Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay has become my absolute go-to for a truly special weeknight meal that feels like a weekend treat. I first tried making this dish after a trip to the coast, craving those incredible flavors. The memory of the warm, cheesy biscuits mingling with the rich seafood filling still makes my mouth water! This Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. You’ll love the creamy, garlicky sauce cradling tender shrimp and sweet lobster, all crowned with those irresistible, fluffy cheddar bay biscuits. Get ready for a seafood sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay
You’re going to adore this Seafood Cheddar Bay Biscuits dish for so many reasons:
- Incredible taste: A perfect blend of savory, cheesy, garlicky seafood goodness.
- Quick prep time: Ready in under an hour, making weeknights easier.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love the cheesy biscuits and familiar flavors.
- Budget-friendly twist: A delicious way to enjoy seafood without a restaurant price tag.
- Impressive presentation: It looks as good as it tastes, perfect for guests!
- The Shrimp and Lobster Cheddar Bay combination is simply divine.
- It’s a comforting yet elegant meal that satisfies any craving.
- This Shrimp and Lobster Cheddar Bay bake is a true taste of coastal comfort.
Ingredients for Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay Bake
Gathering your Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay ingredients is the first tasty step toward this incredible dish. For the creamy filling, you’ll need 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to start our savory base. Then, we’ll add 2 garlic cloves, minced and 1 small onion, finely chopped, along with 1 stalk celery, diced to build that aromatic foundation. To thicken our luscious sauce, grab 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. The liquid gold comes from 1 ½ cups seafood stock (or chicken stock) and ½ cup heavy cream, creating a rich, velvety texture. We’ll season it all with 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. The stars of the show are ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, and ½ pound cooked lobster meat, chopped, bringing that delightful seafood essence. Finish the filling with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley. For the irresistible topping, you’ll need 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Don’t forget 2 tablespoons cold butter, grated for that flaky biscuit texture, and ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for maximum cheesiness. Finally, ⅓ cup whole milk (plus 1 tablespoon if needed) binds it all together, with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional) for a little extra freshness.
How to Make Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and those biscuits get nice and golden.
- Step 2: In a sturdy saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once it’s shimmering, add the 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1 small onion, finely chopped, and 1 stalk celery, diced. Cook these aromatics until they’re nice and soft, usually about 5 minutes, filling your kitchen with a wonderful, savory smell.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables. Stir it in and let it cook for about 1 minute. This creates a roux, which is the secret to a perfectly thickened sauce for our Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay.
- Step 4: Slowly whisk in the 1 ½ cups seafood stock and ½ cup heavy cream. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken beautifully, which should take about 5–7 minutes. It will become wonderfully creamy.
- Step 5: Season your filling with 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Give it a good stir to distribute the flavors.
- Step 6: Now for the stars! Add the ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, to the sauce and cook for just 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque—don’t overcook them! Gently stir in the ½ pound cooked lobster meat, chopped, along with the 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley. Remove the pan from the heat. This is where the magic of an Easy Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay recipe truly shines.
- Step 7: For the biscuit topping, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a separate bowl.
- Step 8: Cut in the 2 tablespoons cold butter, grated using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and any optional herbs. This step is key for the texture of your Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuits.
- Step 9: Add the ⅓ cup whole milk and mix until *just* combined. The dough will be sticky, and that’s perfectly fine for this Easy Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay recipe. If it’s too dry, add that extra tablespoon of milk.
- Step 10: Spoon the warm seafood mixture into individual ramekins or a small baking dish. Then, drop dollops of the biscuit dough over the top, spreading them gently to cover most of the filling. This makes for a beautiful presentation of your Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay.
- Step 11: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. The aroma will be incredible!
- Step 12: Let your masterpiece rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it the Best Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay dish you’ll ever have.
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay
Want to elevate your Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay game? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up that guarantee a fantastic result every time:
- Don’t skip the roux! Properly cooking the flour and butter helps thicken the sauce without tasting “floury.”
- Use cold butter for the biscuit topping. This is crucial for achieving that light, flaky texture we all love in Seafood Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
- Ensure your seafood is cooked just right. Shrimp only need a few minutes, and overcooked seafood will be tough.
- If fresh lobster is out of budget, good quality imitation crab meat can be a tasty substitute for a similar Seafood Cheddar Bay Biscuits experience.
What’s the secret to perfect Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay?
The real magic for the Best Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay lies in the balance of the creamy, savory seafood filling and the incredibly cheesy, tender biscuits. A well-made roux ensures a luxurious sauce, while cold butter in the biscuit dough creates that signature flaky texture. For more comforting dishes, check out our ground beef zucchini casserole.
Can I make Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the seafood filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Prepare the biscuit dough just before baking to ensure the best texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay?
Avoid overcooking the shrimp and lobster – they cook very quickly! Also, don’t overmix the biscuit dough; a slightly sticky dough is perfect for tender biscuits. Overmixing can make them tough.
Best Ways to Serve Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay
This decadent Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay bake is a showstopper on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. For a complete meal, I love serving it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Another fantastic option is some steamed asparagus or green beans, which add a lovely freshness. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing Cheddar Bay Shrimp Lobster appetizer, you can serve smaller portions in individual ramekins for guests to enjoy before the main course.
Nutrition Facts for Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional goodness in each serving of this delicious Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay bake:
- Calories: 475
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary slightly based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For more information on healthy eating, you can consult resources like the MyPlate initiative.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay
This delicious Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay casserole is great for meal prep, but knowing how to store and reheat it properly is key. Once it’s cooled down completely, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and they should last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your make-ahead Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay, reheating is simple. For refrigerated portions, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Frozen portions will need a bit longer, about 30-40 minutes, or until the center is hot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay
What makes these Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuits so special?
The magic is in the combination! We’re talking about a rich, creamy seafood filling that’s bursting with flavor, topped with those signature cheesy, slightly garlicky cheddar bay biscuits. It’s a familiar taste with an elevated seafood twist that makes them truly irresistible. If you enjoy seafood, you might also like our Peruvian chicken and rice with green sauce.
How to make Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay that’s perfect every time?
The key to mastering this dish is in the details. Ensure your roux is cooked properly for a smooth sauce, and don’t overcook the delicate shrimp and lobster. For the biscuits, using cold butter and not overmixing the dough are crucial for that light, tender texture.
What are Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuits if I don’t have lobster?
No worries if lobster isn’t available! You can easily substitute with more shrimp, or even lump crab meat or imitation crab meat for a delicious alternative. The flavor profile will still be fantastic, offering that delightful Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay experience.
Can I freeze this Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay bake?
Absolutely! This dish freezes exceptionally well, either before or after baking. For best results, let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven to enjoy that comforting flavor again.
Variations of Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay, don’t be afraid to get creative! For a delightful flavor twist, try a Garlic Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay by adding an extra clove or two of minced garlic to the filling, or even a pinch of garlic powder to the biscuit topping for an extra punch. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could experiment with a dairy-free milk and a plant-based butter for the biscuits, or even top the filling with a simple biscuit or cornbread batter for a different take on Seafood Cheddar Bay Biscuits. For a spicier kick, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the filling can transform this dish into something truly exciting. For another comforting bake, consider our hamburger mushroom bake.
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Shrimp Lobster Cheddar Bay: Divine Seafood Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie offers a rich, creamy filling packed with tender shrimp, sweet lobster, and a savory garlic-herb sauce, all topped with golden, cheesy cheddar bay biscuits. It’s a delightful blend of comfort food and coastal indulgence, perfect for a special meal or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ 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
- For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping:
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic, onion, and celery. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook 1 minute, forming a roux.
- Slowly whisk in seafood stock and cream. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened, 5–7 minutes.
- Season with Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
- Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes until pink. Stir in lobster and parsley. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt for the biscuit topping.
- Cut in the grated cold butter until crumbly. Stir in cheddar and herbs.
- Add milk and mix until just combined. The dough will be sticky.
- Spoon seafood mixture into ramekins or a baking dish. Drop biscuit dough over the top, spreading gently.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until biscuits are golden and cooked through.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- If using frozen seafood, thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- You can use more shrimp or crab if you don’t have lobster.
- Make filling ahead and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.
- Freezes well before or after baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g