If you’re looking to elevate your biscuit game to something truly irresistible, look no further than these Cheddar Bay Crab-Stuffed Biscuits with Lemon Butter Glaze. Combining the comforting, flaky goodness of cheddar biscuits with rich, creamy crab filling, this recipe is a showstopper perfect for any occasion—from fancy brunches and dinner parties to casual weeknight indulgence.
With layers of sharp cheddar, tender crab meat, and a finishing drizzle of lemon butter, every bite is a burst of savory, tangy, and buttery flavor. In this article, we’ll walk through the recipe in detail, cover pro tips, troubleshooting, variations, and serving suggestions—everything you need to make these perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality at home: Inspired by popular seafood chain biscuits but taken up a notch.
- Perfect balance of flavors: Cheesy biscuits meet creamy crab filling, finished with fresh lemon butter.
- Flexible: Easily adaptable for gluten-free, spicy, or fancy variations.
- Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for entertaining or as an impressive side dish.
Ingredient Breakdown
For the Cheddar Bay Biscuits
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend) | 2 cups (250g) |
| Baking powder | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Old Bay seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Cold unsalted butter (cubed or grated) | ¼ cup (57g) |
| Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) | 1 cup (120g) |
| Cold buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice) | ¾ cup (180ml) |
For the Crab Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lump crabmeat (fresh, canned, or imitation) | 8 oz (225g) |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 4 oz (115g) |
| Mayonnaise | 2 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tsp |
| Old Bay seasoning | ½ tsp |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
For the Lemon Butter Glaze
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 3 tbsp |
| Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Chopped parsley | 1 tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Crab Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped parsley.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the lump crabmeat, being careful not to break up the chunks too much.
- Chill in the fridge while you prepare the biscuit dough.
Tip: Keeping the filling cold helps it hold its shape during assembly and baking.
Make the Biscuit Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes or grated butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingertips) to work it into the dry ingredients until pea-sized crumbs form.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently stir until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky and shaggy—don’t overmix!
Pro Tip: Cold butter equals flakier biscuits, so work quickly and keep the dough cool.
Assemble & Bake
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough and flatten slightly into a small disk.
- Place 1 tablespoon of the chilled crab filling into the center.
- Top with another 1-2 tablespoons of biscuit dough and gently pinch or press the edges to seal, forming a biscuit mound.
- Repeat until all the dough and filling are used.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Note: Avoid overfilling—too much filling can cause leaks during baking.
Finish with Lemon Butter Glaze
- While biscuits are still warm, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, and chopped parsley.
- Brush generously over the tops of the biscuits.
- Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Pro Tips for Biscuit Success
- Keep ingredients cold: Cold butter and buttermilk ensure a flaky, tender biscuit.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined to avoid dense biscuits.
- Work quickly: Assemble and bake right away for maximum rise.
- Seal carefully: Press the top layer of dough gently over the filling to avoid leaks.
- Chill the filling: Helps prevent the filling from oozing during baking.
Troubleshooting
- Biscuits too flat? Butter may have been too warm; work quickly and chill the dough if needed.
- Dry dough? Humidity and flour brands vary; add 1 tablespoon of buttermilk at a time if the dough seems too dry.
- Filling leaks? Use a smaller amount of filling or seal the edges more tightly.
Creative Variations
| Variation | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Spicy Kick | Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to the biscuit dough or filling. Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. |
| Lobster Upgrade | Replace crab with chopped cooked lobster for an upscale twist. |
| Herb Garden | Add fresh chopped chives or dill into the biscuit dough for extra flavor. |
| Mini Appetizers | Make smaller portions for cocktail parties or gatherings—perfect as bite-sized finger food. |
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits pair beautifully with many dishes, making them perfect for both casual and fancy occasions:
- Seafood Chowder
- Shrimp Scampi
- Grilled Salmon
- Steamed Mussels
- Light Green Salad
Dipping Sauces:
- Remoulade
- Garlic Aioli
- Extra Lemon Butter Sauce
Garnishes:
- Lemon wedges
- Microgreens
- Sprinkle of extra Old Bay seasoning
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these biscuits?
Yes! You can freeze them either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble, then flash-freeze the biscuits on a tray. Once frozen, store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.
Can I use imitation crab?
You can! While lump crabmeat offers the best flavor and texture, imitation crab is a budget-friendly alternative.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.
Can I substitute buttermilk?
Yes. Use regular milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar stirred in. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Bay Crab-Stuffed Biscuits with Lemon Butter Glaze are the ultimate comfort food with a seafood twist. They combine flaky, buttery biscuits with creamy, savory crab filling, topped with a bright, tangy glaze that takes them to the next level. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or any seafood feast, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your recipe box.
So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a warm basket of these heavenly biscuits!