Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie

Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is a hearty, indulgent dish that blends creamy seafood filling with the buttery, garlicky goodness of cheddar bay biscuits baked right on top. This comforting twist on a classic pot pie brings together shrimp, crab, or other seafood favorites in a rich, savory sauce, all under a golden, cheesy biscuit topping that’s impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pot pie is the perfect fusion of two comfort food icons: seafood chowder and cheddar bay biscuits. It’s rich, flavorful, and loaded with satisfying textures—from tender shrimp to flaky crab to the crunchy biscuit topping. The cheddar bay biscuits add just the right amount of cheese and garlic to enhance the creamy seafood filling. Whether for a special weekend dinner or a cozy holiday meal, this dish delivers serious flavor with minimal fuss.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the seafood filling:

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Crab meat or imitation crab
• Scallops or white fish (optional)
• Butter
• Onion, finely chopped
• Celery, diced
• Carrots, diced
• Garlic, minced
• All-purpose flour
• Seafood stock or chicken broth
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh thyme or parsley
• Frozen peas or corn (optional)

For the cheddar bay biscuit topping:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Garlic powder
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Buttermilk or milk
• Chopped parsley (optional)
• Melted butter (for brushing the tops)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and carrots until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add seafood stock, stirring constantly, until smooth.
4. Add cream, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer until thickened.
5. Fold in seafood and any optional vegetables. Cook for 2–3 minutes until just starting to cook through. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
6. In a bowl, whisk together biscuit dry ingredients. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add cheddar cheese and stir in buttermilk to form a dough.
7. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the filling. Brush tops with melted butter.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves 6
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling or biscuit dough.
• Lobster Version: Use lobster meat for a deluxe upgrade.
• Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, spinach, or leeks for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blends in both the filling and biscuit topping.
• Cheddar Jalapeño Biscuits: Stir in diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and biscuits are re-crisped, about 15–20 minutes.
Microwaving is fine for convenience but may soften the biscuit topping.
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy filling and biscuit texture changes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before adding to the filling to avoid excess moisture.

What seafood works best?

A mix of shrimp, crab, scallops, or white fish like cod works beautifully. Use what’s fresh or available.

Can I use store-bought biscuit mix?

Yes, but making homemade cheddar bay biscuits elevates the flavor and texture.

What is Old Bay seasoning?

It’s a classic blend of spices used for seafood dishes. If unavailable, substitute with a mix of celery salt, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the filling and biscuit dough separately, refrigerate, then assemble and bake just before serving.

How do I prevent soggy biscuits?

Make sure the filling is thick before baking, and don’t cover the pot pie—let the biscuits bake uncovered for a crispy top.

Can I make this in individual portions?

Yes, divide into ramekins or small baking dishes and top each with biscuit dough. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Is it okay to use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but cream adds richness. Whole milk is a better substitute than skim for texture.

Can I add cheese to the filling?

Absolutely! A handful of shredded cheese stirred into the sauce can add extra richness.

What sides go well with this dish?

A green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus pair nicely to balance the richness.

Conclusion

Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is a decadent, savory dish that combines the elegance of seafood with the comfort of golden, cheesy biscuits. It’s packed with flavor, textures, and creamy goodness, making it a standout for family dinners or special occasions. Easy to make and even easier to love, this pot pie will have everyone going back for seconds.

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