There’s an unmistakable comfort that envelops you when the oven starts to fill your kitchen with the tantalizing scent of a Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie. As the rich seafood filling simmers away, transforming shrimp and lobster into a velvety masterpiece, I can’t help but feel excitement for the warm, flaky cheddar biscuits that will crown this dish. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience—a delightful blend of coastal flavors that feels like a hug on a chilly evening.
Whether you’re searching for a cozy dinner to enjoy at home or aiming to impress friends at a gathering, this pot pie serves as the perfect solution. It strikes the ideal balance between indulgence and comfort, inviting everyone to savor the deliciousness of buttery biscuits cascading over a creamy, seafood-laden treasure. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this culinary adventure that will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
Why is Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie a must-try?
Indulgence awaits! This recipe brings together the luxurious flavors of shrimp and lobster in a creamy filling that warms your soul. Easy to prepare, even beginner cooks can impress friends and family with this showstopper. Comforting and filling, the golden cheddar biscuits atop the seafood layers create a delightful texture contrast. Versatile and forgiving, you can customize it with your favorite seafood or add veggies for an extra boost. Perfect for meal prep, assemble it ahead of time and simply bake when you’re ready—no fuss dinner awaits!
Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to craft this delightful dish!
For the Filling
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Garlic Cloves – Provides an aromatic base; you can use garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) if needed.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling; shallots work as a great alternative.
- Celery – Contributes crunch and flavor; replace with diced bell pepper for a different taste.
- All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the seafood sauce; use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Seafood Stock or Chicken Stock – Forms the base of the filling; vegetable broth is a good vegetarian substitute.
- Heavy Cream – Adds creaminess; substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Old Bay Seasoning – Classic seafood seasoning for flavor; mix paprika and thyme if unavailable.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance flavor; adjust according to taste.
- Shrimp – Main protein that adds texture; fresh uncooked shrimp are best, or substitute with crab.
- Cooked Lobster Meat – Adds luxury and sweetness; replace with crab or adjust with more shrimp if needed.
- Fresh Parsley – Enhances flavor and freshness; chives can be used instead for variation.
For the Biscuit Topping
- All-Purpose Flour – Main structure of biscuits; gluten-free flour blend works well too.
- Baking Powder – Helps biscuits rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Garlic Powder – Adds flavor; substitute with fresh garlic for a bolder taste.
- Salt – Essential for seasoning the biscuit dough; adjust to your preference.
- Cold Butter (grated) – Creates flakiness in biscuits; coconut oil is a good dairy-free alternative.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Adds flavor and richness; use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free option.
- Whole Milk – Moistens biscuits; plant-based milk can be used for a non-dairy version.
- Chopped Fresh Chives or Parsley – Optional herbs to add flavor to biscuits.
Elevate your dinner with this Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie—a comforting dish that brings the taste of the coast straight to your table!
How to Make Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the pot pie gets that perfect golden crust as it bakes.
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Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced celery until soft, about 5 minutes, creating a fragrant base for your filling.
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Stir in the flour to make a roux. Cook this mixture for 1 minute until it’s lightly golden, which helps thicken your savory filling.
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Whisk in the seafood or chicken stock and heavy cream gradually until the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes. You’ll want a creamy consistency to envelop the seafood beautifully.
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Season with Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and gently stir in the lobster and parsley for that fresh burst of flavor.
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Prepare the biscuit topping by whisking together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
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Cut in grated cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures your biscuits are flaky and delicious! Stir in cheddar cheese and any optional herbs for extra flavor.
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Add milk, mixing until just combined; the dough will be sticky and that’s exactly how it should be for fluffy biscuits.
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Spoon the seafood mixture into ramekins or a baking dish of your choice. Then, drop the biscuit dough on top, spreading it gently to create an inviting layer of biscuits.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until the biscuits are golden and cooked through, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering scents.
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Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving; this helps everything settle, making each bite perfect.
Optional: Serve with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie Variations
Feel free to get creative with this comforting recipe and tailor it to your taste!
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Crab Swap: Replace lobster with an equal amount of crab for a different seafood flair. Enjoy the sweet, rich taste of crab that complements the creamy filling!
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Vegetable Boost: Toss in peas, carrots, or your favorite veggies for added nutrition. These colorful additions create a vibrant filling while keeping it hearty.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the filling and biscuit topping. This swap doesn’t compromise on taste but accommodates gluten sensitivities.
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Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the seafood filling. This little tweak transforms the flavor profile wonderfully!
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Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese in the biscuit dough. Enjoy indulgence without the dairy!
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Herb Infusion: Enhance the herbal notes by mixing in fresh tarragon or dill. These herbs bring a fresh, coastal aroma that will elevate your dish.
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Biscuits with a Twist: Incorporate finely shredded zucchini into the biscuit dough for an extra moisture boost and a unique texture. It’s a wonderful way to sneak in veggies!
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Enhanced Stock: Use homemade seafood stock instead of chicken stock for a richer, deeper flavor experience. The freshness of your homemade stock will shine through in every bite!
Make Ahead Options
These Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pies are perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to prepare a comforting meal in advance. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking; simply refrigerate the unbaked pot pie covered with plastic wrap. The creamy filling holds its texture, and the biscuit topping remains fluffy when baked fresh. When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven and bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. This approach not only saves time but ensures you enjoy the same delicious seafood flavors and flaky biscuits as if they were made from scratch on the spot!
How to Store and Freeze Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie
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Room Temperature: Allow the pot pie to cool completely before storing, but do not leave it out for more than two hours to prevent spoilage.
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the pot pie moist and flavorful.
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Freezer: The pot pie freezes well—either before baking or after. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn; use within 2-3 months for best quality.
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Reheating: Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes or until heated through. If baked before freezing, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until warm.
Expert Tips for Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie
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Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh shrimp and lobster yield the best flavor and texture. Frozen options are convenient, but be sure to thaw and pat dry to prevent excess moisture.
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Perfect Baking Dish: Use a 9-inch pie dish or an 8×8-inch baking dish, increasing the baking time by 5-10 minutes if using a different size.
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Biscuit Consistency: The biscuit dough should be sticky, not dry. If it feels too crumbly, add a splash more milk to achieve the right texture.
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Make-Ahead Magic: This Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie can be assembled a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and bake when you’re ready!
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Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add diced veggies like peas or carrots to make the dish even heartier and vibrant.
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Freezing Tips: This dish freezes beautifully, both before and after baking. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped to maintain freshness.
What to Serve with Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie?
A cozy pot pie like this deserves delightful companions to elevate your dining experience.
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Light Salad: Crisp greens with a lemon vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pot pie. Toss in cherry tomatoes and cucumber for an extra crunch!
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Steamed Asparagus: Perfectly tender asparagus drizzled with a little olive oil enhances the dish’s elegance without overpowering its flavors. A sprinkle of sea salt brings it all together!
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Garlic Butter Breadsticks: Fluffy breadsticks accompanied by garlic butter make for a delightful side, perfect for dunking in the savory seafood filling. Each bite offers a comforting, buttery flavor.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers adds color and balance. The caramelized edges create a lovely flavor pairing with the pot pie.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay complements the seafood beautifully, providing a refreshing touch that enhances each bite. Its crisp notes harmonize perfectly with the richness of the dish.
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Apple Crisp: For a sweet finish, a warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a comforting dessert that contrasts the savory flavors of the pot pie, leaving you with a satisfying meal experience.
Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for the pot pie?
Absolutely! Fresh, uncooked shrimp are ideal for this recipe as they provide the best texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, remember to thaw thoroughly and pat them dry to eliminate excess moisture, which can affect the creaminess of the pot pie filling.
How should I store leftovers from the pot pie?
After enjoying your delectable pot pie, allow it to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. This keeps the dish fresh and flavorful, ready for magical leftovers!
Can I freeze the Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie? How?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! For freezing, you have two options:
- Before Baking: Assemble the pot pie, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Use within 2-3 months for the best quality.
- After Baking: Cool the pot pie completely and wrap it tightly in the same manner. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45-60 minutes or until heated through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the recipe?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can absolutely substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. While it might not be as rich, it will still provide a creamy texture. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, use a thick plant-based cream or full-fat coconut milk, both delivering satisfying results.
Can I customize the filling with other seafood or vegetables?
The more, the merrier! Feel free to replace lobster with an equal amount of crab for a different flavor experience, or increase the quantity of shrimp for a more robust seafood presence. Additionally, adding veggies like peas or carrots not only enhances the flavor but also boosts nutritional value.
What should I do if the biscuit topping is too crumbly?
If your biscuit dough seems crumbly, don’t worry! Just add a splash more milk gradually, mixing until you reach the desired sticky consistency. Remember, a little stickiness is key for those fluffy biscuits that will crown your Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie perfectly!
Savory Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced celery until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour to make a roux. Cook this mixture for 1 minute until it's lightly golden.
- Whisk in the seafood stock and heavy cream gradually until the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
- Season with Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in the lobster and parsley.
- Prepare the biscuit topping by whisking together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Cut in grated cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cheddar cheese and any optional herbs.
- Add milk, mixing until just combined.
- Spoon the seafood mixture into ramekins or a baking dish. Drop the biscuit dough on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the biscuits are golden.
- Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.