Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie Recipe you’ll crave tonight

This cheddar bay seafood pie recipe you’ll crave tonight is a true comfort food masterpiece — tender shrimp and luscious lump crab are tucked beneath a blanket of golden, garlicky cheddar biscuits. Each bite tastes like a seaside indulgence, but the recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare on busy weeknights. Whether you’re making it in one bubbling casserole or dishing up personal portions, this irresistible bake will win over seafood lovers and biscuit fans alike with its creamy sauce and cheesy, herb-flecked topping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this pie is how each simple, familiar ingredient brings its own flair, from sweet seafood to vibrant veggies and an ultra-creamy sauce. Every component adds color, texture, and buckets of flavor you simply can’t skip.

• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp add a plump, juicy bite that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Lump Crab Meat: Sweet, tender morsels of crab elevate the decadence — use the best quality you can find.
• Chopped Celery: Offers color and a fresh crunch to balance rich fillings.
• Diced Onion: Adds savory depth to the base and melds in perfectly with the other aromatics.
• Diced Red Bell Pepper: A pop of color and sweetness that shines alongside the seafood.
• Minced Garlic: Brightens everything up with a gentle, savory kick.
• Butter: A rich start for sautéing veggies and building a velvety sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating a thick, comforting filling.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly smooth and luscious.
• Seafood Stock or Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth; seafood stock is ideal, but chicken broth works nicely when needed.
• Old Bay Seasoning: The classic seafood spice that brings the coastal vibe.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Fine-tunes all the other flavors.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The backbone of that famous cheddar biscuit magic.
• Chopped Parsley: Fresh, green, and just the right herbaceous finish.
• Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (or homemade): Brings that iconic, savory biscuit crust to the party with ease.
• Milk (for biscuit mix): Binds and moistens the biscuit dough.
• Melted Butter (for brushing): A simple step that gives the biscuit tops a glossy, golden finish.

How to Make cheddar bay seafood pie recipe you’ll crave tonight

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatic Veggies

Begin by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your celery, onion, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and fragrant. This mellow base will anchor the rich seafood flavors that come next.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the freshly minced garlic and let it cook until just fragrant, about a minute. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for another 1–2 minutes to create a smooth roux. Then, slowly pour in your cream and seafood stock, whisking until everything blends into a thick, dreamy sauce.

Step 3: Add the Seafood and Flavor

Fold in the shrimp and crab meat, simmering gently until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Off the heat, add the shredded cheddar cheese, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, and salt and black pepper. This combination is what makes the cheddar bay seafood pie recipe you’ll crave tonight truly unforgettable.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Spoon your creamy seafood mixture into prepared ramekins for individual servings or into a single greased casserole dish for family-style comfort. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed for the ultimate bite every time.

Step 5: Top with Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Prepare the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix using milk, following the package or your homemade recipe. Drop generous spoonfuls of batter over the seafood, covering the filling with rustic mounds. This is the reward: golden biscuits that bake right on top!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the biscuits are puffed and gorgeously golden brown. The aroma of cheddar and herbs will let you know it’s almost time to dig in.

Step 7: Butter and Garnish

For that irresistible finish, brush the biscuit tops with melted butter while they’re still warm, then sprinkle with extra chopped parsley. This finishing touch makes the cheddar bay seafood pie recipe you’ll crave tonight as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve cheddar bay seafood pie recipe you’ll crave tonight

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley brings a burst of color and a fresh spark that elevates the flavors. For an even more luxurious touch, try a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or a tiny dusting of Old Bay right before serving. These simple upgrades make every plate look truly special.

Side Dishes

Since this pie is rich and hearty, light, crisp sides balance out the meal. A big mixed green salad with a zippy vinaigrette or simply steamed asparagus is perfect alongside the cheddar bay seafood pie recipe you’ll crave tonight. For a bit of Southern flair, a side of coleslaw adds just the right crunch and tang.

Creative Ways to Present

For impressive entertaining, bake the pie in individual ramekins so each guest gets their own bubbling portion. Rustic casseroles are perfect for family gatherings. Want extra elegance? Top with a sprinkle of chives or serve the pie in shallow bowls with lemon wedges tucked on the rim. Every approach celebrates the savory beauty of this dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The biscuit topping will soften a bit, but flavors continue to deepen, making each reheated bite as satisfying as the first night.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking for future cravings. Simply assemble the filling and biscuit topping, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a little extra time until hot all the way through and golden on top. Baked leftovers also freeze well, though the biscuit may lose some crispness.

Reheating

To restore the magic, reheat portions in a 350°F oven, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying, until warmed through. If desired, brush the biscuit tops with a touch more melted butter to revive their bakery-fresh appeal. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on that irresistible crisp top.

FAQs

Can I substitute another seafood for the shrimp or crab?

Absolutely! Lobster, scallops, or even flaky white fish can be swapped into the cheddar bay seafood pie recipe you’ll crave tonight, depending on what’s fresh or available. Just make sure everything is cut to bite-size for even cooking.

What’s the best way to make homemade Cheddar Bay biscuits?

If you skip the boxed mix, combine flour, baking powder, cold butter, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and chopped parsley. Mix with milk until barely combined, then use as directed for a totally homemade touch to the cheddar bay seafood pie recipe you’ll crave tonight.

How do I prevent the biscuits from getting soggy?

Make sure to add the batter on top of a thick, hot filling and bake right away. The steam helps the biscuits rise while the heat crisps them up, keeping your cheddar bay seafood pie recipe you’ll crave tonight beautiful and golden on top.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend in the sauce and use a gluten-free biscuit mix for topping. The flavors of the cheddar bay seafood pie recipe you’ll crave tonight will still shine through deliciously.

Do I have to use parsley, or can I swap out the fresh herbs?

Parsley adds bright freshness, but feel free to experiment with chopped chives or dill for a different spin. The herb finish brings lift to the cheddar bay seafood pie recipe you’ll crave tonight, so use whichever you love most.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dig into this cozy, show-stopping cheddar bay seafood pie recipe you’ll crave tonight. It’s an absolute treat year-round, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to put this bubbling seafood classic on repeat for every comfort food craving. Happy baking!

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