Cheesy Crab Garlic Biscuits

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

Enjoy fluffy biscuits loaded with tender lump crab, melty cheddar, and a touch of Cajun spice, baked to golden perfection and finished with garlicky melted butter. The dough is made with cream cheese for extra softness, keeping the inside moist while the outside gets crisp. Roasted garlic infuses every bite with savory depth, making these crowd-pleasers irresistible when served warm as an appetizer or alongside dinner. Simple steps, minimal prep, and bold, comforting flavors come together seamlessly for an unforgettable bite.

Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:26:48 GMT
Cheesy crab biscuits with garlic butter. Save
Cheesy crab biscuits with garlic butter. | lilicooks.com

Cheesy crab biscuits with gooey cheese and a generous brush of garlic butter are my go-to when I want something warm and indulgent for gatherings or cozy evenings. Each bite mixes a fluffy cheesy texture with tender crab, all wrapped up in a savory biscuit that disappears fast from the plate.

I whipped these up on a rainy Sunday and they were such a hit that my friends started requesting them for every potluck I host. There is something magical about melted cheese and warm crab in biscuit form

Ingredients

  • Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: brings classic flavor and reliable fluff choose a fresh box for best results
  • Cream cheese: makes the biscuits ultra moist go for full-fat blocks for a luscious crumb
  • Lump crab meat: provides tender seafood bites look for fresh or refrigerated containers with sweet briny aroma
  • Cheddar cheese: melts throughout the biscuit for gooey texture sharp cheddar gives bolder flavor
  • Ice cold water: ensures your dough stays light keep water in the fridge until ready
  • Cajun seasoning: adds a gentle kick choose a blend with herbs and not just spice
  • Butter: for rich brushing always use real unsalted butter for best browning
  • Roasted garlic: brings depth and savory notes jarred or homemade both work well
  • Olive oil or non-stick spray: prevents sticking neutral oils are best to avoid changing the biscuit’s flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Biscuit Base:
In a large mixing bowl blend together the biscuit mix and softened cream cheese using a mixer or whisk until the mixture resembles damp sand with no big lumps. This step makes sure the cream cheese is evenly integrated for the fluffiest texture.
Add Water Gradually:
With your mixer on the low setting slowly pour in the ice cold water a couple tablespoons at a time. Watch the dough as you mix stopping once it comes together into a thick sticky mass. The cold water keeps the dough from getting tough and your biscuits super light.
Mix in Cheddar Cheese:
Sprinkle in your cheddar cheese and mix just enough so that the shreds are scattered through the dough. Do not overmix or you’ll flatten the biscuits.
Fold in Crab and Seasonings:
Drain your lump crab meat really well then gently fold it into the biscuit dough by hand along with the Cajun seasoning. Try to keep the bigger crab pieces intact for impressive flavor pockets.
Shape and Arrange Dough:
Lightly oil your hands and the baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray. Scoop and roll the sticky dough into about 6 to 8 balls spacing each at least one and a half inches apart on the sheet. This will keep them from sticking together as they puff up.
Bake to Perfection:
Place your tray in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for 14 to 20 minutes. Watch for the biscuits to turn golden on top and feel springy when touched. Do not peek too early or you might let out the steam that makes them light.
Garlic Butter Finish:
Melt the butter then stir in the biscuit mix’s seasoning packet and the roasted garlic until fragrant. Liberally drizzle the warm garlic butter over baked biscuits the second they come out of the oven. Serve immediately while hot and melty.
Cheesy crab biscuits with garlic butter. Save
Cheesy crab biscuits with garlic butter. | lilicooks.com

Cream cheese has become my secret ingredient for these biscuits because it keeps them soft even if you reheat them the next day. The first time I used a heavy hand with the garlic butter my dad declared them the best biscuits he had ever tasted and now it is a holiday tradition.

Storage Tips

To keep leftovers fresh wrap cooled biscuits tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to two days. For longer storage freeze the baked biscuits in a sealed bag and reheat directly in a warm oven for about ten minutes. Never store with the garlic butter poured on top if you plan to freeze or the biscuits may become soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Red Lobster mix a homemade cheddar biscuit base with self rising flour unsalted butter a teaspoon of baking powder and shredded cheddar works well. You can swap Greek yogurt for the cream cheese if needed though you may need a touch less water for a similar texture. For crab canned or imitation crab is passable but real lump crab guarantees the best flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve these biscuits as an appetizer for parties or alongside a big salad for an easy meal. They also make a show stopping brunch side served with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. Warm leftovers make a great midday snack especially when dipped in extra garlic butter

A biscuit with crab meat and garlic butter. Save
A biscuit with crab meat and garlic butter. | lilicooks.com

A Quick History

Cheddar and seafood biscuits grew popular in the Southern United States where seafood and hearty breads are a favored pairing. The Red Lobster biscuit mix brings that classic restaurant style home in an easy shortcut. Over the years families have added their own twists like extra cheese spicier seasonings or heartier lumps of seafood

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use imitation crab instead of lump crabmeat?

Yes, imitation crab can be used if lump crab is unavailable. Adjust for saltiness and texture as needed.

→ What makes the biscuits extra fluffy?

Cream cheese in the dough creates a tender, fluffy texture, while mixing gently preserves airiness.

→ Is it necessary to roast the garlic for the butter topping?

Roasted garlic adds a mellow, rich flavor, but you can use minced fresh garlic as a quicker option.

→ How can I keep the crab meat from breaking apart?

Fold the crab meat in by hand at the end and handle the dough gently to maintain chunks.

→ What's the best way to serve these biscuits?

Serve warm with extra garlic butter drizzled on top for maximum flavor and softness.

Cheesy Crab Garlic Biscuits

Tender biscuits filled with crab and cheese, finished with rich garlic butter. Enjoy warm for best flavor.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Snacks

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Biscuits

01 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
02 ½ block Cream Cheese
03 8 oz Lump Crabmeat
04 1 cup Cheddar Cheese
05 ¾ cup Ice Cold Water
06 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning

→ Topping

07 4 tbsp Butter
08 1 tbsp Roasted Garlic
09 Olive Oil or Non-Stick Spray

Steps

Step 01

Combine biscuit mix and cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Mix until it achieves a sand-like texture.

Step 02

While mixing on low speed, gradually add ice cold water, about 2 tablespoons at a time, until the dough becomes thick and sticky. Add cheddar cheese and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 03

Drain and add lump crabmeat to the dough. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and gently combine by hand to preserve the crabmeat's texture.

Step 04

Lightly spray hands and a baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray. Divide the dough into 6-8 round balls and place them on the baking sheet, ensuring at least 1½ inches of space between each.

Step 05

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 14 to 20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and fluffy on the inside.

Step 06

Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in the seasoning packet and roasted garlic until combined.

Step 07

Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the warm biscuits and serve immediately.

Tips

  1. For best results, handle the crabmeat gently to maintain its lumps.
  2. Ensure water is ice cold to achieve the correct dough texture.

Required Tools

  • Baking Sheet
  • Hand Mixer or Whisk
  • Gloves

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish (crab meat).
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, cheddar cheese, butter).
  • Contains gluten (biscuit mix).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 290
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 10 g