If there’s one dish that captures the essence of comfort food while still feeling indulgent and special, it’s this Creamy Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie. Imagine a creamy, flavorful seafood filling brimming with tender shrimp, sweet crab, and hearty vegetables, all tucked beneath a golden, buttery Cheddar Bay biscuit topping. It’s rich, cozy, and just a little bit luxurious—the kind of meal you’d be proud to serve at a family gathering, holiday dinner, or even a quiet weeknight when you want to treat yourself.
This recipe was inspired by the classic Southern seafood boils and New England seafood chowders, both of which celebrate fresh, hearty seafood with bold flavors. By adding a Cheddar Bay biscuit crust (a nod to Red Lobster’s famous dinner rolls), we’re elevating the traditional pot pie into something truly unforgettable. One spoonful and you’ll understand why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Pot Pie
- Ultimate Comfort Food – Creamy filling + golden biscuit topping = pure happiness.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – Feels like dining seaside without the pricey menu.
- Flexible Recipe – Use shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops, or even a mix of your favorites.
- Crowd Pleaser – Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy family dinners.
- Quick Prep – Only 20 minutes of hands-on prep before it bakes to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich, creamy flavors and bright, savory seafood notes. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
For the Seafood Filling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – the base for sautéing vegetables.
- 1 small onion, diced – adds a sweet and savory depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fragrant and flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – thickens the sauce.
- 1 cup seafood stock or chicken broth – enhances the seafood flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream – creates the rich, velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning – the classic spice blend for seafood dishes.
- ½ teaspoon salt – adjust to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – adds a touch of warmth.
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped – sweet, juicy seafood base.
- 1 cup lump crab meat (or imitation crab) – adds richness and flavor.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots – classic veggie pairing.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – brightens everything up.
For the Biscuit Topping:
- 1 package Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (such as Red Lobster brand).
- Ingredients listed on the box (usually cold water and shredded cheese).
- 2 tablespoons melted butter + ½ teaspoon garlic powder – for brushing on top after baking.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, golden seafood pot pie on the table in under an hour.
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a deep baking dish. - Make the Creamy Filling
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to form a roux (thick paste). Cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the seafood stock and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
- Season with Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Add the Seafood and Veggies
Stir in the shrimp, crab, peas, carrots, and parsley. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the seafood. Remove from heat. - Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the creamy seafood filling into your prepared dish. - Prepare Biscuit Topping
Mix the Cheddar Bay Biscuit dough according to package instructions. Drop spoonfuls of dough evenly over the seafood mixture. - Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and fully cooked. - Finish with Garlic Butter
Brush the hot biscuits with melted butter mixed with garlic powder. Serve immediately while warm and bubbling.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Seafood Options – Swap shrimp and crab for lobster, scallops, or even firm white fish.
- Make Ahead – Prepare the filling in advance, refrigerate, and bake with biscuit topping just before serving.
- Thicker Sauce – For a heartier filling, reduce the stock slightly or add an extra tablespoon of flour.
- Vegetables – Substitute peas and carrots with corn, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Cheese Upgrade – Add extra sharp cheddar to the biscuit mix for even more flavor.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: ~425 kcal
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Seafood Pot Pie
- Fresh Green Salad – balances the richness.
- Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli – simple but elegant.
- Glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc – crisp wine that complements seafood.
- Citrus Sparkling Water or Lemon Iced Tea – for a lighter non-alcoholic option.
Perfect Occasions for This Recipe
- Holiday Dinners – An impressive alternative to turkey or ham.
- Date Nights at Home – Luxurious but simple to make.
- Sunday Family Dinners – Cozy, hearty, and sure to satisfy.
- Potluck or Friendsgiving – Guaranteed to steal the show.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked filling (without biscuit topping) for up to 2 months. Add fresh biscuits before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a foil cover to prevent biscuits from over-browning.
Variations to Try
- Lobster Pot Pie with Cheddar Biscuits – Swap crab for lobster chunks for a restaurant-worthy twist.
- Seafood & Corn Chowder Pot Pie – Add sweet corn and a dash of smoked paprika.
- Cajun-Style Seafood Pot Pie – Add a pinch of cayenne and andouille sausage for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version – Use mushrooms, corn, and spinach instead of seafood, keeping the creamy filling.
Why Cheddar Bay Biscuits Make This Dish Extra Special
The biscuits are the crown jewel of this pot pie. Cheddar Bay Biscuits are famous for their cheesy, garlicky, buttery goodness. Instead of a traditional pie crust, these fluffy, golden biscuits soak up the creamy seafood sauce underneath, making every bite irresistible.
It’s the perfect marriage of flavors: savory seafood, creamy sauce, and cheesy biscuit topping. No need for extra dinner rolls—this pot pie brings its own bread built right in!
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is comfort food at its finest. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with rich seafood flavor, while the golden biscuit topping makes it both rustic and elegant. Whether you’re serving it at a special holiday gathering or simply spoiling yourself on a chilly evening, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
So, next time you’re craving something cozy yet indulgent, skip the takeout and whip up this recipe instead. It’ll taste like it came from a seaside restaurant—right in the comfort of your own kitchen.