Crab and Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Lemon Butter

If you’re looking for a delightful, savory treat that perfectly combines the richness of crab and the sharpness of cheddar cheese, look no further than these Crab and Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Lemon Butter. This recipe will guide you through making tender, flavorful biscuits that are a hit at any gathering. The tangy lemon butter adds a luxurious finish that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Savory: The combination of crab and cheddar gives each bite a delightful balance of flavors.
Easy to Prepare: Even though it looks gourmet, this recipe is straightforward and suitable for any home cook.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a special appetizer, these biscuits are sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
3/4 cup buttermilk (cold)
1 cup cooked crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)

For the Lemon Butter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Zest of 1 lemon
A pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These dry ingredients will form the base of your biscuits.

Next, add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, break down the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is important to achieve those flaky layers in the biscuits.

Once the butter is well incorporated, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture for consistent flavor.

Step 3: Add the Buttermilk and Crab

Slowly pour the cold buttermilk into the flour mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix just until the dough comes together—avoid over-mixing, as this will make the biscuits tough.

Carefully fold in the cooked crab meat, making sure it’s evenly spread throughout the dough. Fresh or canned crab meat works well, but be sure to drain any excess liquid from canned crab to prevent soggy biscuits.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Biscuits

Scoop out about 1/4 cup portions of dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet. You can use your hands to gently shape them into mounds, but don’t worry about making them perfect—the rustic appearance adds to their charm.

Place the biscuits in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are slightly firm to the touch and the bottoms have a nice golden color.

Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Butter

While the biscuits are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the butter is melted, remove it from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. The fresh lemon juice and zest add a refreshing tanginess that balances the richness of the crab and cheese.

Step 6: Brush with Lemon Butter

As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the prepared lemon butter. The hot biscuits will absorb the butter, making them even more flavorful and moist.

For extra flavor, you can serve additional lemon butter on the side for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

These Crab and Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Lemon Butter are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:

Appetizer: Serve the biscuits as a delicious starter before the main course. They pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine.
Side Dish: Add these biscuits to your seafood feast alongside grilled shrimp, lobster, or baked fish.
Brunch: Make a luxurious brunch spread by serving the biscuits with scrambled eggs and a fresh green salad.

Tips for the Best Results

Use Cold Butter: The key to flaky biscuits is using very cold butter. If the butter starts to soften as you work with the dough, pop the dough in the refrigerator for a few minutes before baking.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the dough, be gentle. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
Fresh Crab vs. Canned: Fresh crab will give you the best flavor, but canned crab works well if you’re in a pinch. Be sure to drain the crab meat thoroughly to avoid a soggy dough.
Lemon Butter Alternatives: If you prefer a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the lemon butter for an extra kick. Alternatively, garlic lovers can add minced garlic for a more robust flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze the biscuits?

Yes! These biscuits freeze beautifully. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. While cheddar pairs perfectly with crab, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for a unique twist.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

These Crab and Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Lemon Butter are the perfect way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich crab meat, sharp cheddar cheese, and refreshing lemon butter make for an unforgettable flavor combination. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to something special, this recipe is a must-try!

Enjoy these scrumptious biscuits, and happy cooking!