If you have a passion for irresistible comfort food with a sophisticated twist, this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine golden, fluffy biscuits bursting with a savory blend of lump crab meat, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, all seasoned with just the right touch of herbs and spices. This dish perfectly balances rich seafood flavors with the buttery goodness of freshly baked biscuits. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or looking for a crowd-pleaser appetizer, these decadent biscuits will steal the show every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in bringing your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits Recipe to life. From the flaky crab meat to the sharp cheddar and fresh parsley, the combination provides layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that make this dish truly unforgettable.
- 1 cup lump crab meat: The star of the show, offering a tender, sweet seafood flavor that pairs wonderfully with creamy cheese.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a luscious creaminess that binds the crab filling perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Freshness and vibrant color that brighten the crab mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a gentle warmth and a pop of reddish color to the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savoriness enhancing every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick to complement the crab’s sweetness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the biscuit dough for a tender, crumbly texture.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the biscuits rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the dough’s overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Continues the savory theme in the dough for depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds gentle aromatic notes to the biscuits.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and grated: Vital for flakiness and a satisfying buttery flavor.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Brings sharpness and richness mixed right into the dough.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Infuses a subtle herbaceous hint into the biscuit dough itself.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Creates a tender crumb and a slight tang in the biscuit base.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing): Used to brush the tops for a golden finish and extra richness.
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping): Melts on top for an irresistible cheesy crust.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for topping): Garnishes the biscuits for a pop of color and fresh aroma.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Filling
Start by combining the lump crab meat with softened cream cheese, chopped fresh parsley, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mixing these ingredients just right creates a creamy, flavorful filling that will be the surprise inside every biscuit.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients for Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mixture forms the base for our biscuit dough, ensuring it rises perfectly and boasts a rich flavor profile.
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter
Grate the cold butter into the flour mixture, then use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until you achieve coarse crumbs. This technique is key for flaky biscuits that have just the right amount of richness.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Parsley
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley. These additions bring bursts of sharpness and herbaceous freshness that elevate the dough to something truly special.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Pour in the buttermilk and mix gently just until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the biscuits to stay tender and light, with a hint of tang from the buttermilk.
Step 6: Shape and Stuff
Scoop and flatten a portion of dough in your hand, then place about one tablespoon of the crab filling in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, sealing it into a tight ball. This step guarantees each biscuit is packed with that heavenly crab mixture.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Repeat the shaping and stuffing process with the remaining dough and filling, then arrange the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cheddar cheese and parsley to create a golden, cheesy crust.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the biscuits at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, until they are beautifully golden and the cheese is bubbling. The aroma will fill your kitchen and whet everyone’s appetite.
Step 9: Cooling and Serving
Allow the biscuits to cool slightly before serving warm so that the flavors settle and the filling is deliciously creamy without being too hot.
How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled right before serving adds a vibrant pop of color and a subtle freshness that balances the rich crab and cheddar flavors beautifully. You can also add a small dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of lemon aioli for an exciting zing.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair amazingly well with crisp garden salads, tangy coleslaw, or even a light seafood chowder. Their savory richness complements fresh, crunchy, or acidic sides that elevate the whole meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gathering, arrange your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits Recipe on a rustic wooden board with some colorful fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and small bowls of dipping sauces like spicy remoulade or garlic butter. This approach makes for a stunning presentation that invites guests to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining the flavors and moisture of the crab filling and biscuits.
Freezing
You can freeze these biscuits before baking by shaping and stuffing them, then placing them on a tray to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to two months. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven directly from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy tops and warm filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the biscuits soggy and affect the texture of the crab inside.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?
While fresh lump crab meat gives the best texture and flavor, canned crab meat can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well and check for any shell pieces before mixing.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
A sharp or medium sharp white cheddar provides a wonderful balance to the crab and brings a nice tangy bite without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and crab filling separately, then assemble the biscuits right before baking. Keep the dough refrigerated if storing for a few hours to maintain freshness.
Are these biscuits gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking to make a gluten-free version.
What can I substitute buttermilk with?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 3/4 cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This sour milk substitute will provide the same tenderizing effect in the dough.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, fluffy biscuit filled with decadent crab and cheddar flavors, and this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits Recipe delivers that experience in every bite. It’s a wonderful blend of comfort and elegance that’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress any crowd. So gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these unforgettable biscuits. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Print
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits, a savory and cheesy treat filled with lump crab meat and cream cheese, enhanced with fresh herbs and spices. Perfect as an appetizer or a flavorful snack, these biscuits combine a tender, flaky cheddar biscuit dough with a rich crab filling, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Crab Filling
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Biscuit Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and grated
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Crab Filling: In a medium bowl, combine lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, chopped fresh parsley, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly combined.
- Cut in Butter: Grate cold unsalted butter into the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces of butter.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley to the butter-flour mixture until evenly distributed.
- Incorporate Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep biscuits tender.
- Assemble Biscuits: Scoop a portion of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place about 1 tablespoon of the prepared crab filling in the center, then fold the dough around the filling and seal into a ball, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.
- Repeat for Remaining Dough: Continue the process with the remaining dough and filling, forming individual stuffed biscuits.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the stuffed biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle with additional shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley for garnish.
- Bake: Bake the biscuits in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor.
- Keep the butter cold to ensure flaky biscuits.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain biscuit tenderness.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice if unavailable.
- These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven.
