
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie Recipe: The Ultimate Coastal Comfort Dish
If there’s one dish that perfectly blends Southern comfort food with luxurious coastal flavor, it’s this Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie. Imagine tender shrimp, succulent crab meat, and sweet scallops swimming in a creamy, buttery sauce—then topped with golden, cheesy Cheddar Bay biscuits that bake to perfection. The result is a rich, savory, and utterly irresistible seafood casserole that feels like a hug from the ocean.
This recipe takes the cozy essence of a traditional chicken pot pie and elevates it with decadent seafood and that unmistakable Red Lobster-style Cheddar Bay biscuit topping. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comforting while still elegant enough for a dinner party. One bite of this flaky, cheesy crust over a luscious seafood filling, and you’ll understand why this dish wins hearts every time.
Ingredients and Their Roles
For the Seafood Filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter: The base of the roux; adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables evenly and prevents burning.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Adds aromatic sweetness and balances the richness of the seafood.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Brings subtle crunch and earthiness to the creamy filling.
- 1 cup carrots, diced: Adds color, texture, and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the flavor with a bold, savory aroma.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken broth): The liquid base that infuses every bite with ocean flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a silky, luxurious sauce that coats the seafood beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: The signature seafood spice blend that ties everything together.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and depth.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential to balance the flavors.
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Juicy and tender, the star protein of the dish.
- ½ pound lump crab meat: Adds sweet, delicate flavor and a luxurious texture.
- ½ pound bay scallops (or sea scallops, quartered): Buttery and soft, they melt into the filling.
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed): For a pop of freshness and color.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Adds brightness and a hint of herb flavor.
For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise tall and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Balances acidity and aids browning.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall biscuit flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds that signature Red Lobster-style flavor.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Gives the biscuits a rich, cheesy flavor.
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk: Keeps the dough tender and moist.
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed: Creates flaky layers throughout the biscuits.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter + ½ teaspoon parsley flakes: Brushed on top for that irresistible glossy, garlicky finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Filling
In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in seafood stock and heavy cream, letting the mixture simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes). Season with Old Bay, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add shrimp, crab, and scallops, stirring gently. Cook for 3–4 minutes, just until the seafood is barely opaque—it will finish cooking in the oven. Stir in peas and parsley, then remove from heat. Pour the filling into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cheddar cheese, then add buttermilk and mix until just combined. Do not overmix—this keeps the biscuits tender.
Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly over the seafood filling, leaving small gaps between each dollop for steam to escape.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pot pie for 25–30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Remove from the oven and immediately brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter mixed with parsley flakes for that iconic Cheddar Bay finish.
Why This Recipe Is Loved
This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is loved because it combines comfort and luxury in one pan. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent but approachable, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The buttery biscuit crust perfectly complements the creamy seafood filling, creating a textural masterpiece that satisfies every craving.
The dish is also incredibly customizable—you can use any combination of seafood you prefer, from lobster chunks to flaky white fish. It’s hearty yet refined, nostalgic yet modern.
Pro Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
- Use fresh seafood whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the seafood in the skillet—it should finish cooking in the oven.
- Keep the biscuit ingredients cold for maximum flakiness.
- Let the pie rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to thicken slightly.
- Add a splash of sherry or white wine to the sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie with:
- A crisp garden salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans for a fresh vegetable side.
- A glass of chilled Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon for a light pairing.
- Finish the meal with a simple lemon tart or key lime pie for a refreshing dessert.
Conclusion
This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is more than just dinner—it’s an experience. From the creamy, savory seafood filling to the golden, cheesy biscuit topping, every bite is pure comfort wrapped in luxury. It’s easy enough for a cozy family meal, yet impressive enough for guests.
Whether you’re craving the warmth of homemade comfort food or the taste of the coast, this dish delivers both in spectacular fashion. Simple to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy—this is the ultimate seafood casserole you’ll come back to again and again.
Make it once, and it’ll become your signature comfort classic.