Description
Imagine the comforting warmth of a classic pot pie, elevated to new heights with the irresistible allure of seafood and the savory, buttery goodness of Cheddar Bay Biscuits. This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Succulent pieces of shrimp, crab, and scallops swim in a creamy, flavorful broth, studded with tender vegetables and crowned with golden-brown, cheesy biscuits that melt in your mouth. It’s the perfect dish to warm you on a chilly evening, impress guests at a dinner party, or simply treat yourself to a truly unforgettable culinary creation. This recipe marries the ease of pre-made biscuit mix with the sophistication of fresh seafood, creating a dish that’s both approachable for the home cook and impressive in its presentation and flavor profile. It’s comfort food redefined.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll fall head over heels for this Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie for so many reasons! First, it’s unbelievably delicious. The creamy, rich seafood filling is a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. The Cheddar Bay Biscuits add a layer of savory, cheesy perfection that complements the seafood exquisitely. Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Using a Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix saves you time and effort without sacrificing flavor. The recipe is straightforward and forgiving, making it perfect for both experienced cooks and beginners. Third, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the seafood blend to your liking, swap out vegetables, or adjust the spices to suit your palate. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser! This pot pie is guaranteed to impress your family and friends with its unique twist on a classic dish. It’s the kind of meal that everyone will rave about and ask for again and again. Beyond the practical reasons, this pot pie brings a sense of joy and comfort to the table. It’s a dish that evokes memories of cozy evenings, shared laughter, and the simple pleasure of good food. It’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied, warm, and deeply content.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, and scallops), fresh or frozen (thawed)
- 1/4 cup (2 ounces) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock as a substitute)
- 1 cup half-and-half cream (or whole milk)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or a mixed vegetable blend)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your preference)
- 1 package of Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (such as Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix)
- 1/3 cup (2.6 ounces) cold butter, cut into small cubes
- 2/3 cup water (or as directed on the biscuit mix package)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
If using frozen seafood, ensure it is completely thawed. Pat the seafood dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure it sears properly and doesn’t water down the sauce. Cut the seafood into bite-sized pieces if necessary. Smaller shrimp and scallops can be left whole, but larger ones should be halved or quartered. Crab meat should be picked over to remove any shell fragments.
Step 2: Make the Seafood Filling Base
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large, oven-safe skillet (or a Dutch oven) or a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup (2 ounces) of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Be careful not to burn the flour. It should be a pale golden color.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of seafood stock (or chicken stock) into the roux. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once the stock is incorporated, slowly whisk in 1 cup of half-and-half cream (or whole milk). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Add 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots (or your preferred mixed vegetables) to the simmering sauce. Stir in 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, 1/2 tsp of salt (or to taste), and 1/4 tsp of freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 5: Incorporate the Seafood and Cheese
Add the prepared seafood (1 lb mixed shrimp, crab, and scallops) to the sauce. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the seafood is heated through and cooked. Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it will become rubbery. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup). This will help to create a richer, creamier sauce. Transfer the filling to a 9-inch pie dish.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuits
In a medium bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix and 1/3 cup (2.6 ounces) of cold butter, cut into small cubes. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in 2/3 cup of water (or the amount specified on the biscuit mix package) until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake the Pot Pie
Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly over the seafood mixture in the pie dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) over the biscuits. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pot pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp of fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.
COOKING Rating:
Medium
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm, directly from the oven.
- Pair with a simple side salad for a light and refreshing complement.
- A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would pair well with the seafood.
- For a heartier meal, serve with a crusty loaf of bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the seafood! Overcooked seafood becomes tough and rubbery. Cook just until it turns opaque and firm.
- Use high-quality seafood stock for the best flavor.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking. Mushrooms, celery, or potatoes would all be delicious additions.
- If you don’t have Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, you can use regular biscuit mix and add shredded cheddar cheese and garlic powder to taste.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the sauce while it’s simmering.
- To prevent the biscuit topping from browning too quickly, tent the pot pie with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- If using frozen seafood, thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. This will prevent the pot pie from becoming watery.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate per serving, varies depending on ingredients used)
Calories: 550-700 Protein: 30-40g Sodium: 800-1200mg
Conclusion
This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is a true culinary masterpiece. It’s a dish that combines the comfort of a classic pot pie with the elegance of seafood and the savory goodness of Cheddar Bay Biscuits. It’s easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this pot pie is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more. The combination of creamy seafood, tender vegetables, and golden-brown biscuits is simply irresistible. This recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Q: Can I use frozen seafood instead of fresh?
- A: Absolutely! Frozen seafood works perfectly well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will prevent the pot pie from becoming watery. Using a good quality frozen seafood mix is often more economical and just as delicious.
- Q: I don’t have Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix. Can I use regular biscuit mix?
- A: Yes, you can definitely use regular biscuit mix as a substitute. To achieve a similar flavor profile to Cheddar Bay Biscuits, simply add shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup) and garlic powder (1 teaspoon) to the biscuit mix before adding the liquid. You can also add a pinch of dried parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Q: Can I make this pot pie ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can prepare the seafood filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake the pot pie, simply add the biscuit topping and bake as directed. You can also assemble the entire pot pie (including the biscuit topping) and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 8 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure the biscuits are fully cooked. Keep an eye on the browning of the biscuits; tent with foil if necessary.
- Q: I’m allergic to shellfish. Can I substitute the seafood with something else?
- A: Of course! You can easily adapt this recipe to accommodate allergies or preferences. Consider using chicken, turkey, or even mushrooms as a substitute for the seafood. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the substitute is cooked through. You might also consider adding other vegetables like leeks or asparagus to complement the flavors.
- Q: Can I add other seasonings or spices to the seafood filling?
- A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor of the seafood filling to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat, while a dash of Old Bay seasoning can enhance the seafood flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill would also be delicious additions. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment to find your perfect flavor combination. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go.
