Imagine a chilly evening when the world outside is wrapped in a soft blanket of dusk, and the tantalizing aroma of something divine wafts through your kitchen. You’ve gathered your loved ones around the table, and in front of them is a bubbling, golden crusted treasure—the Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie. This dish isn’t just dinner; it’s a warm embrace, rich with buttery seafood and topped with flaky biscuits that sing with sharp cheddar. The kind of meal that feels like a nostalgic hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion from a cozy weeknight to a festive gathering.
The joy of preparing and sharing this pot pie lies not only in its comforting essence but also in how it embodies the spirit of togetherness. Family and friends will gather around, their anticipation growing palpable as that pie cools just enough to be served. Their eyes light up when they see the inviting colors—the rich, creamy filling nestled beneath a golden biscuit crown. It’s a dish that brings smiles and sparks conversation, a true centerpiece for any table.
What You’ll Need
Creating this delicious Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie is easier than you might think. With fresh, vibrant ingredients and a few basic tools, you’ll be on your way to crafting this comforting treasure. Here’s what you’ll need to embark on this culinary adventure.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ pound cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, grated
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup whole milk (plus 1 tablespoon if needed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
Tools
Gather these essential kitchen tools to make your culinary journey seamless:
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking dish or individual ramekins
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Oven-safe spatula or serving spoon
How to Make It
Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into crafting this Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie. With each step, you’ll witness the transformation of simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish that captivates both heart and palate.
Prep the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), and let the lovely warmth of the oven set a cozy tone in your kitchen. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it bubbles softly like a gentle brook. The rich scent of butter fills the air as you toss in the minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced celery. Let them sizzle together, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes, until they soften and become fragrant. This aromatic foundation invites comfort, signaling that something special is on the way.
Stir in the flour, allowing it to cook for a minute to form a roux that thickens into a luscious paste. The mixture will begin to cling to the bottom of the skillet, releasing a warm, nutty aroma that enhances the anticipation. Gradually whisk in the seafood stock and cream, watching as the filling transforms into a smooth, velvety mixture that thickens beautifully over the next five to seven minutes. Season this delightful base with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper, adding a burst of flavor that elevates every element.
Build the Flavor
Next, it’s time to add the stars of the show—shrimp and lobster. Once your base is seasoned to perfection, gently add the peeled and deveined shrimp, letting them curl and turn pink in the bubbling broth, which takes about two to three minutes. The moment they change color, it’s a sure sign they are ready to mingle with the lobster meat. Toss in the chopped lobster and fresh parsley, stirring just long enough to combine flavors before removing the pan from heat. The pot fills with vibrant colors and rich seafood fragrances, making it nearly irresistible.
Now, it’s time to prepare the biscuit topping. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut the cold, grated butter into the flour until the mixture appears crumbly. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, which will lend a delicious, savory kick to each biscuit bite. Add the milk, mixing until just combined—the dough should feel slightly sticky and soft.
Assemble and Bake
Spoon the luscious seafood mixture into your chosen baking dish or individual ramekins, filling them generously. With a gentle touch, drop dollops of the biscuit dough over the top, allowing it to spread slightly while creating beautiful peaks. Place your masterpiece in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the biscuits turn gloriously golden brown. The sound of bubbling filling and the aroma of baking biscuits will fill your kitchen, igniting hunger and excitement!
Once baked to perfection, allow the pot pie to rest for five to ten minutes before serving. This brief pause allows the filling to settle and flavors to meld even more beautifully, ensuring each bite is a symphony of taste.
Creative Twists
To make this Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie even more personalized, consider these delightful creative twists:
Seasonal Selection: During summer, add fresh vegetables like sweet corn or cherry tomatoes to the pie, enhancing color and flavor. In fall, a pinch of nutmeg and sage can provide spice and warmth.
Flavor Upgrades: Spice enthusiasts may like to introduce a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for an extra kick! Herbs like tarragon or thyme can also elevate the filling to elegant heights.
Protein Swaps: Not in the mood for seafood? Substitute with shredded chicken or vegetables like hearty mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a delightful twist.
Cheesy Variations: Experiment with different cheeses in the biscuit dough—consider fontina for a creamy melt or pepper jack for a spicy surprise.
Garnish to Impress: Top with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Final Inspiration
As you savor the first bites of your Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie, you’ll realize that this dish is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Perfect for sharing with family or friends, this pot pie invites laughter and conversation around the table, warming hearts and filling bellies alike. So, gather your loved ones, embark on this culinary escape, and let your kitchen be filled with the joyous symphony of flavors and scents. This cozy dish is poised to become a beloved tradition, making its way into your recipe repertoire time and time again. Enjoy every delicious moment!
Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 0.5 pound cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Biscuit Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, grated
- 0.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.33 cup whole milk (plus 1 tablespoon if needed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced celery, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour, cooking for another minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the seafood stock and cream. Cook until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Season with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add shrimp and lobster, cooking until shrimp are pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
Biscuit Preparation
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold, grated butter until crumbly. Stir in cheddar cheese.
- Add milk until just combined; the dough should be slightly sticky.
Assembly and Baking
- Spoon the seafood mixture into a baking dish. Drop biscuit dough over the top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.