The marriage of rich Southern biscuit dough and a succulent crab cake core delivers indulgence in every bite. Add a drizzle of garlicky lemon butter and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy dish made right at home. The contrast between the buttery biscuit exterior and the tender, flavorful crab center is simply irresistible.
Perfect for brunch, dinner appetizers, or as the star of your seafood feast, this Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuit brings elevated comfort food to the table. It’s a fun and satisfying recipe for those who want a bit of creative flair with their home cooking. Whether baked in the oven or air fryer, it’s sure to impress.
Full Recipe:
For the Biscuit Dough:
2 cups Southern biscuit flour
1/2 cup butter shortening
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
For the Crab Cake Filling:
1 cup lump crab meat (reserve 1/4 cup for stuffing)
1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp yellow mustard
1/4 cup crushed buttery crackers
For Lemon Butter Sauce:
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, combine biscuit flour and garlic powder. Cut in butter shortening until the mixture is crumbly. Add cheddar cheese and buttermilk, mixing gently to form a soft dough. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder into a smooth paste.
Fold in crab meat and crushed crackers. Form into a ball and cook in a skillet or air fryer for 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Set aside.
Take a portion of biscuit dough and flatten it in your palm, shaping it into a shallow bowl. Add some reserved lump crab, place the crab cake ball inside, then top with more crab and cover completely with biscuit dough.
Optional: Use a 4-inch springform pan to help maintain shape. Otherwise, place directly on a baking sheet or in an air fryer.
Bake in an air fryer at 360°F for 13 minutes or in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15–18 minutes until golden.
For the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, then add lemon juice and garlic powder. Drizzle over baked biscuit.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 2
A Southern-Inspired Indulgence: Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Sauce
There’s something uniquely comforting about Southern cuisine—it embodies heart, heritage, and home. When we think of buttery biscuits, flaky and golden with hints of garlic and cheddar, our minds are immediately transported to cozy kitchens and family tables. But what happens when we take that beloved comfort food and elevate it with the briny sweetness of lump crab meat and a drizzle of citrusy lemon butter? We get the decadent, flavor-packed Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuit with Lemon Butter Sauce, a dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your own kitchen.
This savory creation is more than just a twist on a classic biscuit—it’s a culinary experience that strikes a balance between rich Southern comfort and elegant seafood sophistication. While it sounds indulgent (and it is), it’s also surprisingly approachable for home cooks. Whether you’re planning a holiday appetizer spread, a romantic dinner at home, or simply want to surprise your guests with something bold and flavorful, this biscuit delivers on all fronts.
Why This Dish Works
This recipe is built on the magic of contrasts—soft and flaky biscuit dough encasing a rich, savory crab cake filling. What makes it so memorable is not just the fusion of textures and flavors, but also the balance between the warmth of cheddar and garlic and the brightness of fresh lemon. When paired with a finishing drizzle of garlic-infused lemon butter, every bite feels indulgent without being overly heavy.
The use of high-quality lump crab elevates the dish with its naturally sweet and tender texture. Crab is delicate, yet when seasoned properly and folded with creamy mayo, mustard, and crackers, it turns into a bold, flavorful filling. Paired with the melt-in-your-mouth biscuit dough, the result is both elegant and familiar. It’s not often that you find something this luxurious that’s also air-fryer friendly or oven-ready within 30 minutes.
The Biscuit Foundation: Homestyle Meets Gourmet
Biscuits have long been a staple of Southern kitchens. Whether they’re served with gravy, jam, or butter, they bring warmth and texture to the table. What makes this version unique is the inclusion of cheddar cheese and garlic powder in the dough itself—two flavor elements that not only complement the crab but also give the biscuit its signature Cheddar Bay identity.
These aren’t your average drop biscuits, either. The dough is shaped and used almost like a savory crust, wrapping around the crab cake to form a self-contained bundle of flavor. Whether baked in the oven or air fried to golden perfection, they maintain a perfect outer texture: lightly crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You also have the option of using a springform pan if you prefer a more uniform, restaurant-style presentation, but the beauty of this recipe is that it’s forgiving and versatile.
The Star Inside: Cajun-Spiced Crab Cake
The real showstopper here is what’s inside the biscuit. The crab cake, seasoned with Cajun spice, garlic, and onion powder, is simple to prepare yet full of depth. Unlike overly breaded crab cakes, this filling retains the essence of the crab itself—light, tender, and perfectly moist. The seasoning blend brings a bit of a kick, adding warmth that doesn’t overpower.
Combining crushed buttery crackers with the crab not only helps to bind the filling but also adds a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft biscuit exterior. When lightly seared before being wrapped in the dough, the crab cake develops a golden crust that adds to the biscuit’s visual appeal and layered flavor.
Finishing Touch: Garlic Lemon Butter Drizzle
No Southern-inspired dish would be complete without a finishing sauce, and this lemon butter glaze delivers elegance with minimal effort. The tanginess of the lemon offsets the richness of the biscuit and crab, while the garlic rounds out the flavor profile. The glaze is drizzled over the warm biscuit right before serving, adding shine and aroma that will draw your guests in before they even take the first bite.
This butter sauce is where simplicity meets luxury. It’s quick to make, yet it takes the whole dish to another level—adding moisture, acidity, and just the right amount of richness. It also allows you to garnish creatively, whether you add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, lemon zest, or even a touch of hot sauce for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe works in a variety of settings, from casual to formal. As an appetizer, it’s a conversation starter—small enough to serve individually, but packed with bold flavor. You could also make smaller versions as finger food for a cocktail party, or go larger for a hearty main dish.
Pair it with a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to keep things light, or serve alongside grilled asparagus, creamed spinach, or roasted corn for a fuller plate. It also complements light, citrusy white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or even a glass of bubbly if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
Another great idea is to prepare a seafood platter with these biscuits as the centerpiece. Add some shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, and deviled eggs, and you’ll have a Southern seafood spread worthy of any gathering.
Tips and Variations
Cheese Swap: While cheddar is classic, try using smoked gouda or gruyère for a deeper flavor.
Spice Control: The Cajun seasoning gives a bit of heat, but you can adjust it to suit your taste. Add paprika or cayenne if you want more kick, or use Old Bay for a milder alternative.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the crab cake filling in advance and refrigerate it. The biscuit dough can also be chilled for easy assembly later.
Freezer-Friendly: These biscuits freeze well after baking. Just reheat in the oven or air fryer for a quick snack or meal.
Garnish Game: Consider garnishing with chopped chives, lemon zest, or even microgreens to add color and freshness.
A Comfort Food with Coastal Flair
What truly sets this dish apart is its ability to straddle two culinary worlds. It’s comfort food, yes—but it’s also refined. It gives you the warmth and satisfaction of a home-baked biscuit with the elegance of seafood, all wrapped in a format that’s fun, interactive, and deeply satisfying.
This crab-stuffed biscuit is the kind of recipe that becomes a signature dish, the one people ask you to bring to parties or family gatherings. It’s perfect for entertaining because it feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. And once you’ve made it, you’ll realize just how adaptable it is—easy to tweak, scale up, or serve in creative ways.
Conclusion: A Southern Seafood Classic Reimagined
In the world of home cooking, some dishes are just made to impress. The Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuit with Lemon Butter Sauce is one of them—a crowd-pleaser that combines humble ingredients with a luxurious twist. It’s warm, it’s flavorful, and it offers the kind of sensory experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for your next show-stopping dish, this recipe invites you to explore, experiment, and enjoy the richness of Southern cuisine with a coastal edge. It’s comfort food, elevated—where every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and pure culinary joy.