If you are craving a delightful blend of flaky, cheesy biscuits bursting with savory crab filling, then this Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, golden biscuits oozing with rich cheddar cheese and succulent lump crab meat mixed with just the right spices and herbs. Each bite is a perfect balance of fluffy texture, cheesiness, and a subtle hint of seafood that will have you coming back for more. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen. Let me walk you through this amazing journey to biscuit bliss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is key because each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy richness of the cheese to the fresh punch of parsley, these ingredients come together harmoniously for a biscuit you won’t forget.
- 1 cup lump crab meat: Use fresh or good-quality canned crab for the best taste and texture.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling together.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a bright, herby freshness that lifts the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth and color to the crab mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth without overpowering the crab.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Ensures the filling is perfectly seasoned.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle spice that complements the seafood.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for tender, flaky biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Leavens the biscuit dough to light, fluffy perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note directly into the biscuit dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Injects a mild savory sweetness to balance the dough.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and grated: Creates flaky layers and tender crumb in the biscuits.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Infuses sharp, melty goodness inside the dough.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for dough): Adds a dash of green freshness mixed through the biscuit.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Makes the dough tender with a subtle tang and helps activate the baking powder.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing): Provides a gorgeous golden finish and extra buttery flavor on top.
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping): Sprinkled on top for an irresistible cheesy crust.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for topping): A final pop of color and freshness as garnish.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Filling
Start by gently combining lump crab meat with softened cream cheese, fresh parsley, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This mixture should be creamy, flavorful, and well balanced so every bite of your biscuit is packed with that luscious crab goodness.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. These dry ingredients form the foundation of your biscuit dough, creating that all-important tender but structured texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter
Grate cold unsalted butter directly into the flour mixture and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend it until you have coarse crumbs. This step is essential for achieving those flaky layers in your biscuits that everyone loves.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Parsley to the Dough
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley. These add cheesy bursts and a fresh herbal kick throughout your biscuit dough, making every bite even more flavorful.
Step 5: Form the Biscuit Dough
Pour in the buttermilk and mix just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix – a little rough and shaggy is perfect because it keeps the biscuits tender and light.
Step 6: Stuff Your Biscuits
Scoop and flatten a portion of dough in your hand, then place about one tablespoon of the crab filling in the center. Wrap the dough around the filling, sealing it securely into a ball. This step seals in all that amazing crab and cream cheese delight.
Step 7: Repeat for Remaining Biscuits
Keep going with the rest of the dough and crab filling until you have about ten crab stuffed cheddar biscuits ready to bake. This is your moment to build anticipation because these will be fantastic!
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Arrange the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese and parsley for a golden, appetizing finish once baked.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 18–22 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden color and bubbling cheese on top – this means your Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is almost ready to enjoy.
Step 10: Let Cool and Serve
Allow the biscuits to cool slightly. Serving them warm helps the cheese stay melty inside and makes the crab filling even more irresistible.
How to Serve Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds bright freshness and enhances the visual appeal, while a light brush of melted butter ensures each biscuit glistens invitingly. A dash of smoked paprika on top can also add a hint of extra smoky charm.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, crisp greens like arugula or mixed baby lettuces dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. A creamy tomato bisque or a chilled cucumber salad would also complement the richness of these biscuits wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the biscuits in a rustic wooden basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin for a cozy feel. For gatherings, arrange them on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for guests to nibble alongside chilled white wine or sparkling water.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will stay moist, and you can easily reheat them without losing that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these biscuits on a later date, freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to bake fresh batches whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the biscuits in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps preserve their flaky texture and melts the cheese perfectly, reviving that just-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen crab meat as long as it’s properly thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture which might affect the biscuit filling.
Is there a gluten-free option for the biscuits?
While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I substitute cheddar cheese with another cheese?
Absolutely! Sharp white cheddar is traditional, but cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or even pepper jack can add delicious twists to the flavor profile.
How can I make these biscuits spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crab filling or sprinkling some chili flakes on top before baking can give your biscuits a nice kick.
Can these biscuits be made dairy-free?
You could try using dairy-free cream cheese, vegan butter substitutes, and a plant-based milk alternative like almond or oat milk, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will be different.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits Recipe that makes it a standout dish for any meal or occasion. The fusion of cheddar’s sharpness with the delicate sweetness of crab creates an unforgettable flavor bomb wrapped inside buttery, flaky biscuits. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own little celebration of comfort food with a coastal twist. Once you’ve tasted these, I promise they’ll be a cherished recipe to share again and again.
Print
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Biscuits are a savory delight featuring tender biscuits stuffed with a creamy crab meat filling seasoned with herbs and spices. These golden, cheesy biscuits are perfect as an appetizer or a comforting snack, combining the rich flavors of lump crab meat, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic parsley baked to 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 the crab filling: In a bowl, combine lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, chopped fresh parsley, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Mix dry ingredients for the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly to ensure consistent distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Incorporate butter into flour mixture: Grate the cold unsalted butter directly into the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend the butter into the flour until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create flaky biscuits.
- Add cheese and parsley: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley into the crumbly mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the dough mixture.
- Add buttermilk and form dough: Pour in the buttermilk gradually and mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender.
- Stuff the biscuits: Scoop a portion of dough and flatten it with your hands. Place approximately one tablespoon of the prepared crab filling into the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling and seal it into a ball, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed.
- Repeat and arrange biscuits: Continue stuffing and shaping the remaining dough into balls with crab filling. Arrange the stuffed biscuits spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Add topping: Brush the tops of each biscuit generously with melted butter. Then, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top for an attractive finish and added flavor.
- Bake the biscuits: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the biscuits for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and the cheese is bubbling, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm for the best taste and texture, enjoying the melty crab and cheese filling inside.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is very cold before grating to create a flaky biscuit texture.
- Do not overmix the biscuit dough to keep them tender and light.
- You can substitute lump crab meat with canned crab, but fresh or lump crab offers better texture and flavor.
- Serve these biscuits warm to enjoy the melty cheese and savory crab filling at its best.
- These biscuits freeze well; freeze unbaked and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to bake time.
