This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is a cozy dish that warms the heart. It’s filled with tasty shrimp and fish, all swimming in a creamy sauce, and topped with buttery, cheesy biscuits!
Every spoonful is like a hug—especially when those biscuits ooze their cheesy goodness. I can’t help but sneak bites of them before they even make it to the top of the pie! 😋
Making this pot pie is such a breeze! I just mix everything up, bake it, and enjoy a fat slice while watching my favorite show. It’s comfort food at its best!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Seafood: This recipe uses shrimp and crab for rich flavor. If you can’t find fresh crab, imitation crab is a great substitute. You can also mix in scallops or mussels for variety.
Old Bay Seasoning: This blend is key to achieving that classic seafood flavor. If you don’t have it, you can mix paprika, celery salt, and black pepper as a substitute.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, half-and-half can replace heavy cream without sacrificing too much creaminess. Coconut cream is also a great dairy-free alternative!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses can also work well if you want to try something different.
How Do I Get the Biscuit Topping Just Right?
The biscuit topping is what makes this pot pie special. For best results, remember these steps:
- Keep your butter cold. Use a grater or cut into small cubes for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix when combining the milk. Just mix until you see no dry flour.
- Drop generous spoonfuls of dough on top. Allow space for them to rise while baking!
- Watch closely while baking. The biscuits should puff up and turn golden brown.
Getting this just right will make your pot pie even more comforting and satisfying! Enjoy it warm with family or friends.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Seafood Filling:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup diced potatoes (optional)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup crab meat (can use imitation crab)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or seafood broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, making a total of around 40 minutes. With all those fresh ingredients, you’re just a short time away from a delightful and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
To start, grab a large skillet and heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, diced celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies soften and become fragrant.
2. Add the Corn and Potatoes:
Next, stir in the frozen corn and diced potatoes (if you’re using them). Cook this mixture for another 5 minutes until everything is nicely combined and the potatoes start to cook through.
3. Cook the Seafood:
Now it’s time to add the shrimp, crab meat, Old Bay seasoning, heavy cream, and chicken or seafood broth. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5-10 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme before removing it from heat!
4. Make the Biscuit Topping:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Once mixed, cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Then mix in the shredded cheddar cheese. Gradually add the milk, stirring until just combined.
5. Assemble the Pot Pie:
Take your seafood filling and divide it among oven-safe ramekins or pour it into a large baking dish. Next, drop spoonfuls of the cheddar bay biscuit dough over the top, covering the filling as best as you can.
6. Bake:
Pop your assembled pot pie into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye out for that beautiful golden brown color on the biscuit topping and the bubbling filling beneath.
7. Serve:
After baking, let the pot pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a lovely garnish, and enjoy your delicious Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie!
Can I Substitute the Shrimp or Crab in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use other seafood such as scallops, white fish, or even a mix of your favorites. If you prefer a meatier option, you can substitute chicken or leave the protein out entirely for a vegetarian version, just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly!
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk, which adds a nice flavor twist. Just keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different, so the filling may not be as rich and creamy as intended.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover seafood pot pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through, or use the microwave for a quick option. Just be careful as the filling can get quite hot!
Can I Make the Biscuit Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the biscuit dough ahead of time! Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using. When ready, assemble the pot pie and bake as directed. This helps save time on busy days!
