Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie Recipe

If you adore the cozy comfort of cheesy seafood casseroles but want to elevate the experience with a golden, buttery biscuit topping, then the Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie is about to become your new favorite go-to dish. Combining succulent shrimp and sweet lump crab meat enveloped in a rich, velvety cheddar-infused sauce, all crowned with those irresistibly fluffy Cheddar Bay Biscuit tops, this pie offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will make every bite a pure delight. It’s a fantastic way to bring a touch of seaside charm right into your kitchen while enjoying a hearty, soul-warming meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish relies on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play an important role. From the sweetness of fresh seafood to the aromatic vegetables and the indulgent cheddar cheese, every part contributes to a harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes the Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie so memorable.

• Shrimp (450 g): Peeled and deveined for quick cooking and tender bites.
• Lump crab meat (225 g): Adds delicate sweetness and a flaky texture.
• Celery (120 g): Chopped finely to bring freshness and crunch.
• Onion (120 g): Diced to add a subtle sweetness and aroma as it softens.
• Red bell pepper (120 g): Diced for a pop of color and mild sweetness.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Minced to provide a savory depth.
• Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon): Chopped to brighten flavors and garnish.
• Unsalted butter (60 g): Used for sautéing vegetables and richness in the roux.
• All-purpose flour (24 g): The base of the roux, thickening the sauce perfectly.
• Heavy cream (360 ml): Creates a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every ingredient.
• Seafood stock or chicken broth (120 ml): Adds layers of flavor and moisture.
• Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon): Provides that classic seafood spice kick.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste, balancing seasoning.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (120 g): Melts into the sauce for tangy richness.
• Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (1 pack): The signature biscuit topping; can be homemade for extra love.
• Whole milk (80 ml): For mixing into the biscuit batter for softness.
• Melted butter (28 g): For brushing the biscuit tops, adding a golden sheen and buttery flavor.

How to Make Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Base

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped celery, onion, and red bell pepper, sautéing until the vegetables soften and their aromas fill your kitchen, about 5 to 7 minutes. This veggie trio forms a fragrant, flavorful foundation for the pie’s creamy sauce.

Step 2: Develop the Roux

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for a minute until fragrant. Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the veggies and whisk continuously for a couple of minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This step is crucial as it creates the roux that will thicken your sauce smoothly and luxuriously.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Gradually pour in the heavy cream and seafood stock while stirring non-stop, so the mixture blends without lumps. Allow it to simmer gently until it thickens into a dreamy creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every ingredient.

Step 4: Combine Seafood and Flavors

Fold in your shrimp and lump crab meat, letting the shrimp cook until just opaque and tender. Sprinkle in the sharp cheddar cheese, Old Bay seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently and let the cheese melt into the sauce, adding a rich, tangy edge that makes this pie unforgettable.

Step 5: Assemble Pie

Transfer the luscious seafood mixture into greased individual ramekins or a spacious casserole dish, spreading the filling evenly to get a perfect pie shape ready for its biscuit topping.

Step 6: Prepare Biscuit Topping

Follow the directions on your Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix package, combining the batter with whole milk until you achieve a soft, scoopable dough. Nestle spoonfuls of this biscuit batter evenly over the seafood filling, setting the stage for a golden crown of biscuits.

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 200°C for 15 to 20 minutes until the biscuits puff up and turn beautifully golden brown. Remove the pie and immediately brush the biscuits with melted butter for that signature shine and irresistible richness. Sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top for a fresh and inviting garnish before serving.

How to Serve Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is your best friend for garnishing this pie, lending a pop of bright green and a subtle fresh herb flavor. A light squeeze of lemon just before serving can also add a vibrant contrast to the richness of the dish.

Side Dishes

Serve your Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some steamed asparagus for a refreshing balance. Garlic roasted potatoes or simple steamed green beans make excellent companions that won’t compete with the bold pie flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve the pie in individual ramekins to impress guests with personal-sized pies. You can also experiment by adding a layer of sautéed spinach or artichokes beneath the seafood for extra color and flavor. Pairing the pie with a glass of chilled white wine or a sparkling lemonade can lift the entire dining experience into something extraordinary.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and store it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to easily enjoy this comforting dish again without any loss of flavor or texture.

Freezing

Although freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the seafood filling and biscuit topping separately to maintain the best texture. Place the filling in a sealed container and the biscuit batter in a freezer bag. Thaw fully in the refrigerator before assembling and baking for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 160°C until warmed through to keep the biscuit topping crisp and the filling creamy. Avoid using a microwave as it can make the biscuit topping soggy and the sauce separate.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood in the Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie?

Absolutely! Shrimp and crab are traditional, but you can substitute or add scallops, lobster, or chunks of firm white fish to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace the butter and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like olive oil or coconut cream, and use a dairy-free cheddar-style cheese substitute to keep the rich flavor without the dairy.

Can I make the biscuit topping from scratch?

Definitely! Using your favorite cheddar biscuit recipe allows for customization, and homemade biscuits can be just as fluffy and flavorful as the mix.

How spicy is the Old Bay seasoning in this recipe?

Old Bay seasoning adds a mild, aromatic spice with hints of paprika, celery salt, and pepper, giving the pie subtle heat without overpowering the seafood’s natural flavors.

What’s the best way to ensure the shrimp don’t overcook?

Keep an eye on the shrimp as you simmer the filling; as soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re perfectly cooked and ready. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.

Final Thoughts

Once you discover the magic of the Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie, it’s hard to go back to ordinary seafood casseroles. This dish brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to your table with every savory, cheesy, biscuit-topped mouthful. Whether for a family dinner or a special get-together, I really hope you give it a try and fall in love just like I did.

Print