Lush, cheesy, and irresistibly packed with savory seafood, Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a showstopping twist on the beloved classic appetizer. Imagine biting into a fluffy, golden biscuit, only to discover a creamy, spiced crab filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re planning a festive feast, hosting friends for a cozy weekend, or just want to treat yourself to something truly special, these biscuits will deliver big comfort with plenty of wow-factor. Trust me: Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are pure joy in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits is how a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients can create something extraordinary. Each element is there for a reason—bringing crunch, creaminess, color, or that iconic cheesy flavor to life. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- All-purpose biscuit mix: This is your shortcut to light, fluffy biscuit dough with minimal fuss—just add water!
- Cold water: Keeps the dough supple without making it sticky, ensuring a tender biscuit.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For that classic Cheddar Bay flavor and gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory note that pairs beautifully with both cheese and seafood.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): A pinch adds gentle heat and balances the richness—add more or less to taste.
- Chopped parsley: Freshness, color, and a herbal finish that brightens every bite.
- Melted butter: Brushing these biscuits as soon as they come out of the oven gives them glossy, golden tops and irresistible flavor.
- Lump crab meat: The star of your filling; always pick through to remove any bits of shell for the best texture.
- Cream cheese (softened): Makes the filling luxuriously creamy and helps it bind together.
- Mayonnaise: Adds tang and keeps the crab mixture irresistibly moist.
- Dijon mustard: A hidden hero bringing subtle complexity and a gentle edge to the seafood filling.
- Old Bay seasoning: The essential seafood spice blend—aromatic, peppery, and a touch sweet.
- Green onion (finely chopped): Offers a subtle sharpness and pop of green in each mouthful.
- Lemon juice: Brightens and lifts the crab, cutting through any heaviness in the filling.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; taste your filling so it’s just right before stuffing.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Step 1: Mix the Biscuit Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—you want it fully hot when those biscuits go in! In a large mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix, cold water, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and fresh parsley. Stir everything gently until just blended; it’s okay if the dough looks a little shaggy. Over-mixing could make your biscuits tough, so a light hand is key.
Step 2: Prepare the Crab Filling
In another bowl, add the lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, finely chopped green onion, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until these become a smooth, evenly distributed filling. Don’t be shy—taste it and adjust the seasonings if needed. The filling should be creamy, tangy, and full of delicious crab flavor.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Biscuits
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the biscuit dough and gently flatten it in your hand. Place a heaping tablespoon of the crab filling in the center. Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and around the filling, pinching to seal the seam and gently rolling into a ball. Place each assembled biscuit seam-side down onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the dough and filling are used up—this is a fun step to do with friends or kids!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer your loaded baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Watch for the biscuits to puff up and turn golden brown on top. You’ll probably smell that cheesy, garlicky aroma telling you they’re almost ready! Don’t overbake; you want the biscuits tender and the filling warm and creamy.
Step 5: Brush with Melted Butter & Serve
When the biscuits are hot out of the oven, immediately brush those golden tops with melted butter. For even more flavor, you can stir a pinch of garlic powder or Old Bay right into the butter before brushing. Serve your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits warm so the cheese is stretchy and the filling soft and rich.
How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of extra Old Bay seasoning over the top makes these biscuits pop with color and flavor. Lemon wedges on the side add a bright, citrusy boost right before serving—just a squeeze over a hot biscuit can take things from tasty to truly unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits pair beautifully with light, crisp salads or a classic coleslaw to balance out all that luscious richness. If you’re serving them as part of a seafood feast, try them alongside a simple tomato bisque or a tray of roasted vegetables for a cozy, complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation game up a notch by arranging the biscuits on a wooden board with fresh herbs, lemon slices, and perhaps a bowl of seasoned butter for dipping. For parties, you can make mini versions and nestle them into muffin liners for easy pick-up, or stack them high on a tiered tray for some dramatic flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits in an airtight container once they’ve cooled to room temperature. They’ll be happiest in the fridge, where they stay fresh for up to three days without losing too much of their tender crumb or rich filling.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these biscuits! Just wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap, and then place the bundles in a freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months and are perfect for grabbing when you need a quick, impressive snack or party bite.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the biscuits into a 350°F oven (or toaster oven) for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the exterior is crisp again. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven helps revive that just-baked texture. Brush with a little melted butter after reheating for a freshly made feel.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab instead of lump crab meat?
Yes, you can use imitation crab if needed. The flavor won’t be quite as sweet or rich as real lump crab, but it makes a budget-friendly option for a crowd and still turns out a tasty result in your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy biscuits?
The key is not to overfill the biscuits and to make sure your crab mixture isn’t too wet. Press out any excess liquid from the crabmeat, and bake the biscuits on a preheated baking sheet if you want an extra-crisp base.
Can I make the crab filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mixing up the crab filling a day in advance gives the flavors time to meld, making your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits even tastier. Just store the filling tightly covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
How do I make mini Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits for parties?
Simply use a smaller scoop of dough and filling (about 1 tablespoon dough, 1/2 tablespoon filling), adjust the bake time down by a few minutes, and bake until golden. Serve with toothpicks or in small muffin liners for an easy, impressive appetizer!
Are these biscuits good for meal prepping?
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits make a great grab-and-go snack or lunch when made ahead. Store in the fridge or freezer, then reheat and enjoy for a quick seafood treat whenever the craving hits.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a Cheddar Bay biscuit devotee or just looking to surprise and delight your guests, Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits absolutely belong on your must-bake list. Each bite delivers the comfort of a cheesy biscuit with a luxurious crabby center—and it’s honestly hard to eat just one! Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if you start dreaming up excuses to make them again and again.
Print
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delicious appetizer featuring a savory crab filling nestled inside a cheesy biscuit. Perfect for parties or special occasions, these biscuits are sure to impress your guests with their flavors!
Ingredients
Biscuit Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose biscuit mix
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)
Crab Filling:
- 8 oz lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare biscuit dough: Mix biscuit mix, water, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, cayenne, and parsley. Set aside.
- Make crab filling: Combine crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, Old Bay, green onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble: Flatten biscuit dough, add crab filling, seal to form a ball, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
- Brush with butter: Brush warm biscuits with melted butter.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Enhance butter with garlic powder or Old Bay for extra flavor.
- Filling can be made ahead and refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
