Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie: The Ultimate Coastal Comfort Food
If you love creamy seafood dishes and crave the buttery, garlicky goodness of Cheddar Bay biscuits, this Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie will instantly become one of your all-time favorites. It’s everything you want in a cozy comfort meal: tender shrimp, succulent lobster, and vegetables simmered in a luxurious cream sauce, all topped with golden, cheesy biscuits that bake into a flaky, irresistible crust. This dish blends classic pot pie nostalgia with coastal flair, creating a restaurant-quality meal that feels indulgent yet easy enough for a weekend dinner.
What makes this pot pie stand out is its layers of flavors—sweet lobster meat, juicy shrimp, garlic, herbs, and rich cream—combined with the salty, cheesy biscuits that Red Lobster fans adore. The biscuits bake directly over the creamy seafood filling, absorbing just enough sauce to become soft underneath while staying crisp and golden on top. This creates that perfect balance of textures: creamy, flaky, cheesy, and buttery in each bite.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a dish that feels luxurious and comforting, this Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making this unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
For the Seafood Filling
- 1 cup chopped lobster meat (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
- 1 Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (with seasoning packet)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (extra for flavor)
- Required milk/water per package
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
1. Prepare the Seafood
Before cooking, pat the shrimp and lobster dry with paper towels. This prevents excess moisture from thinning the sauce. Keep them chilled until needed.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften. Add the garlic and cook an additional minute until fragrant.
This vegetable mix forms the foundation of a classic pot pie, giving the creamy sauce structure and depth.
3. Build the Creamy Seafood Base
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir until fully absorbed—this creates the roux that thickens the filling. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the seafood stock while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Then add heavy cream and continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Season the sauce with Old Bay, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5–6 minutes until it thickens.
4. Add the Seafood
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shrimp, lobster meat, peas, parsley, and lemon juice. Cook for 3–4 minutes—no more—just until the shrimp start turning pink. They will finish cooking in the oven.
Taste and adjust seasoning. The sauce should be rich, flavorful, and slightly thick.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish (9×13 or similar).
Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
The biscuit topping is what sets this pot pie apart—it’s golden, cheesy, and full of buttery garlic aroma.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with the seasoning packet.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the liquid ingredient (milk or water) according to the package directions and mix until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough evenly over the seafood mixture. Don’t spread it flat—lumps help create a rustic, biscuit-style crust.
For extra flavor, mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush lightly on top.
Bake the Pot Pie
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 22–26 minutes, or until:
- The biscuit topping is golden brown
- The filling is bubbling around the edges
If the biscuits brown too quickly, lightly cover the top with foil for the remaining bake time.
Let the pot pie rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to thicken perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious on its own, but here are a few sides that pair beautifully:
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic butter green beans
- Roasted asparagus
- Citrus coleslaw
- Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
If serving for a special occasion, pair it with a crisp Chardonnay or a sparkling wine.
Why This Recipe Works
1. The Biscuits
The Cheddar Bay biscuits bring salty, garlicky flavor and fluffy texture—better than traditional pie crust because they absorb just enough sauce without becoming soggy.
2. The Seafood Combination
Shrimp and lobster complement each other: shrimp adds bite, while lobster adds sweetness and luxury.
3. The Thick, Creamy Sauce
The roux-based cream sauce ensures the filling stays rich and velvety, never runny.
4. Balanced Seasoning
Old Bay + garlic + herbs = a perfect seafood profile.
Flavor Variations
1. Add Crab Meat
Fold in 1/2 cup lump crab for a fuller “seafood trio” experience.
2. Cajun-Style
Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning + a little cayenne for heat.
3. Creamy Lemon Herb
Add extra lemon zest and fresh dill for a brighter profile.
4. Cheesy Topping Upgrade
Use extra sharp cheddar or a cheddar-gruyère blend.
5. Veggie Boost
Add mushrooms, corn, spinach, or diced potatoes.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Filling: Can be made 24 hours in advance and refrigerated.
- Biscuit dough: Mix right before baking for the best texture.
- Freezing: Freeze filling separately; thaw overnight and add biscuit topping before baking.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days, covered.
- Reheat: 350°F for 15–20 minutes; add foil if biscuits darken.
- Microwave: Works but may soften the biscuit texture.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie is a masterpiece of comfort food—creamy, savory, cheesy, and bursting with seafood flavor. It tastes like a luxurious restaurant dish but can easily be made at home with pantry-friendly ingredients. Perfect for holidays, cozy winter nights, or anytime you want to impress guests, this pot pie brings together the best elements of classic Southern comfort and coastal cuisine.