Creamy Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie: Your New Favorite Comfort Food
When the weather turns chilly, or a long week leaves me craving pure comfort, my mind always drifts to the warming embrace of a good pot pie. I remember one particularly rainy Sunday afternoon, the kind where the grey skies just begged for something hearty and homemade. I wanted something special, a step above the usual chicken pot pie, and that’s when the idea for this incredible Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie was born. It was an instant hit with my family, the kind of easy dinner that brings smiles and cozy conversation.
We devoured it, each spoonful a delicious blend of tender seafood and a rich, creamy sauce, all crowned with those iconic, garlicky, cheesy biscuits. It quickly became one of our most requested comfort food recipes, perfect for transforming an ordinary evening into something truly memorable. This dish truly delivers on flavor and coziness, making it ideal for a weeknight meal or a special family gathering.
This recipe is not just tested and true; it’s a labor of love that’s been perfected over many happy meals. It brings all the beloved flavors of a seafood restaurant classic right into your home, but with that special homemade touch. Get ready to experience pure culinary bliss with every bite of this irresistible pot pie!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unforgettable Flavor Combination: Imagine tender, succulent seafood bathed in a rich, velvety cream sauce, perfectly seasoned with herbs and a hint of garlic. Then, picture that incredible filling topped with golden, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth Cheddar Bay Biscuits. It’s a symphony of savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something undeniably soul-satisfying about a warm pot pie, and this seafood version takes comfort to a whole new level. It’s hearty, warming, and evokes feelings of coziness and home-cooked goodness, making it perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a culinary hug.
- Surprisingly Easy to Make: Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you! This recipe uses readily available ingredients, including a convenient frozen seafood mix and a boxed biscuit mix. The steps are straightforward, making it an achievable and rewarding dish even for novice cooks. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such an impressive meal.
- Customizable to Your Liking: While our suggested seafood blend is delicious, this recipe is incredibly flexible. Feel free to swap in your favorite types of seafood like shrimp, scallops, cod, or even some lump crab meat. You can also add extra vegetables like corn, spinach, or mushrooms to personalize it further.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, hosting a casual get-together with friends, or simply treating yourself to something special, this seafood pot pie fits the bill. It looks impressive but requires minimal fuss, leaving you more time to enjoy your company (or your couch!).
- A Delicious Twist on a Classic: We all love a good chicken pot pie, but this seafood rendition offers a refreshing and equally satisfying alternative. The buttery, garlicky Cheddar Bay Biscuits replace the traditional pastry crust, adding an irresistible layer of flavor and texture that makes this dish truly stand out.
- Meal Prep Friendly: You can prepare the seafood filling in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and then simply assemble and bake with fresh biscuits when you’re ready to serve. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze and ensures a hot, homemade meal is never far away.
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples and some fresh seafood to bring this comforting dish to life! The beauty of this recipe lies in its approachable ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements and a complete list of everything you’ll need to create this fantastic Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie.
Expert Tips for Pot Pie Perfection
- Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Seafood cooks quickly, especially delicate shrimp and scallops. Add your seafood to the simmering sauce towards the end of the filling’s cooking time, just allowing it to become opaque and cooked through. Overcooked seafood can become rubbery, so keep a close eye on it!
- Build a Flavorful Roux: The roux (butter and flour paste) is the foundation of your creamy sauce. Cook it gently for 1-2 minutes after adding the flour to the melted butter and aromatics. This cooks out the raw flour taste and ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Whisk in Liquids Gradually: When adding the broth and milk to your roux, pour them in slowly, whisking constantly. This gradual addition helps to create a silky, smooth sauce without any lumps, giving your pot pie a luxurious texture.
- Season Generously and Taste as You Go: A well-seasoned sauce makes all the difference. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper, and consider adding a pinch of Old Bay seasoning for an extra layer of seafood flavor. Always taste your filling before adding the biscuits and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Use a Good Quality Seafood Mix: While frozen seafood mix is convenient, opt for one with individually quick-frozen (IQF) pieces and good quality seafood. Thaw it properly in the refrigerator before using, or under cold running water for a quicker thaw, then pat dry.
- Give Your Biscuits Room: When placing the biscuit dough on top of the filling, leave a little space between each biscuit. They will expand as they bake, creating beautiful, fluffy tops that cover the entire pot pie. Don’t crowd them!
- Pre-bake for Extra Crispness (Optional): If you prefer an extra crispy biscuit bottom, you can lightly pre-bake your biscuits on a separate baking sheet for 5-7 minutes before transferring them to the pot pie. This step is completely optional but can add a delightful textural contrast.
- Let it Rest: Once the pot pie comes out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in immediately. Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes allows the sauce to set slightly, preventing it from being too runny and ensuring all those delicious flavors meld together perfectly.
- Don’t Forget the Biscuit Topping: The melted butter and garlic powder mix from the Cheddar Bay Biscuit kit is crucial! Brush it generously over the hot biscuits as soon as they come out of the oven for that authentic, irresistible garlicky flavor and beautiful sheen.
- Consider Your Baking Dish: An oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron pan) is fantastic for this recipe as it allows you to build the filling and bake in the same dish. If using a separate baking dish, ensure it’s deep enough to hold the filling and the rising biscuits.
Variations & Substitutions for Every Palate
One of the best things about this Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is its incredible adaptability. You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit dietary needs or simply to use what you have on hand!
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) when making the roux. For the biscuits, use a gluten-free biscuit mix or make your own GF biscuits from scratch.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter (like a stick vegan butter) and an unsweetened, unflavored dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond or oat milk, for the sauce. You can omit the cheese in the biscuits or use a dairy-free shredded cheddar alternative.
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to load up on extra veggies! Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans) are an easy addition. Fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even blanched broccoli florets would also be delicious and add extra nutrients.
- Seafood Selection: While a mix of shrimp, scallops, and white fish (like cod or haddock) is classic, feel free to customize. Try adding cooked crab meat, mussels, or even chunks of salmon. If using fresh, raw seafood, ensure it’s cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Spice It Up: Want a little kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce. A dash of hot sauce, like Tabasco, can also add a nice subtle warmth.
- Herb Variations: Fresh dill, chives, or a touch of tarragon can add different aromatic notes that pair beautifully with seafood. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
- Biscuit Alternatives: If you don’t have Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, you can use any store-bought refrigerated biscuit dough (just add some shredded cheddar and garlic powder) or even a homemade drop biscuit recipe.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy the deliciousness of this pot pie for days to come!
- Refrigerator: Leftover Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. The biscuits might soften slightly, but the flavor will still be fantastic!
- Freezing the Filling (Recommended): The seafood filling freezes beautifully on its own! Prepare the filling as directed, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop and then topping with freshly baked Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
- Freezing the Baked Pot Pie (Less Recommended): While you can freeze the entire baked pot pie, the biscuits tend to become a bit soggy and lose their texture upon thawing and reheating. If you choose to freeze the whole thing, wrap it very tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Reheat from frozen, covered, at a lower temperature (around 325°F/160°C) for a longer time until warmed through, then uncover for the last 10-15 minutes to crisp up the biscuits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use fresh seafood instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! Fresh seafood will work wonderfully. Just ensure it’s cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh seafood can sometimes cook a bit faster than previously frozen. Aim for opaque, tender pieces.
Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, preparing the filling in advance is a fantastic time-saver! Cook the filling according to the recipe, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, transfer the cold filling to your baking dish, top with freshly prepared biscuits, and bake as directed (you might need a few extra minutes in the oven since the filling starts cold).
Q: My sauce is too thin/too thick. How can I fix it?
A: If your sauce is too thin, you can make a quick slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. Whisk this into your simmering sauce and cook for a few minutes until it thickens. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in a little more milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I use regular refrigerated biscuits instead of Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
A: You certainly can! While the Cheddar Bay Biscuits add a unique flavor profile, regular refrigerated biscuit dough makes a great substitute. Just flatten each biscuit slightly, sprinkle with some shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of garlic powder before placing them on top of the pot pie for a similar cheesy, garlicky effect.
Conclusion
There you have it – a truly magnificent Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie recipe that’s sure to impress and satisfy. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing warmth, comfort, and incredible flavor to your table. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite pot pie. Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later so you can enjoy it again and again! Happy cooking!
Creamy Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie: Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, cod, thawed and patted dry)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (12-oz) box Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (plus water, butter, and cheddar as per box instructions)
Instructions
- Step 1 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2 In a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) or Dutch oven, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sautu00e9 for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Step 3 Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Step 4 Stir in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Step 5 Gradually whisk in the broth, then the milk or half-and-half, until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 6 Add the thawed mixed seafood and frozen peas to the sauce. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the seafood is just cooked through (shrimp turn pink, fish flakes easily). Stir in fresh parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7 Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix according to package directions, typically involving water and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 8 Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly over the hot seafood mixture in the skillet. Ensure some space between each biscuit for expansion.
- Step 9 Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into a biscuit should come out clean.
- Step 10 While the pot pie bakes, prepare the garlic herb butter topping from the biscuit kit (if included) by melting butter and mixing with seasoning packet.
- Step 11 Once out of the oven, immediately brush the tops of the hot biscuits with the prepared garlic herb butter.
- Step 12 Let the pot pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!
