The other evening, after a long day filled with the usual chaos—Camila spilled flour on the kitchen floor, and Mateo decided he needed a snack that involved both peanut butter and chocolate—I caught a glimpse of the sunset outside our San Diego window. It reminded me of why I cherish cooking. I wanted to prepare something comforting, something that could pull us all together for a cozy family dinner. That’s when I decided to whip up my beloved Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie. The aroma of buttery biscuits wafting through the house is like a warm hug at the end of a messy day, and trust me, it always leads to laughter and second helpings!
What Makes Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie Special to Me
This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is not just a dish; it embodies our family’s love for comfort food. The flaky biscuit topping, combined with a creamy seafood filling, makes it a family favorite. Each bite transports us to the comforting shores of our favorite coastal memories. It’s my go-to for family gatherings because it never fails to impress Luis when he takes that first bite and raises his eyebrows in delight. Plus, the kids adore it, especially when they help sprinkle cheese on top—it’s a little moment of joy shared in the kitchen!
Ingredients That Bring Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie to Life
– **Seafood Filling**
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb scallops, fresh or frozen
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– **Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tbsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp dried parsley
My Favorite Ingredient Swaps for Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie
I love experimenting with my recipes, especially when it comes to this Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie. If I’m in the mood to lighten things up, I often substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt—it’s a little secret that keeps the creaminess intact while adding a healthy twist. On nights when I want to add some extra veggies, diced carrots or celery can add a lovely crunch. And if we’re feeling adventurous, I sometimes swap out the shrimp for crab meat or lobster—because why not make an ordinary weekday feel a little special?
How I Make Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
I start by preheating our oven to 400°F (200°C). There’s something about that warmth filling the kitchen that sets a cozy tone for the cooking, don’t you think?
Step 2: Cook the Seafood
In a large skillet, I melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. When it’s nice and bubbly, I toss in the shrimp and scallops and cook them until they turn opaque, which usually takes about 5 minutes. The kids find it particularly fun to guess when they’re done—their excitement always makes me smile!
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
Once the seafood is done, I stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and frozen peas, letting it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. It’s the perfect time to chat with Luis about our day while keeping an eye on this creamy goodness—multitasking at its finest!
Step 4: Make the Biscuit Dough
In a mixing bowl, I combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. I then cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Into this, I stir in the buttermilk, garlic powder, and dried parsley until it’s just combined. At this point, I can see Mateo’s little hands itching to help!
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Next, I pour that glorious seafood mixture into a baking dish and spoon the biscuit mixture over the seafood, covering it evenly. I always let Camila spread the biscuit dough; she loves knowing she played a crucial role in our family meal.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, making sure every corner gets a little cheesy goodness. Because let’s be real—no one ever says no to extra cheese!
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Finally, I pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. When that buzzer goes off and the biscuits are golden brown, I can’t wait to dive in!
How We Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie at Home
This dish is all about togetherness in our household. I like to serve the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie straight from the oven, with a crisp green salad on the side. Often, while I carve out portions for everyone, Mateo and Camila set the table—making sure to put their favorite cartoon napkins out! There’s something truly special about us all sitting down together, where we can share stories about our day, not to mention the inevitable competition for who gets the biggest piece of biscuit!
What I’ve Learned Making Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie Over and Over
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to avoid overcooking the seafood. Nobody enjoys rubbery shrimp! I always make sure to just cook it until it’s nearly done and let the oven finish the job. Also, be careful with the biscuit topping—you want it to be fluffy and light, not dense. And lastly, have fun with the fillings! The beauty of this biscuit topped seafood pie is that it can be customized with whatever seafood or vegetables you have on hand. Flexibility is key!
How I Store and Reheat Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie
To keep any leftovers fresh, I generally store the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If I know I want to save some for later, I also freeze individual portions. When it’s time to reheat, I recommend popping it in the oven again for that lovely crispy biscuit topping—it gives it a fresh-baked feel all over again!
A Note from Me
This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie is profoundly special to me. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a way of bringing the family together in laughter and love. Each time I make it, I’m reminded of those cozy summer evenings spent by the sea, savoring seafood with my loved ones. I cherish those moments, and I hope this recipe creates many warm memories for you and your family too.
FAQs about Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie
Can I substitute different types of seafood?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly flexible. Feel free to swap shrimp or scallops for your favorite seafood like crab, lobster, or even fish fillets.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, it is! You can freeze leftovers or even prepare the entire dish in advance. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn.
What can I serve on the side?
A fresh green salad is always a great choice, but roasted vegetables or a light soup would also complement the flavors beautifully.
What’s the key to a good biscuit topped seafood pie?
The texture of the biscuit topping is crucial. Make sure not to overwork the dough—it should be light and fluffy. Adding a little extra cheese on top before baking can elevate the flavor, too!
How do I make this dish healthier?
You can lighten up this dish by using leaner seafood, reducing the amount of cream, or even incorporating more vegetables. It’s adaptable to fit a variety of dietary preferences!
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your take! Leave a comment below or tag @YummyCrafter on Pinterest. Let’s bake joy together!
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie
Equipment
- Oven
- Large Skillet
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Seafood Filling
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 lb scallops fresh or frozen
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp butter for sautéing
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter cold and cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and scallops, cooking until they turn opaque, about 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and frozen peas. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk, garlic powder, and dried parsley until just combined.
- Pour the seafood mixture into a baking dish. Spoon the biscuit mixture over the seafood, covering it evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the biscuits.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
