a more budget-friendly option.

5. Paprika (¼ Teaspoon)

Paprika adds a mild spice and vibrant color to the crab filling, giving it a warm, inviting appearance. It also enhances the flavor of the crab without overpowering it.

6. Onion Powder (½ Teaspoon)

Onion powder provides a subtle sweetness and savory depth to the crab mixture. It helps balance out the flavors and complements the garlic and Italian seasoning perfectly.

7. Mayonnaise (½+ Cup)

Mayonnaise is key to binding the crab filling together, adding creaminess and richness. It also helps the crab mixture stay moist and flavorful as it bakes. For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise.

8. Mustard (1 Tablespoon)

A tablespoon of mustard adds a tangy kick to the crab filling, balancing out the richness of the crab and mayonnaise. You can use yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, or even whole-grain mustard depending on your preference.

9. Ritz Crackers (½ Sleeve, Crushed)

Crushed Ritz crackers add a buttery crunch to the crab filling. They help give the filling structure and soak up any excess moisture, ensuring the biscuits stay crisp on the outside and soft inside.

10. Grated Parmesan (1 Cup)

Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty flavor that complements the crab and Cheddar Bay biscuits. It helps to elevate the overall flavor profile and adds a lovely cheesy finish.

11. Melted Butter with Lemon Juice for Brushing

Brushing the biscuits with a melted butter and lemon juice mixture gives them a bright, tangy finish. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the crab filling and complements the cheesy biscuits.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Step 1: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix

Start by making the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix according to the package directions. This usually involves mixing the dry biscuit mix with water and sometimes cheese or butter to form a soft dough. Set the dough aside while you prepare the crab filling.

Pro Tip: You can enhance the biscuit dough by adding a teaspoon of garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, spray two muffin tins with nonstick spray to prevent the biscuits from sticking. Using muffin tins helps to shape the biscuits into perfect cups for holding the crab filling.

Step 3: Make the Crab Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 pound of lump crab meat, ¼ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of mustard, ½+ cup of mayonnaise, and ½ sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, fold in some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or add a splash of lemon juice to brighten up the filling.

Step 4: Form the Biscuit Cups

Using your prepared biscuit dough, form small biscuit cups by pressing the dough into the bottom of each muffin tin, creating a small well in the center. This well is where you will place the crab mixture.

Step 5: Fill with Crab Mixture

Spoon the crab mixture into the well of each biscuit cup. Be generous with the filling—each biscuit should have a good amount of crab mixture to ensure they’re packed with flavor.

Step 6: Cover with More Biscuit Dough

After filling each biscuit cup with crab, cover the tops with more of the biscuit dough, sealing the crab mixture inside. Press down gently to ensure the biscuit dough adheres to the filling.

Step 7: Bake the Crab-Stuffed Biscuits

Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to avoid overcooking.

Pro Tip: If your oven tends to cook unevenly, rotate the muffin tins halfway through the baking time for even browning.

Step 8: Brush with Lemon Butter

While the biscuits are baking, melt a few tablespoons of unsalted butter and mix in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the lemon butter mixture for a bright, tangy finish that complements the rich crab filling.

Tips and Variations: Customize Your Crab-Stuffed Biscuits

1. Add Cheese

For extra cheesiness, sprinkle some grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top of the biscuits before baking. The cheese will melt and form a delicious golden crust.

2. Use Different Seafood

If you don’t have crab, you can substitute it with other seafood like shrimp, lobster, or even salmon. Just make sure the seafood is cooked and flaked before mixing it with the other ingredients.

3. Serve with Dipping Sauce

These crab-stuffed biscuits are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a tangy dipping sauce like tartar sauce, aioli, or a lemon-butter drizzle for extra flavor.

4. Make Them Spicy

If you love a little heat, add a dash of Cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, or even red pepper flakes to the crab filling for a spicy kick.

Conclusion: The Perfect Cheesy, Crab-Filled Bite

Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Tangy Lemon Butter combine the best of cheesy, garlicky biscuits with a rich, savory crab filling. The result is an indulgent treat that’s perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or a special addition to any meal. With the bright, zesty flavor of the lemon butter and the creamy crab filling, these biscuits are sure to become a favorite among seafood lovers.

Enjoy these warm, flaky, and flavor-packed biscuits fresh out of the oven for the ultimate seafood comfort food!