The moment I pulled my Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie out of the oven, my kitchen transformed into a cozy haven, filled with the intoxicating scent of buttery biscuits mingling with succulent seafood. There’s a certain joy in preparing a one-dish meal that brings together tender shrimp, sweet crab, and vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that's just begging to be scooped.
This recipe isn't just another dinner idea; it's a delightful escape from mundane weeknight meals. Imagine the smiles around the table as you serve up this comforting pot pie, topped with golden, flaky biscuits infused with cheddar and a hint of garlic. You might even find it becomes a new family favorite!
Whether you’re looking to impress during a cozy gathering or simply want to elevate your weeknight cooking, this dish is both indulgent and incredibly simple to prepare. With a total time of just 55 minutes, you can create a comforting masterpiece that’s bursting with flavor – all while leaving fast food in the rearview mirror. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie
- This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delightful meal even on a busy weeknight.
- The flavor combination of tender seafood and creamy sauce, topped with cheesy, golden biscuits, is simply irresistible and sure to impress everyone at your table.
- Its versatility means you can easily customize the seafood or vegetables based on what you have on hand, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
- Visually, the contrast of golden biscuits against the creamy filling creates a stunning presentation that will make this pot pie the centerpiece of your meal.
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create this comforting masterpiece!
For the Seafood Filling
- Shrimp – 1 lb, peeled and deveined for that fresh, ocean flavor.
- Crab meat – 1 cup (lump or claw) adds a sweet, luxurious touch.
- Peas – 1 cup for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Carrots – 1 cup, diced to enhance the dish’s heartiness.
- Celery – 0.5 cup, diced for a crunchy texture.
- Onion – 1, chopped to infuse flavor into the filling.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced for a fragrant aroma.
- Butter – 4 tbsp, to sauté and give a rich taste.
- Flour – 0.25 cup, essential for thickening the creamy sauce.
- Seafood or chicken broth – 2 cups, the savory base for this pot pie.
- Heavy cream – 1 cup, for ultimate creaminess in the filling.
- Old Bay seasoning – 1 tsp, to elevate the seafood flavor.
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (fresh) to brighten up all the rich flavors.
- Parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped for a fresh finish.
For the Biscuit Topping
- Biscuit mix – 2 cups to create those delightful, fluffy biscuits.
- Cheddar cheese – 1 cup (shredded) to make the biscuits cheesy and irresistible.
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon for that extra depth of flavor.
- Old Bay seasoning – 0.5 teaspoon to tie in with the seafood perfectly.
- Milk – 0.75 cup, adding moisture to the biscuit dough.
- Butter – 3 tablespoon (melted) to brush on top for a golden finish.
- Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon for a hint of zest in the topping.
- Parsley – 1 tablespoon (chopped) to sprinkle on top for freshness.
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s bring this Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie to life!
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This allows your pot pie to cook evenly, resulting in perfectly flaky biscuits and a bubbling filling.
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Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in butter until softened. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
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Add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Next, whisk in the broth and heavy cream until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes, creating a rich creamy sauce.
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Stir in the seafood, peas, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and heated through, which takes about another 2-3 minutes.
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Pour the filling into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. This will be the delicious base for your biscuit topping.
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Mix the biscuit dough ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your biscuits to be fluffy and light.
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Spoon the biscuit dough over the filling. It doesn’t have to be perfect; rustic is charming! Just ensure it covers the filling.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes until the biscuits are golden and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it; the golden brown color is your cue that they are ready!
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Brush the hot biscuits with melted lemon herb butter before serving. This simple step adds a touch of shine and a lovely flavor enhancement.
Optional: Serve with extra chopped parsley on top for an added pop of color and freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the seafood filling up to 3 days in advance. Simply sauté the vegetables and seafood, then let the filling cool before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating. For the best quality, add the biscuit topping fresh just before baking. When you're ready to enjoy your pot pie, preheat your oven, spoon the biscuit dough over the chilled filling, and bake as directed until golden and bubbly. This way, your pot pie remains just as delicious and comforting without the last-minute rush!
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own with these delicious twists!
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Seafood Swap: Substitute shrimp with scallops or lobster for a luxurious flair. Each seafood option brings its own unique flavor profile to the dish.
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Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients and a pop of color. The fresh crunch of peppers or leafy green vibes will elevate the dish visually and nutritionally.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free biscuit mix for a lighter alternative that still satisfies creamy cravings. The hint of coconut adds an unexpected sweetness that complements the seafood beautifully.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat. The spice elevates the profile, turning it into a dish to remember, without overwhelming the flavors you love.
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Instant Pot Option: Cook the filling in an Instant Pot for a quick and easy preparation method. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly while keeping your kitchen mess minimal.
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Cheese Variation: Try different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist. The melted cheese will create a flavor explosion that takes your biscuits to the next level.
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Gluten-Free: Replace the biscuit mix with a gluten-free version to make this dish accessible for everyone. Look for gluten-free options that are just as fluffy and delicious, so nobody misses out.
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Herb Mix-In: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or dill in the filling for a burst of freshness. The aromatic notes weave through the pot pie, creating layers of flavor you’ll adore.
What to Serve with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie?
The warmth of a hearty pot pie deserves sides that elevate the meal to a delightful experience.
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Garlic Roasted Asparagus: The bright, garlicky flavor and tender-crisp texture balance the richness of your pot pie beautifully.
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Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, enhancing each bite of the creamy filling.
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Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy coleslaw offers a delightful texture and flavor contrast that keeps things interesting on your plate.
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Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli not only adds vibrant color but also brings a lovely crunch, making each bite satisfying.
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Savory Cornbread Muffins: The slightly sweet cornbread muffins pair wonderfully with the savory pot pie, soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: A glass of refreshing lemonade or sweet iced tea is perfect for cutting through the richness, creating a well-rounded meal experience.
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Chocolate Mousse: End on a sweet note with a fluffy chocolate mousse, providing a decadent finale to your comforting dinner.
How to Store and Freeze Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie
Room Temperature: Keep leftover Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Allow the filling to cool completely, then cover tightly and wrap to protect against freezer burn.
Reheating: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until heated through and the biscuits are golden.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie, ensure you sauté your vegetables until they are tender but not browned, as this enhances their flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Remember to add the flour and cook for a minute to eliminate the raw taste before adding the broth and cream, resulting in a smooth sauce.
- Avoid overmixing the biscuit dough; this keeps them fluffy and prevents them from becoming tough.
- Finally, use a kitchen thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the filling reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety, ensuring that your pot pie is both safe and delicious.
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for this pot pie?
Absolutely! For this Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie, it’s best to use fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, you can comfortably substitute with frozen shrimp; just ensure they’re thoroughly thawed before cooking to maintain texture and flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Very! Once your delicious pot pie has cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re reheating, just pop individual portions in the microwave or oven until warm throughout – you'll be reminded of that fresh-baked goodness!
Can I freeze Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the filling cool completely after cooking. You can assemble the pot pie but do not bake it yet. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze before baking for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until heated through and the biscuits are nice and golden.
What if my biscuits sink into the filling while baking?
Very! If your biscuits are sinking into the filling, don't worry; this can happen if the filling is too runny. Make sure your sauce is thick enough before spooning the biscuit dough on top. If needed, add a little extra flour while cooking the filling to reach the desired consistency.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie contains shellfish and dairy, so be cautious if there are any allergies among your guests. For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free biscuit mix and ensure your broth is also gluten-free. It's always a good idea to inquire about dietary restrictions before serving any meal!
What should I do if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
Very! If you find yourself out of Old Bay seasoning, don't fret! You can easily create a substitute using a mix of equal parts paprika, celery salt, and black pepper. This blend will capture some of that signature seafood flavor that Old Bay is known for, ensuring your seafood pot pie remains delicious!
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in butter until softened.
- Add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Next, whisk in the broth and heavy cream until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the seafood, peas, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the filling into a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Mix the biscuit dough ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
- Spoon the biscuit dough over the filling.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the biscuits are golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Brush the hot biscuits with melted lemon herb butter before serving.
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