There are some dishes that bring instant joy to the table, and this Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is one of them. Imagine a creamy, savory seafood filling bubbling beneath golden, cheesy biscuits that practically melt in your mouth. This recipe marries the elegance of seafood with the down-home comfort of pot pie, all crowned with that irresistible Cheddar Bay biscuit topping.
Perfect for chilly evenings, special family dinners, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something cozy yet impressive, this seafood pot pie is a showstopper. Inspired by the flavors of coastal kitchens and the homestyle magic of classic pot pie, this dish is both familiar and exciting. With its creamy shrimp and crab filling paired with garlicky, cheesy biscuits, you’ll want to make it part of your regular dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Pot Pie
- Comforting & cozy: A true hug in a dish, packed with creamy sauce and tender seafood.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even a holiday spread.
- Easy shortcut topping: Thanks to Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, you’ll get bakery-worthy biscuits with minimal effort.
- Restaurant-quality taste at home: Tastes like something you’d order at a seaside bistro—without the hefty bill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what goes into this rich, creamy seafood pot pie topped with biscuits:
For the Seafood Filling:
- 1 tbsp butter – for sautéing vegetables and creating flavor depth.
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped – the savory base of the filling.
- ½ cup celery, diced – adds freshness and crunch.
- ½ cup carrots, diced – a sweet contrast to the seafood richness.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – a must for depth of flavor.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour – thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
- 1½ cups seafood stock or chicken broth – the savory liquid base.
- ½ cup heavy cream – gives the filling its velvety texture.
- ½ cup frozen peas – sweet bursts of flavor and a pop of color.
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and chopped – juicy, tender protein.
- 1 cup lump crab meat (or imitation crab) – adds indulgent seafood sweetness.
- Salt & pepper, to taste – for balanced seasoning.
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional) – for that classic seafood kick.
For the Cheddar Biscuit Topping:
- 1 pack Cheddar Bay biscuit mix (like Red Lobster brand) – the secret shortcut to golden biscuit glory.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – extra cheesiness for the topping.
- ⅓ cup cold water (or per box instructions) – binds the dough.
- 2 tbsp melted butter + garlic herb mix (from the packet) – brushed on top for buttery, garlicky bliss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This dish may look like restaurant-level comfort food, but it’s incredibly approachable. Here’s how to make it:
1. Sauté the Veggies
Start by melting butter in a large skillet. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook until tender and fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for your seafood filling.
2. Make That Creamy Seafood Sauce
Sprinkle in the flour, stirring for a minute to cook off the raw taste. Slowly whisk in seafood stock and heavy cream. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens into a luxurious base.
3. Fold in the Seafood
Gently stir in shrimp, crab, peas, and Old Bay seasoning. Cook for just 2–3 minutes—enough to tenderize the seafood without overcooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add Biscuit Magic
Transfer the creamy seafood mixture into a greased baking dish. Prepare the Cheddar Bay biscuit dough according to the package directions, mixing in shredded cheddar. Drop spoonfuls over the top of the filling.
5. Bake & Serve
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Brush biscuits with melted garlic butter. Serve hot and dig into pure comfort.
Quick Recipe Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: ~480 per serving
- Protein: ~30g per serving
Tips for the Best Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie
- Don’t overcook the seafood. Since it continues cooking in the oven, just a quick sauté is enough.
- Use seafood stock if possible. It enhances the flavor far more than chicken broth.
- Add variety. You can mix in scallops, lobster, or even salmon chunks for a custom seafood blend.
- Cheese boost. A sprinkle of Parmesan in the filling makes it even creamier.
- Make it ahead. Assemble the filling a day in advance, refrigerate, and add the biscuits just before baking.
Variations to Try
One of the joys of a pot pie is how versatile it is. Here are a few fun twists:
- Lobster Lover’s Pot Pie: Swap crab for lobster chunks for a more luxurious version.
- Cajun Twist: Add Cajun seasoning or hot sauce for a Southern-inspired flavor profile.
- Veggie-Forward: Skip the seafood and add mushrooms, corn, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Mini Pot Pies: Bake the filling in ramekins with a single biscuit topping for individual servings.
Pairing Ideas
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides:
- Crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette.
- Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli for a fresh bite.
- Chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing, non-alcoholic pairing.
Why This Recipe Works for Any Occasion
This pot pie is versatile enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for holidays. It’s:
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love the cheesy biscuits.
- Festive-worthy: Serve it at Easter, Christmas Eve, or Sunday supper.
- Freezer-friendly: You can freeze the filling (without biscuits) and bake later.
Whether it’s a chilly fall evening, a cozy holiday meal, or a simple seafood craving, this pot pie fits the bill.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions.
- Freeze: Freeze just the filling (without biscuits) for up to 2 months. Add fresh biscuit topping before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes! Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the filling.
Do I need Cheddar Bay mix, or can I make my own biscuits?
The mix is convenient, but you can use homemade drop biscuits if you prefer.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free flour blend in the filling and a gluten-free biscuit mix for the topping.
What if I don’t like shrimp?
You can replace it with scallops, white fish, or extra crab meat.
A Comfort Food That Feels Like Home
This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is more than a recipe—it’s a moment of comfort, a taste of the coast, and a dish that brings people together. The creamy filling is rich without being heavy, while the biscuit topping makes every bite pure bliss.
Whether you’re feeding your family, treating friends, or just spoiling yourself, this pot pie will make your table feel extra special. And let’s be honest—who can resist cheesy, garlicky biscuits paired with seafood in a creamy sauce?
It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, savor each bite, and maybe even sneak back for seconds.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food that combines elegance with coziness, this dish delivers. It’s hearty, flavorful, and impressive without requiring complicated techniques.
So the next time you’re craving something indulgent yet heartwarming, skip the takeout and whip up this Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, your table will feel festive, and your taste buds will thank you.