Perfect! 🦀🧀 This one’s a cozy, restaurant-style comfort dish — rich, creamy, and full of cheesy seafood goodness. Here’s the detailed recipe for your Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie, made with tender shrimp, crab meat, and that classic Red Lobster-inspired cheddar bay biscuit flavor on top.
🦐 Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie
Overview
If you love seafood and cheesy comfort food, this Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie will be your new favorite indulgence. Imagine juicy shrimp and sweet crab meat swimming in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with a golden, cheesy biscuit crust. The flavors are buttery, garlicky, and deeply satisfying — the ultimate coastal comfort dish for dinner nights, special occasions, or holiday gatherings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Seafood Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb (225g) lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained if necessary)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup diced celery (optional for crunch and aroma)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup seafood stock or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice substitute)
For the Garlic Butter Glaze (optional but highly recommended):
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley or chives
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until just pink and slightly curled. Remove and set aside. (They’ll finish cooking in the oven.)
- Carefully fold in the crab meat and keep aside — avoid stirring too much to preserve the delicate lumps.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Seafood Filling
- In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter.
- Add minced garlic, onions, and celery (if using). Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a light roux.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream and seafood stock, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Stir in Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, parsley, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fold the shrimp and crab meat back into the sauce. Remove from heat and let cool slightly while you prepare the biscuit topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Gradually pour in the buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix — the dough should be slightly sticky and rustic.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a deep pie dish or casserole (around 9-inch).
- Pour the creamy seafood filling into the dish and spread evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough on top of the seafood mixture — it doesn’t need to cover completely, as it will spread slightly while baking.
- Sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top if you like a cheesier crust.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley.
- Brush this garlic butter over the hot biscuit topping right out of the oven — it gives that signature Cheddar Bay flavor and shine.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the pie cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.
Scoop into bowls and serve warm — every bite delivers creamy seafood goodness with cheesy, garlicky biscuit perfection.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
- A squeeze of lemon over the pie brightens the rich flavors.
- It pairs wonderfully with a chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm — the crust will crisp up again.
- Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may make the biscuit layer soggy.
Conclusion
The Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie is a show-stopping comfort dish — creamy shrimp and crab filling beneath a buttery, cheesy biscuit crust that melts in your mouth. Each spoonful combines ocean-fresh flavor, rich sauce, and that irresistible cheddar-garlic aroma. Whether it’s a cozy weekend meal or a special occasion, this seafood pie delivers pure, indulgent satisfaction. 🧀🦐
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