Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by Rey | kingcooks on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $25.00 total, $6.25 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for sautéing)
- 12 ounces Shrimp (peeled, deveined, seasoned with salt and pepper)
- 8 ounces Lusos (mixed seafood (e.g., mussels, clams, squid), thawed if frozen)
- 6 ounces Jumbo Lump Crab Meat (picked over for shells)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 1 small Bell Pepper (red, diced)
- 2 stalks Celery (diced)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
- 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Tarragon
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 can Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dough (store‑bought, 8‑ounce biscuit mix; includes butter and cheddar flavor)
Instructions
Sauté Shrimp and Lusos
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and lusos, cooking 2‑3 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Cook Aromatics
In the same skillet, add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté 4‑5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Make the Roux
Add butter to the vegetables and melt. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Deglaze and Build the Gravy
Slowly pour chicken broth into the roux while whisking to prevent lumps. Add thyme, garlic powder, paprika, tarragon, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let thicken, about 3‑4 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Finish the Cream Sauce
Stir in heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and cook 2‑3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: low
Combine Seafood Filling
Gently fold the sautéed shrimp, lusos, and jumbo lump crab meat into the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Time: PT2M
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the seafood filling into a 9‑inch baking dish or onto a lined baking sheet, spreading evenly.
Time: PT2M
Add Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
Drop the Cheddar Bay biscuit dough over the filling, spacing pieces evenly. The dough will spread slightly as it bakes.
Time: PT2M
Bake Until Golden
Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake 18‑22 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 375°F
Rest and Serve
Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 560
- Protein
- 28g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 32g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Shrimp: peeled scallops, cooked chicken bite‑size pieces
- Instead of Lusos: frozen seafood medley, additional shrimp
- Instead of Jumbo Lump Crab Meat: imitation crab meat, canned crab meat
- Instead of Onion: shallot, leek
- Instead of Bell Pepper: green pepper, poblano
- Instead of Celery: carrot, fennel
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, ghee
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Chicken Broth: vegetable broth, water with bouillon
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half, evaporated milk
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: dried thyme
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika
- Instead of Dried Tarragon: fresh tarragon (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dough: homemade biscuit dough, store‑bought biscuit dough
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Saucepan
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not overcook the shrimp during the initial sauté.
- Cook the roux just until the flour taste disappears but before it browns.
- Whisk continuously when adding broth to avoid lumps.
- Do not let the cream sauce boil after adding heavy cream.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh herbs for brighter flavor; add a pinch of lemon zest to the sauce for extra freshness.
- For extra cheesy crust, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top of the biscuit dough before baking.
Troubleshooting
Gravy is too thin.
Simmer a few more minutes to reduce, or whisk in an additional teaspoon of flour mixed with cold water.
Biscuit topping is soggy.
Increase oven temperature to 400°F for the last 5 minutes or bake a few minutes longer to crisp the top.
Seafood becomes rubbery.
Remove shrimp from the pan as soon as it turns pink and add it back only at the final folding stage.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked filling separately for up to 3 months; bake fresh when needed.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the seafood filling up to step 6 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Biscuit dough can be kept frozen; add directly to the filling when ready to bake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of a seafood pop pie in American comfort food cuisine?
Seafood pop pies combine the tradition of hearty casserole dishes with the convenience of a biscuit topping, a staple in American Southern cooking. They reflect the coastal regions' love for fresh seafood paired with buttery biscuits, creating a one‑dish comfort meal that has been popular at family gatherings and casual diners.
What are the traditional regional variations of seafood pop pie in the United States?
In the Gulf Coast, the filling often features crawfish and catfish, while New England versions may use clams and cod with a cream‑based sauce. The recipe from Rey | kingcooks highlights a Southern twist with cheddar bay biscuit topping and a mix of shrimp, lusos, and lump crab meat.
How is a seafood pop pie traditionally served in Southern American cuisine?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, often accompanied by a simple green salad, coleslaw, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. The biscuit topping provides a satisfying contrast to the rich filling.
What occasions or celebrations is a seafood pop pie traditionally associated with in American culture?
Seafood pop pies are popular for casual family dinners, holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving or Christmas when a comforting, crowd‑pleasing main is needed, and for coastal festivals celebrating local seafood harvests.
What makes the Golden Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pop Pie special in American comfort food cuisine?
The combination of a rich herb‑infused cream sauce with a buttery cheddar biscuit topping creates a textural contrast that is both creamy and flaky. The use of three different seafoods adds depth of flavor, making it a standout dish among typical casseroles.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Golden Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pop Pie?
Common errors include overcooking the shrimp, under‑cooking the roux, allowing the cream sauce to boil (which can cause curdling), and under‑baking the biscuit topping so it stays soggy. Follow the critical steps to ensure a perfect texture.
Why does this recipe use a roux and heavy cream instead of a simple butter‑flour slurry?
The roux provides a smooth, velvety base that thickens the sauce evenly, while heavy cream adds richness and prevents a grainy texture. This method yields a luxurious gravy that coats the seafood without separating.
Can I make the Golden Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pop Pie ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the seafood filling up to step 6 and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Keep the biscuit dough separate and add it just before baking. Store the assembled, uncooked pie in the refrigerator and bake when ready.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Golden Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pop Pie is done cooking?
The biscuit topping should be golden‑brown and slightly puffed, while the sauce underneath should be bubbling around the edges. The interior should be creamy with visible pieces of shrimp, lusos, and crab meat.
What does the YouTube channel Rey | kingcooks specialize in?
The YouTube channel Rey | kingcooks focuses on approachable, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that blend classic comfort dishes with modern twists, often highlighting seafood and hearty one‑pot meals.
How does the YouTube channel Rey | kingcooks' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Rey | kingcooks emphasizes quick, ingredient‑driven recipes that use everyday pantry items while still delivering restaurant‑quality results. The channel often showcases detailed technique explanations, such as proper roux formation, which sets it apart from more generic cooking channels.
Last updated: September 1, 2026






