Savor the Sea: Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce
An Ocean-Inspired Culinary Masterpiece
Dive into the flavors of the sea with this exquisite recipe that combines the rich, delicate taste of crab with the irresistible warmth of Cheddar Bay biscuits. To elevate this seafood sensation, we’ll drizzle it with a luscious lemon butter sauce. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey where every bite is a symphony of savory and citrus.
Ingredients:
For the Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
For the Crab Filling:
- 8 oz lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Crafting a Seafood Delight with a Citrus Twist
For the Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Add Cheese and Butter: Incorporate 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter into the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in Milk: Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk and stir until the dough comes together. It should be moist but not overly wet.
- Form Dough and Cut Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Roll it out to a 1-inch thickness and cut out biscuits using a round cutter. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Biscuits: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
For the Crab Filling:
- Prepare Crab Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine 8 oz of lump crab meat, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold everything together.
- Assemble Stuffed Biscuits: Once the biscuits are cool enough to handle, slice each one in half horizontally. Spoon a generous portion of the crab mixture onto the bottom half of each biscuit, then replace the top halves.
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- Prepare Lemon Butter: In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.
- Drizzle Over Biscuits: Drizzle the lemon butter sauce generously over the stuffed biscuits.
Tips and Variations:
Elevating Your Seafood Sensation
Tips:
- Be gentle when folding the crab mixture to maintain the lumpiness of the crab meat.
- Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
Variations:
- For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crab filling.
- Customize the lemon butter sauce by incorporating herbs like dill or chives for additional freshness.
Make it a Meal:
- Serve your crab-stuffed biscuits with a side salad or coleslaw for a well-rounded seafood feast.
Cook’s Note:
Crafting Culinary Memories with Ocean-Inspired Delight
This crab-stuffed Cheddar Bay biscuit recipe combines the comfort of a biscuit with the elegance of seafood. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors, from the sweetness of crab to the zesty allure of lemon
butter sauce. It’s a dish that can steal the spotlight at any dinner table, whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a gourmet experience at home.
Presentation Matters:
- To add a touch of elegance to your crab-stuffed biscuits, garnish with a fresh sprig of parsley or a lemon twist.
- Serve these delectable treats on a decorative platter or wooden board to make them even more enticing.
Storage and Reheating:
- These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Pairing Suggestions:
- A crisp, chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a splash of lemon makes for a delightful pairing with this dish.
- A side of garlic butter sautéed asparagus or a light salad can complement the richness of the biscuits and the tanginess of the lemon butter sauce.
Cook’s Note:
- This recipe is a delicious homage to the beloved Cheddar Bay Biscuits served at a popular seafood restaurant chain. By making them at home and adding the crab filling and lemon butter sauce, you can enjoy the flavors of the sea whenever the mood strikes.
With your culinary skills, you’ve created a masterpiece that marries the comforts of land and sea. Every bite is a reminder of the endless possibilities that come from combining rich, flavorful ingredients with a dash of creativity. So, savor the moment and share this delightful dish with those you hold dear, and let the flavors of the sea transport you to a world of culinary bliss. Enjoy!
