### **Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter**
—
#### **Introduction:**
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are an indulgent and flavorful treat that combines the iconic, buttery, and cheesy Cheddar Bay biscuit with the sweet, delicate flavor of crab meat. This dish is an excellent appetizer or side that pairs perfectly with seafood entrees or as a stand-alone snack for seafood lovers. The rich lemon butter drizzled over the biscuits adds an extra layer of indulgence that makes them irresistible.
—
#### **Origin and Cultural Significance:**
The original Cheddar Bay biscuits are famously associated with Red Lobster, a popular American seafood chain. These biscuits, known for their buttery, garlicky, and cheesy flavor, became a staple on Red Lobster’s menu and are beloved by seafood enthusiasts. The addition of crab stuffing and lemon butter takes this beloved dish to the next level, combining the best of both worlds: savory biscuits and the fresh, sweet taste of crab. While these crab-stuffed biscuits are a modern twist, they are part of the broader trend of elevating classic seafood appetizers with more creative and indulgent ingredients.
—
#### **Ingredients and Quantities:**
##### For the Biscuits:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
– 3/4 cup milk
##### For the Crab Stuffing:
– 1/2 lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained and picked through for shells)
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional for extra flavor)
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
##### For the Lemon Butter:
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
—
#### **Optional Additions:**
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (to sprinkle on top of the biscuits before baking)
– Fresh dill or thyme (for garnish)
– A dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (for added spice)
– A squeeze of fresh lime juice (for an extra citrusy kick)
– Extra crab meat for an even richer stuffing
—
#### **Tips for Success:**
1. **Chill the butter**: For perfectly flaky biscuits, make sure your butter is very cold when you mix it with the dry ingredients. You can even freeze the butter cubes before adding them to the flour mixture.
2. **Use fresh crab**: If possible, opt for fresh crab meat for a more delicate and sweet flavor. If using canned, ensure it’s well-drained and free from shell fragments.
3. **Don’t overmix the dough**: Overworking the biscuit dough can result in dense biscuits. Stir just until the ingredients come together.
4. **Prepare the crab stuffing gently**: When mixing the crab stuffing, handle the crab meat gently to keep it in large chunks, preserving the sweet and tender texture.
5. **Serve immediately**: The biscuits are best served warm, fresh out of the oven, to enjoy the crispy, buttery exterior and the soft, cheesy interior.
—
#### **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven**: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. **Make the biscuit dough**: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the milk until the dough just comes together.
3. **Form the biscuits**: On a floured surface, turn out the biscuit dough and gently knead it 2-3 times. Pat it out to about 1-inch thickness and cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or a glass.
4. **Prepare the crab stuffing**: In a separate bowl, gently mix the crab meat with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning (if using), and parsley. Be careful not to break up the crab too much.
5. **Stuff the biscuits**: Take a biscuit round, gently flatten it, and place a spoonful of the crab mixture in the center. Fold the edges over to encase the crab and pinch the dough to seal it. Place the stuffed biscuit on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
6. **Bake the biscuits**: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. **Make the lemon butter**: While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), garlic powder, and salt.
8. **Serve**: Once the biscuits are baked, remove them from the oven and brush them with the lemon butter while they’re still hot. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.
—
#### **Description:**
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter combine the familiar flavor of Red Lobster’s beloved Cheddar Bay biscuits with a decadent crab filling. The biscuits are tender and cheesy, with a golden, crispy exterior. Inside, the sweet and succulent crab meat is mixed with a tangy dressing, adding depth and flavor to each bite. The finishing touch of zesty lemon butter gives the biscuits a refreshing contrast to the richness of the crab and cheese.
—
#### **Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 biscuits):**
– Calories: 350–400
– Protein: 12g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fat: 22g
– Saturated Fat: 12g
– Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 2g
– Sodium: 600mg
– Calcium: 15% DV
– Iron: 8% DV
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
—
#### **Conclusion:**
Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are the perfect fusion of comfort and indulgence. The rich, cheesy biscuit paired with delicate crab and tangy lemon butter offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. These biscuits elevate any meal and are perfect for impressing guests at gatherings or simply enjoying a special treat.
—
#### **Recommendation:**
While Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter are undeniably delicious, they’re a rich dish that’s best enjoyed occasionally as a special treat. If you’re looking to make a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter in the biscuit dough or substitute the crab meat with a lower-fat seafood option like shrimp. For a more health-conscious approach, use whole wheat flour or incorporate additional vegetables into the stuffing to balance the richness of the dish.
—
#### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence:**
To embrace healthful indulgence while enjoying these biscuits, consider using low-fat cheese, lighter versions of mayonnaise and sour cream, and reducing the butter in the lemon butter glaze. You can also incorporate more seafood or plant-based proteins to increase the nutritional value of the dish without sacrificing flavor. By making a few smart substitutions, you can still savor the essence of this indulgent dish while keeping it more aligned with your health goals.