This recipe combines the iconic taste of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits with a luxurious crab filling for an impressive and delicious appetizer.
🍽️ Recipe Overview
Dish Name: Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter
Category: Appetizer / Side Dish
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 biscuits
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
📜 History & Introduction
The Cheddar Bay Biscuit, an American icon, was invented in 1992 by chef Kurt Hankins for the Red Lobster restaurant chain. Initially served in the lobby to waiting guests, demand was so overwhelming they were moved to the dining table. Today, nearly one million are baked daily. This recipe elevates that classic with a rich crab filling, inspired by coastal flavors.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dough:
· All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240g)
· Baking powder: 1 tablespoon
· Granulated sugar: 1 teaspoon
· Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
· Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
· Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
· Unsalted butter (cold, cubed): 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g)
· Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup (113g)
· Whole milk or buttermilk: 3/4 cup (177ml)
For the Crab Filling:
· Lump crab meat (drained): 8 ounces (227g)
· Mayonnaise: 3 tablespoons
· Cream cheese (softened): 2 tablespoons
· Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
· Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
· Green onion (finely chopped): 1 tablespoon
· Old Bay seasoning: 1 teaspoon
· Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
For the Lemon Butter Topping:
· Unsalted butter (melted): 3 tablespoons
· Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
· Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
· Fresh parsley (chopped): 1 tablespoon
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Make Dough
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and paprika.
3. Cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers. Mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Pour in the milk and gently mix just until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Prepare Crab Filling
1. In a separate bowl, combine all filling ingredients: crab meat, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, green onion, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper.
2. Gently mix until well combined, being careful not to break up the crab lumps too much.
Step 3: Assemble the Biscuits
1. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of biscuit dough and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand to form a small disc.
2. Place about 1 tablespoon of the crab filling in the center.
3. Carefully fold the dough around the filling, pinching the edges tightly to seal completely. Place the stuffed biscuit seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling, spacing biscuits about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake
1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown on top.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon Butter
1. While the biscuits bake, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, and chopped parsley.
2. As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, generously brush the tops with the warm lemon butter mixture.
3. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.
📊 Nutrition Information (Per Biscuit)
Please note: This is an estimated breakdown for a homemade version. For comparison, a standard Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit (from the restaurant or frozen) contains approximately:
· Calories: 150-160
· Total Fat: 7-10g
· Saturated Fat: 3-6g
· Carbohydrates: 16-19g
· Protein: 3g
· Sodium: 350-550mg
Key Nutritional Note: The crab stuffing in this recipe adds significant protein, making these biscuits more substantial than the original. However, they remain a rich, indulgent treat best enjoyed in moderation.
💡 Expert Tips & Variations
Success Tips:
· Keep Ingredients Cold: For the flakiest biscuits, ensure your butter and milk are cold.
· Don’t Overmix: Overworking the biscuit dough will make it tough.
· Seal Tightly: Pinch the dough edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
· Use Real Crab: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh lump crab meat. Pick through it for any shell fragments.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations:
· Shortcut: Use a box of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix for the dough to save time.
· Crab Options: Canned crab (well-drained) or imitation crab can be used if fresh isn’t available.
· Add a Kick: Mix a dash of cayenne pepper or extra Old Bay into the crab filling for a spicy version.
· Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella.
· Alternative Fillings: Finely chopped cooked shrimp or lobster make excellent substitutes for the crab.
🍽️ Serving & Enjoyment
These biscuits are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve them as an appetizer at a party, as a luxurious side dish with a seafood feast, or as the star of a special brunch. They pair wonderfully with a light salad or a bowl of creamy soup.
❤️ A Dish for Lovers
This recipe is perfect for lovers of rich, comforting flavors. It combines the savory, cheesy, garlicky punch of the beloved biscuit with the sweet, delicate luxury of crab, all balanced by a bright, zesty lemon butter finish. It’s a dish that feels celebratory and indulgent.
🎉 Conclusion
This Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuit recipe is more than just food; it’s a delicious tribute to an American restaurant classic, transformed into a show-stopping homemade dish. With a balance of savory, rich, and zesty flavors and an impressive presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite for special occasions.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing these decadent biscuits! If you try a different filling variation, let me know how it turns out.
