Growing up near the coast, seafood was always a special treat in our family. My grandmother would make her famous seafood pot pie on Sunday evenings, and the entire family would gather around her weathered oak dining table. The steam would rise from the golden crust as she broke it open, releasing the aroma of the sea mixed with buttery goodness. Today, I’m sharing my modern twist on this classic comfort food – the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie.
This recipe combines the beloved flavors of those famous Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits with a rich, creamy seafood filling that will transport you straight to the coastline. It’s the perfect marriage of flaky, cheesy biscuits and tender seafood swimming in a velvety sauce. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is guaranteed to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie
This isn’t just any seafood pot pie – it’s a game-changer for several reasons:
- Two Favorites in One: Combines the internet’s obsession with copycat Cheddar Bay Biscuits and classic seafood pot pie
- Flexible Ingredients: Works with fresh or frozen seafood, making it accessible year-round
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance for an easy weekend dinner
- Impressive Presentation: Looks like you spent hours in the kitchen (but we’ll keep the simplicity our secret)
- Comfort Food Upgrade: Elevates traditional pot pie with gourmet seafood and cheesy biscuit topping
The contrast between the flaky, garlic-cheese biscuit topping and the creamy seafood filling creates a texture and flavor combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie
For the Seafood Filling:
- 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and white fish like cod or haddock), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups seafood stock (can substitute chicken stock)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
For the Biscuit Topping Brush:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Seafood Filling
Prep your seafood: If using frozen seafood, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels. Cut fish into 1-inch chunks, ensure shrimp is peeled and deveined, and halve large scallops.
Create the base: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
Add flavor builders: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Create the sauce: Gradually whisk in the seafood stock, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
Enrich the sauce: Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 2 minutes.
Add seafood and finish: Gently fold in the seafood, peas, herbs, lemon juice, and seasonings. Cook for just 2 minutes – the seafood will finish cooking in the oven. Remove from heat and transfer to a 9×13 baking dish or individual ramekins.
Making the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Cut in butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Form the dough: Pour in cold buttermilk and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix – a slightly shaggy dough is perfect.
Assembling and Baking
Top the filling: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly over the seafood filling, leaving some small gaps for steam to escape.
Prepare the brush: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley.
Bake: Place the pot pie in a preheated 425°F oven for 20-25 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Finish with garlic butter: Remove from oven and immediately brush the biscuits with the garlic butter mixture.
Rest and serve: Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the filling set slightly.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Pro Tips
- Cold ingredients matter: Keep your butter and buttermilk very cold for the flakiest biscuits.
- Don’t overcook seafood: The seafood will continue cooking in the oven, so just barely start it in the skillet.
- Make ahead option: Prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate. Make the biscuit topping fresh before baking.
Delicious Variations
- Lobster luxury: Substitute some of the mixed seafood with chunks of lobster meat for a truly decadent version.
- Corn and bacon addition: Add 1/2 cup of sweet corn kernels and 4 strips of cooked, crumbled bacon to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy kick: Double the cayenne pepper and add a diced jalapeño to the vegetable mix for heat lovers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
Note: Nutritional information is estimated and will vary based on exact ingredients and portions.
Bringing Coastal Comfort to Your Table
There’s something magical about breaking through that golden Cheddar Bay Biscuit crust to reveal the steaming seafood treasure below. This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie brings together the best of comfort food with a touch of coastal elegance. The combination of flaky, cheesy biscuits and tender seafood in creamy sauce creates a dish that’s both nostalgic and exciting.
Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself after a long week, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be surprised if your family starts requesting “that amazing seafood pot pie with the cheesy biscuits” on a regular basis!
So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to create a memorable meal that honors the timeless comfort of pot pie while celebrating the beloved flavors of those famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Your taste buds—and your dinner guests—will thank you.
