Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie

Golden, cheesy biscuits crowning a decadent blend of premium seafood swimming in a velvety herb-infused sauce creates the ultimate comfort food elevation. This ingenious mashup marries the beloved flavors of Red Lobster's famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits with a luxurious seafood pot pie filling for a dish that's simultaneously familiar and extraordinary.

I first created this recipe during a chilly coastal weekend when I craved both comfort food and seafood simultaneously. What better way to satisfy both cravings than with this creative mashup? The moment I pulled these golden-topped pies from the oven, the kitchen filled with an irresistible aroma of buttery biscuits and savory herbs. The contrast between the cheesy, tender biscuit topping and the rich seafood filling below creates pure magic in every bite. My seafood-skeptical nephew took one reluctant taste and immediately asked for his own ramekin—the ultimate seal of approval! Now this has become our traditional "special occasion that's not quite a holiday" family dinner.

Premium Ingredient Selection

• Jumbo Lump Crabmeat: Provides sweet, delicate flavor and substantial chunks throughout the filling
• Wild-Caught Shrimp: Adds firm texture and classic seafood flavor that everyone recognizes and loves
• Langostino Tails: Deliver lobster-like luxury and buttery richness at a more approachable price point
• Bell Peppers and Celery: Create essential flavor foundation and colorful visual appeal
• Heavy Cream: Forms the base of the velvety sauce that ties all the seafood and vegetables together
• Fresh Herbs: Tarragon and thyme add distinctive aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes subtle smokiness that adds depth without overwhelming the seafood
• Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: Provides that iconic cheesy, garlicky flavor that everyone craves
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Enhances the biscuit topping with extra cheese flavor and melty goodness
• Garlic Herb Butter: Creates the signature finishing touch that makes these biscuits irresistible

Creating Comfort Food Magic

Sear The Seafood Perfectly

Begin by quickly sautéing the shrimp and langostino tails in a hot pan with just a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper. This brief cooking develops flavor while ensuring the seafood won't become overcooked in the finished dish. Remove them promptly and set aside to maintain their tender texture.

Build The Aromatic Base

In the same pan, sauté diced onions, colorful bell peppers, and celery until they soften and release their flavors. This classic mirepoix provides the essential foundation that supports the delicate seafood while adding texture and visual appeal to the filling.

Create The Velvety Sauce

Lower the heat and add butter to the vegetables, then sprinkle in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until perfectly smooth. Season with minced garlic, fresh thyme, aromatic tarragon, smoked paprika, and a touch of salt and pepper. This careful building of flavors creates a sauce with remarkable depth.

Combine The Filling Components

Gently fold the seared seafood and lump crabmeat into the sauce, being careful not to break up the delicate pieces. This thoughtful handling preserves the integrity of the premium ingredients while ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Prepare The Signature Topping

Mix the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with cold milk and additional shredded cheddar cheese, stirring just until combined. The light touch prevents overworking the dough, ensuring your biscuit topping will be tender and flaky rather than tough.

Assemble With Care

Ladle the seafood filling into individual ramekins or a larger baking dish, leaving space at the top for the biscuit layer. Spoon or place the biscuit dough on top of the filling, creating a rustic, textured surface that will become beautifully golden during baking.

Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the assembled pot pies in a preheated 425°F oven and bake until the biscuit topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges, about 14-16 minutes. This high-temperature baking ensures the biscuits rise properly while heating the filling throughout.

Finish With The Signature Touch

While still hot from the oven, brush the biscuit tops with melted butter mixed with the garlic herb seasoning packet included in the biscuit mix. This final flourish adds that distinctive Cheddar Bay Biscuit flavor and aroma that makes this dish truly special.

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My family particularly loves when I add a handful of sweet corn kernels to the filling, which adds beautiful color and a touch of sweetness that complements the seafood beautifully. I've discovered that adding a splash of white wine to the sauce creates another dimension of flavor that makes the dish even more special for date nights. On busy weeknights, I sometimes substitute a rotisserie chicken for the seafood, creating a more economical version that still feels special thanks to the Cheddar Bay Biscuit topping.

The recipe evolved from my love of both traditional chicken pot pie and seafood, combined with my slight obsession with those famous Red Lobster biscuits. There's something uniquely satisfying about creating a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated—a combination that elevates everyday dining into something memorable.

Perfect Pairings

This indulgent pot pie creates a delightful dining experience when served alongside thoughtfully chosen accompaniments that balance its richness. Pair with a simple mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to provide refreshing contrast to the creamy filling. For a complete meal, serve with roasted asparagus or green beans that offer a crisp texture and earthy flavor to complement the seafood. A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc makes the perfect beverage pairing, its acidity cutting through the richness while enhancing the seafood flavors. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon provides similar refreshment. Consider starting the meal with a light appetizer like a simple shrimp cocktail or cucumber rounds topped with herbed cream cheese to set the stage without overwhelming appetites before the main course.

Creative Variations

Transform this versatile base recipe by exploring different seafood combinations and flavor profiles that maintain the dish's comforting appeal while introducing exciting new dimensions. Create a Cajun-inspired version by adding Andouille sausage to the seafood mix and incorporating Cajun seasoning into both the filling and biscuit topping. For a Mediterranean twist, include artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes in the filling, swapping the tarragon for basil and oregano. During fall and winter months, try a comforting corn and clam chowder variation by using chopped clams as the seafood and adding corn kernels to the filling. For a budget-friendly version that still feels special, use all shrimp or substitute some of the seafood with chunks of firm white fish. Vegetarians can enjoy a similar experience by replacing the seafood with a mixture of mushrooms, which provide comparable texture and umami flavor.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Maximize entertaining ease while ensuring optimal freshness by strategically planning your preparation. The seafood filling can be prepared up to one day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply warm the filling slightly before topping with freshly prepared biscuit dough and baking as directed. For complete make-ahead convenience, assemble the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When ready to bake, allow the dish to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before placing in the oven, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time. The herb butter can be prepared several days in advance and refrigerated, then melted just before brushing on the freshly baked biscuit tops. For freezer-friendly options, freeze the filling separately from the biscuit mix, then assemble and bake from fresh components for the best texture and flavor.

I'll never forget serving this at an impromptu dinner party after a day at the beach. As my friends took their first bites, the table fell silent before erupting into appreciative murmurs and requests for the recipe. There's something magical about combining nostalgic flavors in unexpected ways—it creates an experience that's simultaneously comforting and exciting. This dish has become my reliable crowd-pleaser, the one I turn to when I want to create a special meal without spending the entire day in the kitchen. The way it transforms everyday ingredients into something that feels truly luxurious reminds me why I love cooking in the first place—the ability to create moments of joy around the table through delicious food.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of seafood?

Absolutely! You can substitute any of the seafood with what you have available. Use all shrimp, add scallops, or use imitation crab if budget is a concern.

→ What if I can't find the Red Lobster biscuit mix?

You can make a homemade cheddar biscuit topping with 2 cups biscuit mix, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, 2/3 cup milk, and garlic powder. Brush with melted butter mixed with parsley when done.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. Make the biscuit topping fresh just before baking. Add 5 minutes to the baking time if the filling is cold from the refrigerator.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes until heated through. The microwave works too, but the biscuit topping won't be as crisp.

→ Can I make this in one large dish instead of ramekins?

Yes, use a 2-quart baking dish instead of individual ramekins. The baking time remains approximately the same - look for a golden brown biscuit topping.

→ Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour for the gravy and a gluten-free biscuit mix for the topping. Be sure to check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free.