Spoon the seafood mixture into greased ramekins or a baking dish Recipe

This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pie is the ultimate comfort food—luxurious, creamy seafood filling topped with pillowy cheddar biscuits baked to golden perfection. It’s honestly one of those dishes that disappears as soon as you set it down, and you’ll love every step when you Spoon the seafood mixture into greased ramekins or a baking dish. The fresh flavors from shrimp and crab, the satisfying crunch of veggies, and a crave-worthy cheddar biscuit topping make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any seafood lover.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe matters, adding its own signature note to the flavor symphony. You don’t need anything fancy—just some high-quality seafood, fresh veggies, creamy sauce ingredients, and that iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuit topping. Here’s how each one comes together to create something unforgettable:

• Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Juicy, sweet, and a total flavor-booster in every creamy bite.
• Lump crab meat (½ lb): Adds irresistible richness and delicate, briny charm.
• Celery (1 cup, chopped): Brings a tender, subtle crunch and aromatics.
• Onion (1 cup, diced): Builds the base flavor and adds savory pizazz.
• Red bell pepper (1 cup, diced): A pop of color plus sweet, juicy notes.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Because what’s seafood pie without a punch of fresh garlic?
• Butter (4 tbsp): Classic richness that melds everything together.
• All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): Thickens the sauce for that perfect, creamy texture.
• Heavy cream (1 ½ cups): Adds luscious creaminess and depth.
• Seafood stock or chicken broth (½ cup): Layers on savory flavor (use seafood stock for a true coastal flavor boost, but chicken broth works too).
• Old Bay seasoning (1 tsp): Lends that classic seafood magic—zesty, peppery, slightly herbal.
• Salt & black pepper: Enhance every other flavor with just the right seasonings.
• Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into the sauce for an amazing cheesy pull.
• Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): Bright, herby freshness (plus more for garnishing at the end).
• Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (or homemade, for topping): That nostalgic, ultra-buttery, garlicky biscuit that completes the dish.
• Milk (⅓ cup, for biscuit mix): Binds and moistens the biscuit dough for just the right texture.
• Melted butter (½ stick, for brushing biscuits): Gives the finished biscuits that bronze gloss and mouthwatering aroma.

How to Make Spoon the seafood mixture into greased ramekins or a baking dish

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by melting your butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Toss in the chopped celery, diced onion, and red bell pepper. Let these aromatics sizzle for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft, sweet, and a bit golden around the edges. This is your flavor-packed base!

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant—about 1 minute. Next, stir in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, letting the mixture bubble gently to form a pale roux. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and seafood stock (or broth), whisking all the while until you have a smooth, thickened sauce that coats the back of your spoon perfectly.

Step 3: Add Seafood and Cheddar

Now fold in the shrimp and lump crab. Let the seafood warm gently in the sauce, cooking the shrimp until they’re opaque and pink, just a couple of minutes. Sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar, Old Bay seasoning, chopped parsley, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir until everything is creamy, savory, and just barely cooked through.

Step 4: Spoon the seafood mixture into greased ramekins or a baking dish

Here’s the fun part—Spoon the seafood mixture into greased ramekins or a baking dish, dividing it evenly if using smaller dishes. This step helps the edges caramelize ever so slightly and lets you customize portions (hello, personal seafood pies!).

Step 5: Top with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Goodness

Prepare your Cheddar Bay Biscuit dough according to the package directions (or use your favorite homemade cheddar biscuit recipe). Drop generous spoonfuls of dough right over the seafood mixture in each ramekin or all across the baking dish, making sure there are little peaks and valleys for maximum biscuit texture.

Step 6: Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Slide your bubbly creations into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the biscuits are tall, golden brown, and the seafood filling beneath is bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell like pure heaven!

Step 7: Finish and Serve Warm

For that finishing touch, brush the biscuit tops with melted butter and sprinkle with more chopped parsley. Serve hot and watch the buttery biscuits and creamy seafood disappear from the table in record time.

How to Serve Spoon the seafood mixture into greased ramekins or a baking dish

Garnishes

Once you Spoon the seafood mixture into greased ramekins or a baking dish and bake it to golden splendor, a final flourish of fresh parsley or even a dusting of extra Old Bay on top brings color and an herby pop. A lemon wedge on the side is never amiss—it lifts all the richness with a bright, tangy squeeze just before digging in.

Side Dishes

This seafood pie is hearty, but it absolutely shines with some lighter sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad, fresh steamed green beans, or tender asparagus for a touch of spring. If you want the comfort experience, a bowl of chowder or a simple slaw works wonderfully too!

Creative Ways to Present

Personalize dinner by dividing the filling and biscuits among individual ramekins—Spoon the seafood mixture into greased ramekins or a baking dish for an intimate dinner party or elegant brunch. For family-style sharing, use a large baking dish and watch everyone scoop up their own warm, flaky portion at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, just cover the baking dish or ramekins tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. The flavors settle and meld beautifully overnight, making it a delicious next-day treat.

Freezing

This dish freezes better unbaked—Spoon the seafood mixture into greased ramekins or a baking dish, let it cool, then freeze without the biscuits on top. When you’re ready, thaw, add fresh biscuit dough, and bake as usual for best texture. Fully baked leftovers can also be frozen, but the biscuit topping may soften slightly upon reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes for ramekin portions. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps those biscuits fluffy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use other seafood instead of shrimp and crab?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in scallops, lobster, or even a sturdy white fish. Just make sure to use the same total weight for best results.

What if I don’t have Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix?

No worries—any drop-style cheddar biscuit dough will work. Your favorite homemade recipe is perfect, or you can tweak a standard biscuit mix by adding shredded cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of parsley.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Yes, just keep the ratios the same. If you’re feeding a crowd, Spoon the seafood mixture into greased ramekins or a baking dish (or several), adjust the baking time as needed, and you’re set for a potluck star.

Is this dish spicy?

As written, it’s more savory than spicy. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or more Old Bay to the filling for a kick without overwhelming the beautiful seafood flavors.

Can I make Spoon the seafood mixture into greased ramekins or a baking dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the seafood filling and keep it refrigerated for up to a day. When guests arrive, just Spoon the seafood mixture into greased ramekins or a baking dish, top with biscuit dough, and bake fresh for that just-baked aroma and biscuit perfection.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a comforting, show-stopping seafood bake, it’s time to Spoon the seafood mixture into greased ramekins or a baking dish and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible scents of cheddar, garlic, and ocean-fresh goodness. This recipe feels like a celebration every time—so don’t wait for a special occasion to make it your new favorite!