Step 1: Make the Biscuit Dough
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter:
- Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Slowly stir in the buttermilk until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Step 2: Fold in the Crab and Cheddar
- Add the Crab and Cheese:
- Gently fold the crab meat, shredded cheddar cheese, and chives (if using) into the dough. Be careful not to overmix—just combine the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Biscuits
- Form the Biscuits:
- Using your hands, scoop out about 1/4 cup of dough for each biscuit and gently form them into rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Butter
- Make the Lemon Butter:
- While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
Step 5: Serve
- Brush and Garnish:
- Once the biscuits are out of the oven, brush them with the warm lemon butter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve the biscuits warm with additional lemon butter on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Crab Meat: Use fresh, high-quality crab meat for the best flavor. You can also use canned crab if fresh isn’t available, but be sure to drain it well.
- Cheese Options: If you prefer, swap out cheddar cheese for other varieties like Gruyère or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Conclusion
These Crab and Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Lemon Butter are a decadent, flavor-packed treat that’s sure to impress at any meal. With their tender, buttery texture and the perfect balance of sharp cheddar and sweet crab, each bite is bursting with savory goodness. The refreshing lemon butter adds just the right amount of brightness to this rich, indulgent dish.
Enjoy these Crab and Cheddar Biscuits fresh out of the oven, and watch as they become an instant hit at your next gathering!