Elevate your appetizer game with these delectable Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits, finished with a zesty lemon butter drizzle. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or a delicious starter to any meal, these biscuits combine the savory flavor of Cheddar Bay Biscuits with rich, creamy crab stuffing.
Ingredients
Biscuits
- 1 package Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (including the seasoning packet)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Crab Stuffing
- 1 pound lump crab meat, fully cooked
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp mustard
- ½ sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon Butter
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Biscuit Dough: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix according to the package instructions, adding garlic powder and Italian seasoning to the mix for extra flavor.
- Portion the Dough: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, portion out half of the biscuit dough into mounds on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 2: Prepare the Crab Stuffing
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the crab meat, paprika, onion powder, mayonnaise, mustard, crushed Ritz crackers, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Biscuits
- Add Stuffing: Place a spoonful of the crab stuffing onto each portion of biscuit dough on the baking sheet.
- Top with Dough: Top each mound of crab stuffing with the remaining biscuit dough, pressing gently to seal the edges.
Step 4: Bake the Biscuits
- Bake: Bake the stuffed biscuits in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Prepare Lemon Butter
- Melt Butter: While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.
- Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Brush with Lemon Butter: Once the biscuits are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush with the lemon butter.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Cooking Notes and Variations
Tips for Success
- Fresh Crab Meat: For the best flavor, use fresh lump crab meat. Ensure it is fully cooked before mixing it with the other stuffing ingredients.
- Seal the Edges: Make sure to press the edges of the biscuit dough together to prevent the stuffing from leaking out during baking.
- Lemon Butter: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to your preference for a more or less zesty finish.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the crab stuffing for a spicy twist.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or Gruyere in the biscuit mix for added flavor.
- Herb Butter: Mix fresh herbs like thyme, dill, or chives into the melted butter for an herby finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use imitation crab meat?
Yes, you can use imitation crab meat if fresh crab is not available. However, the flavor will be slightly different.
2. Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crab stuffing and biscuit dough ahead of time. Assemble and bake the biscuits just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
4. Can I freeze these biscuits?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked biscuits. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
5. What can I serve with these biscuits?
These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits pair well with a fresh salad, a bowl of soup, or as a side to a seafood main course.
These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish that brings together the best of cheesy, savory biscuits and rich, creamy crab. Perfect for any occasion, they are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
