Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuit with a Lemon Butter Sauce – A Coastal Comfort Classic

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of warm, cheesy biscuits and the briny sweetness of crab. If you’ve ever sat by the ocean, wind gently teasing your hair as you crack open a crab shell, you’ll understand the comforting nostalgia this recipe brings. These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce take that coastal inspiration and transform it into the kind of hearty, soul-soothing comfort food you’ll want to share with everyone — or keep all to yourself.

Imagine buttery, golden biscuits with crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center, stuffed with a luscious crab and cream cheese mixture. Then, just as you think it can’t get better, a drizzle of tangy lemon butter ties everything together with its bright, silky finish. This dish feels equally at home on a holiday appetizer spread as it does at a casual summer dinner.

These biscuits were inspired by the famous Cheddar Bay biscuits we all know and love — but they’ve taken a trip to the seaside. With a hint of garlic, sharp cheddar, and a generous spoonful of crab filling tucked inside, each bite bursts with flavor and nostalgia.

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose biscuit mix (like Bisquick or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup cold milk or buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon parsley flakes

Crab Filling:

• 8 oz lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix gently to keep the crab pieces intact. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Make the biscuit dough: In a large mixing bowl, stir together biscuit mix, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and parsley flakes. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add milk or buttermilk, stirring until a soft dough forms — be careful not to overmix.
3. Assemble the biscuits: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten slightly, and add a spoonful of crab filling to the center. Top with another small portion of dough and gently seal the edges, forming a rough biscuit shape. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
4. Bake to perfection: Arrange biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 14–16 minutes or until golden brown and slightly puffed.
5. Prepare the lemon butter sauce: While biscuits bake, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and salt. Remove from heat and mix in fresh parsley.
6. Serve: Brush warm biscuits with the lemon butter sauce as soon as they come out of the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving.

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Tips & Tricks:

• For an extra flavor boost, add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before baking.
• Use real lump crab meat for the best texture — imitation crab can work, but the flavor will be milder.
• To ensure fluffy biscuits, handle the dough gently. Overworking it can lead to dense results.
• Chill the dough for 10 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm — it helps with rise and texture.

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Variations:

• Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the crab mixture.
• Garlic Herb Version: Mix minced chives, dill, or tarragon into the dough for a more aromatic flavor.
• Cheese Lovers: Combine sharp cheddar and Gruyère for a more complex cheesy note.
• Mini Bites: Make smaller, appetizer-sized biscuits perfect for parties or brunch tables.

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Serving Suggestions:

These crab stuffed biscuits are perfect as an appetizer or side dish for seafood dinners. Pair them with:

• A crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine.
• A seafood chowder or creamy tomato bisque.
• A holiday platter alongside shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon dip.
  They’re irresistible warm, with lemon butter dripping from each bite.

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Storage Information:

• Refrigerate: Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap each biscuit individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.

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FAQ:

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the biscuits and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

What if I don’t have biscuit mix?
Use a homemade mix of flour, baking powder, salt, and butter — it works beautifully.

Can I substitute the crab?
Yes, you can use cooked shrimp or lobster meat for a similar seafood flavor.

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History / Fun Facts:

Cheddar Bay biscuits have become a cultural icon thanks to a famous seafood restaurant chain — and this recipe is a loving homage with a homemade twist. By stuffing them with crab, we merge two coastal favorites into one decadent bite. The concept of combining seafood with bread dates back centuries, from crab croquettes in France to stuffed buns in coastal America.

The lemon butter sauce adds a nod to traditional seafood boils, where melted butter and lemon are essential companions. Together, these flavors celebrate seaside comfort, evoking memories of beachside dinners, family feasts, and the gentle sound of waves in the distance.

Whether you serve them as a fancy appetizer or a comforting weekend treat, these Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits prove that a little indulgence can go a long way. Each bite carries the warmth of the kitchen and the charm of the coast — pure happiness in biscuit form.