Easy Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie Recipe (Ultimate Comfort Food)

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food mashup! Imagine a rich, creamy pie brimming with tender shrimp and succulent crab, all tucked under a golden, cheesy, and garlicky biscuit topping. This Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie takes the best parts of a classic fisherman’s pie and crowns it with a homemade, Red Lobster-style Cheddar Bay biscuit crust. It’s a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing dish that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for any occasion from a cozy family dinner to entertaining guests. Get ready to create a new family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about why this Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings gourmet flair and heartwarming comfort to your table.

The Perfect Fusion: This recipe brilliantly combines two beloved classics—a decadent, creamy seafood casserole and the iconic, garlicky goodness of Cheddar Bay biscuits—for an unforgettable flavor experience. It’s truly a seafood pot pie with biscuit topping that elevates dinner.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, rich, and savory, this Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie is the quintessential comfort food casserole, ideal for a cozy night in, a special family dinner, or celebrating with friends. It’s a dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite.
Customizable & Versatile: Easily swap out the seafood based on what’s fresh, what you love, or what you have on hand. We’ll cover all the best options, ensuring this savory seafood pie can be adapted to your taste.
Easier Than It Looks: Despite its impressive appearance, our step-by-step guide makes this dish accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. You’ll master this impressive easy seafood dinner recipe without a hitch.
Make-Ahead Friendly: We’ll share invaluable tips on how to prep this dish in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining. Imagine a delicious cheesy seafood bake ready to pop in the oven!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting the perfect Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie requires attention to quality ingredients for both the rich filling and the fluffy topping. This recipe is broken down into two main components: the savory seafood filling and the irresistible biscuit topping. Here’s what you’ll need for each, ensuring a truly gourmet experience.

For the Creamy Seafood Filling:

The Seafood: Our go-to is a luxurious combination of tender shrimp and lump crab meat, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. For variety, consider adding scallops, firm white fish like cod or haddock (making it a true fisherman’s pie with cheese), or even succulent lobster for an extra special treat.
The Aromatics: Finely diced yellow onion, crisp celery, vibrant red bell pepper, and plenty of minced garlic form the aromatic foundation of our incredibly flavorful sauce. These create depth and warmth.
The Creamy Sauce Base: Unsalted butter, all-purpose flour (to create a roux), robust chicken or seafood broth, indulgent heavy cream, and a splash of dry white wine (optional, but highly recommended for brightness) combine to create a luxuriously smooth and rich sauce that beautifully coats every piece of seafood.
Herbs & Seasonings: Classic Old Bay seasoning is non-negotiable for that authentic seafood taste. Freshly chopped parsley, along with salt, and freshly ground black pepper, perfectly balance the flavors and add freshness.
Vegetables: A medley of frozen peas and corn adds a welcome pop of color, sweetness, and additional texture, making this a wholesome and satisfying creamy seafood casserole.

For the Signature Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping:

The Dry Ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking powder (for lift), a touch of sugar (to balance flavors and aid browning), and salt are the foundation for a light and fluffy biscuit.
The Fats: Cold, cubed unsalted butter is absolutely crucial. When cut into the flour, it creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in those desirable flaky, tender layers characteristic of the best homemade Cheddar Bay biscuits.
The Flavor Boost: Sharp cheddar cheese, grated fresh for superior melt, along with garlic powder and tangy buttermilk, imbue the topping with its iconic cheesy, garlicky, and slightly savory flavor profile. This is the secret to a perfect garlic cheese biscuit topping.
The Garlic Herb Butter Finish: A simple yet transformative blend of melted butter, a generous amount of garlic powder, and fresh parsley is brushed on top immediately after baking, delivering that authentic, irresistible Red Lobster copycat recipe aroma and taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie

Ready to create a masterpiece? Follow these detailed steps to assemble the perfect, bubbly, and incredibly satisfying Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie. For exact measurements and a printable version, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of the post!

Step 1: Prepare the Savory Seafood Filling

Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and become translucent, but not browned.
Stir in 3-4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables, creating a roux. Cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste.
Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of dry white wine (if using) and then 2 cups of chicken or seafood broth, followed by 1 cup of heavy cream. Whisk continuously to prevent any lumps, ensuring a smooth sauce.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened beautifully to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. This is key for a luscious how to make seafood pie filling.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning, 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 2: Combine the Filling for Baking

Once your creamy sauce is perfectly thickened and seasoned, gently fold in 1 pound of peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped shrimp (if using larger shrimp, cut them into bite-sized pieces), and 8 ounces of lump crab meat. Add 1 cup of frozen peas and 1 cup of frozen corn.
Stir everything together just until combined. Remember, the seafood will finish cooking in the oven, so no need to fully cook it now.
Carefully pour the entire creamy seafood mixture into your prepared baking dish. A 9×13 inch casserole dish or a deep-dish pie plate (like a 10-inch pie plate) works wonderfully for this cheesy seafood bake. Distribute the filling evenly. Set aside while you prepare the irresistible topping.

Step 3: Craft the Signature Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Add 1/2 cup (1 stick) of very cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This step is vital for flaky homemade Cheddar Bay biscuits.
Stir in 1 cup of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Gradually add 3/4 cup of cold buttermilk, mixing gently with a spoon or your hands just until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough biscuits. A few dry spots are okay.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Your Spectacular Pie

Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of the prepared biscuit dough evenly over the top of the hot and bubbly seafood filling in your baking dish. You want to cover most of the filling, allowing some gaps for steam to escape. For a more uniform topping, you could briefly chill the dough, then pat it out into a single sheet and cut it into shapes before placing it on top, but the rustic drop biscuit method is quicker and just as delicious for this seafood pot pie with biscuit topping.
Carefully transfer the baking dish to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C).
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the creamy seafood filling is visibly hot and bubbling vigorously around the edges, and the biscuit topping is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of this spectacular Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie should reach 200-210°F (93-99°C).

Step 5: The Finishing Touch – Garlic Herb Butter

While your Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie is baking, prepare the iconic garlic herb butter. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of unsalted butter.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of fresh, finely chopped parsley.
As soon as the pie emerges from the oven, brush this aromatic garlic herb butter generously over the hot biscuit topping. The warmth of the biscuits will absorb the garlicky goodness, making them incredibly flavorful. This step truly seals the deal for a perfect Red Lobster copycat recipe.
Let the magnificent Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the luscious filling to set up slightly, preventing it from being too runny when you scoop it out.

Pro Tips for Recipe Success

Achieving a truly outstanding Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie is easy with a few expert insights. Keep these professional tips in mind for a consistently perfect dish every time:

Don’t Overcook the Seafood Pre-Bake: Remember, the shrimp and crab are only gently folded into the hot sauce. They will continue to cook and reach perfection during the oven baking time. Adding them at the last minute to the sauce ensures they remain incredibly tender and juicy, preventing that rubbery texture from overcooking.
Embrace Cold Butter: For the flakiest, most tender, and perfectly risen biscuits, always use very cold, cubed butter and cold buttermilk. The tiny pieces of cold butter create pockets of steam as they melt in the hot oven, which pushes the biscuit layers apart, resulting in that wonderfully light and airy texture characteristic of the best homemade Cheddar Bay biscuits.
Achieve the Right Sauce Thickness: Before you even think about adding the seafood, ensure your creamy sauce is thick enough. It should have the consistency of a rich, thick gravy, easily coating the back of a spoon. If the sauce is too thin, your entire pie filling will be runny and less satisfying. A thicker sauce also helps the pie hold its shape when served.
Grate Your Own Cheese: While convenient, pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly and result in a slightly grainy texture. For the absolute best flavor and melt, take an extra minute to grate your own sharp cheddar cheese for both the filling and the garlic cheese biscuit topping.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your filling before adding the seafood and pouring it into the baking dish. Adjust the salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning as needed. Remember, flavors can mellow slightly during baking, so make sure it’s vibrant from the start.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the beauties of this Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie is its incredible adaptability. While our classic shrimp and crab pie is phenomenal, feel free to get creative with your ingredients:

Seafood Swaps: Don’t limit yourself to just shrimp and crab! This recipe is fantastic with other seafood. Consider adding or substituting with tender scallops, plump mussels (steamed open and removed from their shells), or firm white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock. If using fish, cut it into 1-inch chunks so it cooks evenly. A luxurious combination of different fish and shellfish works beautifully, truly making it your own savory seafood pie.
Make it Spicy: For those who love a little heat, introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce (like Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot), or even some finely diced jalapeño to the filling. This adds an exciting kick to your creamy seafood casserole.
Alternative Toppings: While the homemade Cheddar Bay biscuits are the star, you have other delicious options! For a more traditional pot pie, you could use a sheet of store-bought puff pastry, simply draping it over the filling and baking until golden. If you prefer a classic fisherman’s pie with potato topping, replace the biscuits with a fluffy layer of creamy mashed potatoes (perhaps infused with some garlic and cheese for a thematic twist), then bake until the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbly.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this delicious meal accessible for everyone, simply use a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Use it for both thickening the sauce (your roux) and for creating the tender biscuit topping. Ensure all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by adding other quick-cooking vegetables to the filling, such as sliced mushrooms, spinach (wilted down), or finely diced carrots, enhancing this comfort food casserole.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This magnificent Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but a few thoughtful accompaniments can elevate the dining experience further. Plus, knowing how to properly store and reheat ensures every bite is as delicious as the first.

What to Serve with Seafood Pie

Given the richness and completeness of this easy seafood dinner recipe, simple and fresh sides are often the best complement:

Crisp Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy pie.
Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed green beans, roasted asparagus spears, or lightly sautéed broccoli florets provide a healthy and vibrant side that doesn’t overpower the main dish.
Crusty Bread (Optional): While the biscuit topping acts as your bread, a piece of crusty garlic bread can be delightful for soaking up any extra creamy sauce, making it a truly satisfying family dinner idea.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Don’t let any of this delicious baked shrimp and crab recipe go to waste!

Storage: Allow the baked Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie to cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For the best results and to maintain the crispy texture of the biscuit topping, reheat individual portions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through and bubbling. If the topping starts to brown too much, you can loosely tent it with foil. While microwaving will work in a pinch, it tends to make the biscuit topping soft, losing some of its charm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying your own Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie:

Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Frozen shrimp, crab meat, or fish can be used successfully. Ensure it’s completely thawed and patted very dry to prevent a watery filling and preserve rich flavor.

Can I make Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal! You can prepare the creamy seafood filling up to a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. For best texture, prepare biscuit dough just before baking. While you can assemble the entire pie ahead, bake it immediately to prevent soggy biscuits.

What’s the difference between a seafood pie and a fisherman’s pie?

Traditionally, a fisherman’s pie is a specific type of seafood pie that is always topped with a layer of mashed potatoes, much like its meaty cousin, seafood shepherd’s pie. A general savory seafood pie, however, is a broader category and can feature various toppings, such as the delicious garlic cheese biscuit topping in this recipe, or even a puff pastry crust (a common seafood pie with puff pastry variation).

What’s the best fish for fish pie if I want to use white fish?

For a superb fish pie, opt for firm, flaky white fish that holds its shape well when cooked. Cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, or snapper are excellent choices. Avoid delicate or oily fish, and cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.

Can I use a store-bought biscuit mix like Bisquick or the Red Lobster mix?

Yes! To significantly save on prep time, you can certainly use a good quality store-bought biscuit mix or even the official Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix. Prepare according to package directions, incorporating shredded cheddar cheese into the dough before topping the filling. An even easier seafood pie recipe easy!

Conclusion

This Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary triumph bringing gourmet taste and heartwarming comfort to your table. Combining the best of a creamy seafood casserole with the irresistible allure of Red Lobster copycat recipe biscuits, it’s a dish guaranteed to impress. Whether for a weeknight treat or a special gathering, this cheesy seafood bake is a fantastic choice. Give this amazing Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie a try and let us know how much you loved it in the comments below!

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