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
Units
Scale
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