Seafood Pot Pie with a Cheddar Bay Biscuit topping
Seafood Pot Pie with a Cheddar Bay Biscuit topping! is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by She Is Malik on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $42.30 total, $10.58 per serving
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided: 3 Tbsp for sauté, 2 Tbsp melted for biscuit topping)
- 2 stalks Celery Stalks (diced small)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
- 0.33 cup All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
- 0.25 cup Dry White Wine (adds acidity and depth)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat for richness)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Paste (or 2 cloves minced)
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Lobster Base (dissolved in a splash of water if needed)
- 2 teaspoons Seafood Seasoning (salt‑free) (divided between sauce and seafood)
- 0.5 cup Frozen Carrots (no need to thaw)
- 0.5 cup Frozen Peas (no need to thaw)
- 8 oz Crawfish Tails (pre‑cooked, seasoned with seafood seasoning)
- 8 oz Shrimp (large, peeled, deveined, seasoned with seafood seasoning)
- 2 cups Pre‑cooked Potatoes (diced; can use leftover boiled potatoes)
- 1 package Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (about 12 biscuits; follow package instructions)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the celery and onion, mince the garlic (if using fresh), measure all liquids and seasonings, and have the shrimp, crawfish, frozen vegetables, and potatoes ready.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Aromatics
Heat 3 Tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced celery and onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Do not brown.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Make the Roux
Sprinkle 1/3 cup flour over the softened vegetables. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the mixture loses the raw flour taste and turns a light golden color.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Deglaze with Wine
Add 1/4 cup dry white wine to the skillet, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Let it reduce for about 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium heat
Build the Cream Sauce
Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp garlic paste (or 2 minced cloves), 1 Tbsp Better Than Bouillon lobster base, and 1 tsp seafood seasoning. Simmer gently for 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: low simmer
Add Vegetables and Seafood
Fold in the frozen carrots, peas, diced pre‑cooked potatoes, seasoned crawfish tails, and shrimp. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tsp seafood seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and the vegetables are heated through.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium heat
Transfer to Baking Sheet
Spread the finished seafood mixture evenly onto a 13×9‑inch baking sheet or shallow casserole dish. Set aside while you prepare the biscuits.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Cheddar Bay Biscuits
In a mixing bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix with the liquid called for on the package (usually water or milk). Stir just until a dough forms. Spread the dough evenly over the top of the seafood mixture. Drizzle the remaining 2 Tbsp melted butter over the biscuit surface.
Time: PT10M
Bake
Place the baking sheet in a pre‑heated oven at 375°F. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 375°F
Serve
Remove from oven, let rest 2 minutes, sprinkle chopped parsley for color, and serve hot with extra melted butter on the side if desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Shellfish, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Celery Stalks: Fennel stalks
- Instead of Yellow Onion: white onion
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Dry White Wine: chicken broth, apple cider
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half, evaporated milk
- Instead of Garlic Paste: fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Better Than Bouillon Lobster Base: fish stock concentrate
- Instead of Seafood Seasoning (salt‑free): Old Bay seasoning
- Instead of Frozen Carrots: fresh diced carrots
- Instead of Frozen Peas: fresh peas
- Instead of Crawfish Tails: lobster meat
- Instead of Shrimp: scallops
- Instead of Pre‑cooked Potatoes: fresh boiled potatoes
- Instead of Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: homemade biscuit dough
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: dried parsley
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Aluminum Foil (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the flour roux until it loses raw taste (Step 3).
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp and crawfish (Step 6).
- Baking the biscuits until golden without burning (Step 9).
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a splash of sherry or dry vermouth instead of white wine for a richer flavor.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the seafood seasoning for subtle smokiness.
- For extra buttery biscuits, chill the dough for 15 minutes before spreading.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin.
Mix 1 tsp flour with a little cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.
Sauce becomes grainy.
Whisk continuously while adding the cream and ensure the roux is fully cooked before adding liquids.
Biscuits are pale or under‑cooked.
Increase oven temperature to 385°F and bake an additional 3‑5 minutes, or cover with foil to prevent over‑browning while the interior finishes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezer: Separate the seafood casserole from the biscuits, freeze each in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the seafood mixture a day ahead and refrigerate; bake the biscuits fresh before serving.
- The biscuit dough can be frozen for up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of a seafood casserole topped with Cheddar Bay biscuits in American cuisine?
The dish is inspired by Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuit‑topped seafood casseroles, a staple of American casual dining since the 1990s. It reflects the American love for comfort food that combines rich, creamy sauces with buttery, cheesy biscuits.
What regional variations exist for seafood casseroles in the United States?
In the Gulf Coast, crawfish and shrimp are often seasoned with Cajun spices and served over rice. In the Pacific Northwest, salmon and Dungeness crab replace shrimp, and the topping may be a biscuit or a flaky puff pastry. The core concept—seafood in a creamy sauce—remains consistent.
How is a traditional Cheddar Bay biscuit traditionally served in American seafood restaurants?
Cheddar Bay biscuits are served warm, brushed with melted butter and garlic, and placed in a basket alongside the main seafood entrée. They are meant to be eaten plain or used to sop up the flavorful sauce.
During what occasions is a seafood casserole with Cheddar Bay biscuits typically enjoyed in American culture?
It’s popular for casual family dinners, weekend gatherings, and as a comforting meal after a day of fishing or boating. Restaurants often feature it as a special during the winter months when hearty, warm dishes are favored.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Cheddar Bay biscuit topping versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional biscuits use buttermilk, melted butter, and grated cheddar cheese. If buttermilk isn’t available, substitute with milk plus a splash of lemon juice. For a dairy‑free version, use plant‑based butter and dairy‑free cheese, though the flavor changes.
What other American dishes pair well with this seafood popy and Cheddar Bay biscuit recipe?
A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, garlic‑roasted asparagus, or a simple coleslaw balances the richness. A glass of chilled Chardonnay or a light lager complements the creamy sauce.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this seafood popy with Cheddar Bay biscuits?
Overcooking the shrimp, under‑cooking the roux, and baking the biscuits at too low a temperature are the biggest pitfalls. Each leads to tough seafood, a gritty sauce, or pale biscuits.
Why does this recipe use a flour roux instead of cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce?
A roux provides a richer, silkier texture and helps the sauce coat the seafood evenly. Cornstarch can give a glossy but slightly gummy finish, which isn’t traditional for a Red Lobster‑style casserole.
Can I make the seafood casserole ahead of time and how should I store it before baking the biscuits?
Yes. Assemble the seafood mixture, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready, spread the biscuit dough on top and bake as directed. This allows flavors to meld while keeping the biscuits fresh.
What does the YouTube channel She Is Malik specialize in?
She Is Malik focuses on approachable, comfort‑food recipes that blend classic American flavors with easy‑to‑follow techniques. The channel often features family‑friendly meals, quick weeknight dinners, and step‑by‑step visual guides.
How does the YouTube channel She Is Malik’s approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
She Is Malik emphasizes minimal equipment, clear narration, and practical kitchen hacks, making dishes like this seafood popy accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Unlike some channels that use high‑end gadgets, she relies on pantry staples and everyday tools.
Last updated: September 1, 2026






