Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter: A Seafood Lover’s Dream 🦀🧈🧄

If you’ve ever wished you could recreate restaurant-quality seafood biscuits at home, these Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are the answer. Fluffy, cheesy, golden biscuits with a savory crab filling, brushed with lemon-garlic butter right out of the oven — they’re everything you love about coastal comfort food in one bite! 🌊✨

They’re fancy enough to serve at dinner parties, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. I made them for my family dinner last weekend, and they vanished faster than I could set them on the table. Even my picky eater asked, “Can you make these again tomorrow?” — that’s how good they are!

In this post, you’ll learn how to make these crowd-pleasing biscuits step by step — plus pro tips from chefs like Bobby Flay, Gordon Ramsay, Ina Garten, and Ree Drummond. We’ll cover everything from choosing the best crab to making the perfect lemon butter glaze, along with health tips, a nutrition chart, and tasty variations. 🧄🍋

Why You’ll Love These Crab Stuffed Biscuits

These biscuits combine two of life’s greatest pleasures — cheesy, buttery dough and rich, succulent crab. The lemon butter glaze ties it all together with a touch of brightness and tang. Here’s why you’ll make them again and again:

• 🦀 Restaurant Quality: Taste like they came straight from a coastal bistro.
• 🧀 Cheesy Goodness: Sharp cheddar and Old Bay seasoning for that signature flavor.
• 🍋 Lemon Butter Finish: Adds freshness and depth to every bite.
• ✨ Quick & Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes — no complicated steps.
• 💛 Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course.

Chef Ina Garten says: “Seafood deserves simple preparation — let the natural flavor shine with just the right balance of seasoning and freshness.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 🧀
• ¾ cup cold buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)

For the Crab Filling:

• 8 oz lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lemon Butter Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)

Chef Gordon Ramsay advises: “Use real lump crab for texture and sweetness — it makes all the difference. Avoid imitation crab if you want restaurant-level results.”

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Gather all your ingredients so you can work quickly once the butter hits the flour.

2. Make the Biscuit Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, garlic powder, and Old Bay seasoning. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in the cheddar cheese, then add the buttermilk. Mix gently until just combined — don’t overmix, or the biscuits will be tough.

3. Prepare the Crab Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the crab meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay, parsley, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be moist but not runny. Adjust seasoning to taste. 🦀

4. Assemble the Stuffed Biscuits

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop half of the biscuit dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Place about a tablespoon of crab filling in the center of each. Then cover with the remaining dough, gently sealing the edges.

5. Bake Until Golden

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown on top and cooked through. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel like a seaside restaurant. 😋

6. Make the Lemon Butter Glaze

While the biscuits bake, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let it simmer gently for 1 minute, then remove from heat.

7. Brush and Serve

Once the biscuits are done, brush generously with lemon butter glaze while warm. Sprinkle with parsley for a touch of color. Serve immediately — they’re best fresh from the oven! 🧈🍋

Chef’s Pro Tips for Success

Chef Bobby Flay: “Don’t skimp on seasoning — the crab is delicate, so those layers of Old Bay, garlic, and lemon bring everything to life.”

Chef Ina Garten: “Keep your butter cold. That’s the secret to tall, flaky biscuits with beautiful texture.”

Chef Ree Drummond: “You can make the filling ahead and refrigerate it overnight — it actually enhances the flavor!”

Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Serve these with a simple side of lemon aioli or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.”

Nutrition & Health Benefits

These biscuits might feel indulgent, but they’re rich in protein and flavor. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (1 biscuit):

Health Tip: Opt for real crab (not imitation) — it’s rich in omega-3s, vitamin B12, and lean protein. For a lighter version, use half the butter and Greek yogurt in the dough for added protein. 💪

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

• Serve as a starter at dinner parties with a side of garlic aioli or lemon butter sauce.
• Pair with Seafood Chowder or Creamy Tomato Soup for a cozy meal.
• Use smaller portions for appetizers at events or potlucks — they reheat beautifully!
• Serve alongside a crisp salad or grilled asparagus to balance the richness.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer for 4 minutes.
• Freeze: Freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen for 10–12 minutes.

For more meal prep inspiration, see make-ahead appetizer ideas.

Tasty Variations 🧑‍🍳

• 🌶️ Spicy Cajun Version: Add chopped jalapeños and Cajun seasoning for heat.
• 🧄 Garlic Lover’s Twist: Double the garlic powder in the dough and add roasted garlic to the filling.
• 🧀 Triple Cheese Blend: Mix cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a deeper flavor profile.
• 🍤 Seafood Medley: Replace or combine crab with shrimp or lobster for a luxurious twist.
• 🍋 Lemon Dill: Add fresh dill to the butter glaze for a refreshing herbal note.

Find more delicious ideas at seafood recipes collection.

FAQs About Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits

1. Can I use canned crab meat?
   Yes, just make sure to drain it well and remove any shell fragments before mixing.
2. What kind of cheese works best?
   Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can also try pepper jack or Colby for a twist.
3. Can I make the dough ahead?
   Yes! Prepare the dough and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I make them gluten-free?
   Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend — it works beautifully with this recipe.
5. How do I know when the biscuits are done?
   They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped lightly.
6. Can I skip the lemon butter glaze?
   Technically yes, but it adds so much flavor you won’t want to!
7. Can I use imitation crab?
   It’ll work in a pinch, but fresh crab gives better texture and taste.
8. Can I bake them in a muffin tin?
   Absolutely — it helps hold the filling neatly in place.
9. How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
   Bake on parchment paper and don’t overcrowd your pan.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes! Perfect for entertaining — just bake in two trays for even cooking.

Chef’s Finishing Touches & Pairings

Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Add a light dusting of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon right before serving — it makes the flavors pop.”

Chef Ina Garten: “Serve them on a platter with a ramekin of melted butter and a wedge of lemon — effortless elegance.”

Chef Bobby Flay: “Pair these biscuits with a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy beer for balance.”

Chef Ree Drummond: “They’re perfect for holidays, game nights, or when you just want to impress without stress.”

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Biscuit 🦀🧈💛

Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits are proof that comfort food and elegance can coexist. They’re warm, flaky, cheesy, and full of rich seafood flavor — everything you want in an appetizer or side dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in something delicious, these biscuits always steal the show.

As Chef Ina Garten would say, “Simple ingredients, perfectly executed — that’s the heart of great cooking.”

For more seafood-inspired comfort dishes, explore:

• Seafood Appetizers
• Cheddar Biscuit Creations
• Lemon & Garlic Favorites

So, roll up your sleeves and make these irresistible Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter tonight — because once you do, they’ll become a new family tradition. 🦀🧈🍋