I absolutely love how this Seafood Pot Pie with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Crust Recipe comes together—it’s like comfort food and a seafood feast had the best baby. The creamy seafood filling paired with that savory, cheesy biscuit crust brings everything to a whole new level. When I first tried making this, I was amazed at how easy it was to get such rich flavors without hours of fuss.
This recipe works perfectly for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress guests without slaving in the kitchen. You’ll find that the combination of lobster, shrimp, crab, and those fresh veggies creates a filling that’s both comforting and elegant. Plus, using cheddar bay biscuits for the crust means you’re skipping the usual pie crust struggle and bringing in that buttery, garlicky goodness every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity Meets Elegance: It uses straightforward steps but ends up tasting like a restaurant-worthy dish.
- Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this and it’s great for special occasions or weeknight dinners alike.
- No-Fuss Biscuit Crust: Swapping traditional pie crust for cheddar bay biscuits saves time and adds irresistible flavor and texture.
- Seafood Variety: Combining shrimp, crab, and lobster creates layers of flavor, so every bite feels special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The blend of fresh seafood, vibrant vegetables, and creamy stocks really makes this dish shine. When shopping, look for fresh or high-quality frozen seafood and stock for the best results—you can taste the difference.
- Butter: Provides richness and a perfect base for sautéing the seafood and veggies.
- Shrimp: Small shrimp work best because they cook quickly and evenly.
- Lobster Meat: I like using lobster tails for a nice sweet flavor and tender texture.
- Carrots: Dice finely so they soften just right in the filling.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and classic pot pie depth.
- Shallot: Offers a mild onion flavor that’s less sharp than regular onions.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs bring a wonderful herby note.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch to add warmth without overpowering.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for that aromatic punch.
- Tomato Paste: Deepens the overall flavor while adding slight sweetness and umami.
- Flour: Helps thicken the filling for that perfect creamy consistency.
- Peas: Bring a pop of sweetness and color.
- Corn: Adds another layer of natural sweetness and texture.
- Seafood Stock: Essential for that authentic ocean flavor.
- Chicken Stock: Balances the seafood stock and rounds out the taste.
- Crab Meat: Use lump crab meat if you can for maximum meaty bites.
- Heavy Cream: Enriches the filling to a silky finish.
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits: The star of the crust! I recommend the Red Lobster biscuit mix for that classic flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Extra cheesy goodness mixed into the biscuit dough boosts flavor.
- Biscuit Butter: Brushing this on top makes the crust beautifully golden and flavorful.
Variations
I love how forgiving this Seafood Pot Pie with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Crust Recipe is, so feel free to make it your own. Whether you want to swap types of seafood or add extra veggies, you can customize it to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.
- Different Seafood: I’ve swapped out shrimp for scallops before with delicious results—it really depends on what you love or what’s fresh.
- Vegetarian Version: Try replacing seafood with hearty mushrooms and artichokes, and use vegetable stock instead to keep it rich and satisfying.
- Spice it Up: I once added a dash of smoked paprika and a little extra cayenne for a smoky kick that my family adored.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix for the crust and substitute gluten-free flour for thickening the filling—works just as well!
How to Make Seafood Pot Pie with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Crust Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Seafood and Build Your Flavor Base
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Toss in the shrimp and lobster meat and cook them gently for 3 to 4 minutes—just enough to turn pink and become fragrant but not overcook. Remove the seafood and set aside to add back later. This method prevents rubbery seafood and keeps everything tender.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in the minced shallot, chopped carrots, celery, thyme sprigs, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies start to soften and the shallots are translucent. Then stir in the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes—trust me, don’t rush this step because the flavor buildup here is crucial to a deeply savory filling.
Step 3: Create the Thickened Sauce
Next, add the tomato paste and flour to the pot and stir them well to form a paste coating the veggies. This is your thickening agent. Slowly add the peas, corn, seafood stock, and chicken stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring this all to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes so it thickens beautifully and the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Crust While Filling Simmers
While the filling simmers, follow the instructions on the cheddar bay biscuit box to prepare the dough. I like to mix in an extra ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese for more cheesiness. Also melt some butter to brush on the biscuit tops after baking—it’s such a game changer, making the crust golden and irresistibly fragrant.
Step 5: Finish the Filling and Assemble
Stir the heavy cream and the cooked seafood along with the crab meat back into the pot, in the simmering filling. Divide the filling evenly into four ½-quart ramekins or cocottes, filling them about three-quarters full. Then top each with a thin layer (about ¼ to ⅓ cup) of biscuit dough. Wet your hands or press the dough between parchment to evenly cover the filling without leaving gaps.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Serve
Bake the pies at 375°F for 15 to 17 minutes until the biscuit crust is golden brown on top. Once out of the oven, brush with the melted biscuit butter right away for that glossy, buttery finish. Serve warm and enjoy the oohs and aahs—you’re about to wow your friends and family!
Pro Tips for Making Seafood Pot Pie with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Crust Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Adding the seafood back at the end and cooking it gently first keeps it tender and prevents rubbery bites.
- Use Wet Hands for Shaping Biscuit Crust: This stops the biscuit dough from sticking and helps you spread it evenly over the filling.
- Simmer to Perfect Thickness: Giving the filling a full 15 minutes to thicken ensures a creamy but sturdy base that won’t be runny.
- Brush Biscuit Butter Right Away: Brushing the biscuit butter as soon as the pot pies come out of the oven sears in moisture and adds glossy, rich flavor.
How to Serve Seafood Pot Pie with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Crust Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and that fresh herbal note that brightens the richness of the pie. A small drizzle of lemon juice on each serving can also elevate the seafood flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pot pie pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. I also sometimes serve it alongside steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a nice bit of crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I’ve baked this pot pie in individual mini cast iron skillets—totally adorable and keeps the crust crispy on the edges. Another fun trick is layering a little extra cheese on top of the biscuit crust before baking for a bubbly golden finish that’s perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the biscuit crust, I recommend separating the crust from the filling if you can, or gently reheating so the crust doesn’t get soggy. Reheating in an oven or toaster oven helps retain that crisp texture better than a microwave.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the filling on its own, then thawed and baked with freshly prepared biscuit crust for best results. The biscuit dough doesn’t freeze well once baked, so freezing separately or making fresh biscuits when reheating keeps the texture spot on.
Reheating
I like to reheat leftovers covered loosely in foil at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through, then remove foil the last 5 minutes to crisp up the biscuit crust. This method keeps everything creamy inside and flaky and golden on top.
FAQs
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Can I make the seafood pot pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready, add fresh biscuit topping and bake. This helps the flavors develop even more.
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What can I substitute if I can’t find cheddar bay biscuit mix?
If you can’t find cheddar bay biscuit mix, you can use your favorite biscuit recipe and mix in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and parsley to mimic that signature flavor.
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Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and cream substitutes and find a dairy-free biscuit dough option or make your own. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
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Can I use canned seafood instead of fresh?
While fresh seafood creates the best taste and texture, you can use canned seafood like crab or shrimp, but avoid overcooking and add them at the end to keep them tender.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Seafood Pot Pie with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Crust Recipe strikes the perfect balance between a comforting classic and a seafood celebration. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, creamy, and packed with fresh ocean flavors topped by that addictive cheesy biscuit crust. I hope you’ll give it a try soon, whether for your family dinner or a special occasion, and enjoy every comforting bite as much as I do.
PrintSeafood Pot Pie with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Crust Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Seafood Pot Pie with Cheddar Bay Crust is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp, lobster, and crab in a creamy seafood filling topped with a golden, cheesy biscuit crust reminiscent of Red Lobster’s famous cheddar bay biscuits. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this pot pie melds tender seafood, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce baked under a buttery, cheddar-infused crust for a satisfying and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Seafood Filling
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 lb small shrimp
- 6–8 oz lobster meat (approx. 3 4-oz lobster tails)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 large celery stick, chopped
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 sprigs of thyme
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup corn
- 3 cups seafood stock
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 6 oz crab meat
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
- 1 box Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Cook the Seafood: In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp and lobster meat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove the seafood from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: To the same pot, add the minced shallot, chopped carrots, celery, fresh thyme sprigs, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Create the Roux: Add the tomato paste and flour to the pot with the vegetables, stirring constantly to form a paste. This will help thicken the pot pie filling.
- Add Vegetables and Stock: Toss in the peas and corn, then pour in the seafood stock and chicken stock. Mix thoroughly and bring to a simmer. Let the mixture simmer gently for 15 minutes to develop flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Prepare Biscuits and Preheat Oven: While the filling simmers, prepare the cheddar bay biscuits and biscuit butter according to the package instructions. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Finish the Filling: Remove the thyme sprigs from the filling. Stir in the heavy cream, cooked shrimp, lobster, and crab meat, ensuring the seafood is evenly dispersed and coated in the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Pot Pies: Divide the filling evenly into four ½-quart ramekins or cocottes, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Add Biscuit Topping: Top each ramekin with a thin layer (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup) of cheddar bay biscuit dough. Use wet hands to spread the dough evenly over the filling or press it between two pieces of parchment paper to form a flat layer.
- Bake: Place the ramekins on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the biscuit tops are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove from oven, brush the biscuit tops generously with the prepared biscuit butter, and serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute the seafood stock with additional chicken stock if unavailable, but seafood stock enhances the flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the seafood initially, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Using wet hands to spread the biscuit dough prevents sticking and helps create an even topping.
- Feel free to add a pinch of fresh herbs like parsley to the biscuit topping for extra flavor.
- This dish can be prepared ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking; increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 ramekin)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg