Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines the best of land and sea – the glorious Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie! If you're a fan of those iconic, garlicky, cheesy biscuits and adore a comforting seafood bake, then this recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, flaky seafood nestled in a rich, creamy sauce, all crowned with a golden-brown, savory cheddar biscuit topping. Pure bliss in every bite!
This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck showstopper, or when you simply crave something truly satisfying. It's surprisingly easy to put together, promising big flavors with minimal fuss. So, let's roll up our sleeves and create some magic in the kitchen!
Why You'll Love This Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie
Our Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie isn't just a meal; it's an experience. Here's why it's destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation:
- Ultimate Comfort: Warm, hearty, and full of rich flavors, it's the definition of comfort food.
- Flavor Fusion: The beloved garlicky-cheesy goodness of Cheddar Bay biscuits meets succulent seafood for an explosion of taste.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite seafood and vegetables.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Looks and tastes like you spent hours, but comes together quite easily.
The Magic of Cheddar Bay
What makes this pie truly special is the inspiration drawn from the classic Cheddar Bay Biscuits. We're not just topping a seafood casserole; we're giving it that unmistakable, buttery, garlicky, and cheesy biscuit crust that takes it from great to absolutely unforgettable. It’s a twist that elevates a simple seafood pie into something truly extraordinary.
Gathering Your Ingredients
The beauty of this pie lies in its fresh ingredients and the harmonious blend of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don't be afraid to customize the seafood to your liking!
Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Seafood Pie
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Tips for Success
- Don't Overcook the Seafood: Since the seafood will bake further in the oven, briefly sautéing it helps lock in moisture.
- Season Generously: Seafood loves bold flavors. Don't shy away from Old Bay or other complementary seasonings.
- Biscuit Consistency: The biscuit dough should be soft but manageable. If it's too sticky, add a touch more flour; if too dry, a splash more milk.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the pie rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the filling to set and prevents it from being too runny when served.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some steamed asparagus to balance out the richness. A simple side of roasted vegetables would also be a fantastic complement.
We hope you love this Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie as much as we do! It’s a truly special dish that brings together incredible flavors and textures for a memorable meal. Enjoy every cheesy, seafood-filled bite!
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen seafood like shrimp, scallops, or a mixed seafood blend works wonderfully. Just be sure to thaw it thoroughly and pat it dry before adding it to the filling to prevent excess moisture.
What type of cheese is best for the filling and topping?
Sharp cheddar cheese is highly recommended for both the creamy filling and the biscuit topping, as it delivers that classic 'Cheddar Bay' flavor. However, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack can also be delicious for added meltiness.
How do I store and reheat leftover Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, cover the pie loosely with foil and warm it in an oven preheated to 300u00b0F (150u00b0C) until heated through. Microwaving is an option, but the biscuit topping may lose some crispness.
Can I prepare the seafood pie ahead of time?
You can prepare the seafood filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, transfer it to your pie dish, prepare the biscuit topping, and bake as directed. This helps save time on busy days!
Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A comforting and savory seafood pie featuring a creamy, flavorful filling loaded with various seafood, crowned with a cheesy, garlicky Cheddar Bay biscuit topping.
Ingredients
½ lb lump crab meat, picked over
½ lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
½ lb firm white fish (cod, haddock), flaked or diced
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup diced yellow onion
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup chicken or seafood broth
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
â…” cup whole milk
2 tbsp melted butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. Gradually whisk in ¼ cup all-purpose flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Step 3: Slowly pour in the milk and broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Gently fold in the crab meat, chopped shrimp, and flaked white fish. Pour the seafood mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 5: Prepare the Biscuit Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Gradually add â…” cup milk, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the seafood filling in the baking dish, leaving small gaps.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. During the last 5 minutes, prepare the garlic butter by melting 2 tablespoons of butter and stirring in 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tbsp chopped parsley.
Step 8: Once the pie is out of the oven, brush the warm biscuit topping generously with the garlic butter mixture. Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie!
Step 9: For more detailed information on different types of crab meat, you can visit a culinary resource like CulinarySchools.org.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different types of seafood like scallops or lobster. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. The biscuit topping can also be made using a store-bought biscuit mix for convenience, just add the cheddar, garlic, and parsley to it.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Leave a Reply