1. Introduction: A Comfort-Food Seafood Masterpiece
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are the kind of dish that immediately makes people stop, stare, and ask, “You made these at home?” They combine the rich, flaky, buttery flavor of cheddar garlic biscuits with a luscious, creamy crab filling that tastes like it came straight from a coastal restaurant. The moment you tear one open, warm steam escapes, revealing tender lump crab folded into a velvety blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, chives, and Old Bay.
These biscuits are indulgent yet incredibly approachable, making them perfect for gatherings, holidays, date nights, or anytime you want to elevate your home cooking without turning to complicated techniques. Whether served as a hearty appetizer, a seafood side dish, or even the star of a brunch board, these stuffed biscuits deliver unforgettable flavor in every bite.
2. Why This Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it balances richness, structure, and technique. The crab filling is chilled before stuffing, allowing it to firm up so it doesn’t melt out during baking. Cream cheese, mayo, and Parmesan create a creamy base that holds the crab together while enhancing its natural sweetness. Chives, lemon, garlic, and Old Bay add depth of flavor without overpowering the delicate seafood.
The Cheddar Bay biscuit dough is intentionally kept cold to produce steam pockets, resulting in light, tender layers. Grated cold butter ensures flakiness, while sharp cheddar melts into pockets of savory richness. The slight kick of paprika or cayenne boosts the flavor without making the biscuits spicy.
Finally, brushing the freshly baked biscuits with a lemon-garlic butter glaze brightens the entire dish, cutting through richness with a touch of acidity that transforms a simple biscuit into a restaurant-worthy treat.
3. What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Before you begin, gather all your ingredients for seamless cooking. This recipe includes three main components:
4. Ingredients for the Crab Filling
8 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked over
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Parmesan, freshly grated
2 tbsp chives or green onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: splash of hot sauce
This mixture creates a balanced, creamy interior with big crab flavor.
5. Ingredients for the Cheddar Bay Biscuits
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, grated
1 cup cold buttermilk
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
These ingredients recreate the iconic Cheddar Bay flavor profile with a homemade twist.
6. Ingredients for the Lemon Butter Glaze
4 tbsp butter, melted
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried or 1 tsp fresh parsley
Pinch of salt
This glaze makes the biscuits glossy, aromatic, and irresistibly flavorful.
7. How to Make the Crab Filling
In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, chives, lemon juice, Old Bay, and garlic powder until smooth.
Gently fold in the crab, maintaining as many lumps as possible for a meaty texture.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this step ensures easy stuffing and cleaner shaping.
8. How to Make the Biscuit Dough
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne.
Toss in the grated cold butter, keeping the pieces separate and coated.
Make a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the buttermilk, and add cheddar and parsley.
Mix just until combined—overmixing makes biscuits dense.
The dough should be sticky and shaggy, which is exactly what you want.
9. How to Assemble the Crab Stuffed Biscuits
Scoop about 3 tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet.
Use your thumb to make a deep well in the center.
Add a heaping tablespoon of cold crab filling.
Cover with another spoonful of dough and seal the edges.
Continue until all biscuits are formed, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
This creates perfectly stuffed pastries with a hidden, creamy center.
10. Bake and Add the Lemon Butter Finish
Bake for 17–20 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges.
While hot, brush with lemon butter glaze.
Add an extra sprinkle of parsley if you want a fresh, bright finish.
The glaze melts into the warm biscuits, soaking into the cracks and enhancing every layer.
11. Tips and Tricks for Recipe Success
Keep everything cold. Warm butter equals flat biscuits.
Do not overmix. Stir only until the dough is combined.
Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice doesn’t have the same brightness.
Chill the crab filling. This prevents leakage during baking.
Use real lump crab. Imitation crab won’t hold up or taste the same.
Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
Try a pinch of cayenne. It adds depth without heat.
Brush twice. Once when hot, once before serving for maximum flavor.
12. Serving Suggestions
These biscuits can be served in multiple delicious ways:
As an appetizer: Perfect for parties or coastal-themed menus.
With a seafood dinner: Serve alongside shrimp scampi, baked salmon, or clam chowder.
For brunch: Pair with eggs Benedict, a seafood omelet, or a fresh fruit salad.
As a side for holiday meals: Adds a gourmet element to Thanksgiving or Christmas spreads.
With dipping sauces: Garlic aioli, Cajun remoulade, or lemon herb mayo elevate them beautifully.
They’re hearty enough to stand alone but flexible enough to round out a variety of meals.
13. How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
Place cooled biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes (best method)
Air fryer: 350°F for 4–5 minutes
Microwave: 15–20 seconds (least ideal but workable)
Freezing:
Freeze unbaked stuffed biscuits for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes.
14. Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Assembly Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 17–20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Perfect for prep-ahead entertaining or a special weekend meal.