Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie: A Comforting Coastal Classic with a Cheesy Twist

Introduction

Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie is a warm, hearty dish that brings together tender seafood, a creamy savory filling, and a golden, cheesy topping inspired by classic cheddar bay flavors. This recipe is perfect when you want comfort food with a coastal touch, offering richness without feeling overly heavy. I first made this pie when I was craving something similar to a seafood pot pie but with more depth and personality. The cheddar-infused topping adds a buttery, savory contrast to the creamy seafood base, making every bite deeply satisfying. What makes this dish especially appealing is how well it works for both family dinners and special occasions. It feels indulgent, yet familiar and comforting. Served straight from the oven, Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie delivers warmth, texture, and bold flavor, making it a reliable recipe you will want to return to again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines creamy seafood filling with a flavorful cheddar topping for a dish that feels both comforting and elevated. It is filling, rich, and ideal for cooler evenings or when you want a complete meal in one dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Seafood mix forms the heart of the pie. Shrimp, scallops, and crab or white fish work well together, offering a balance of sweetness and tenderness.

Butter provides richness and forms the base of the creamy sauce.

Onion adds gentle sweetness and depth to the filling.

Garlic enhances the savory profile and complements the seafood without overpowering it.

All-purpose flour thickens the filling, creating a smooth, velvety consistency.

Milk adds creaminess and balances the richness of the butter.

Cheddar cheese brings sharp, savory flavor to both the filling and the topping.

Chicken or seafood broth deepens the flavor and keeps the filling well-balanced.

Seasonings such as salt, black pepper, and paprika enhance the seafood and sauce.

Fresh herbs like parsley add freshness and color.

Biscuit-style dough creates the Cheddar Bay-inspired topping, adding texture and richness.

Directions

Begin by preheating the oven and preparing a baking dish. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for a minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add broth and milk, whisking until smooth. Allow the sauce to simmer until thickened.

Stir in cheddar cheese until melted, then gently fold in the seafood and seasonings. Transfer the filling to the prepared baking dish.

Prepare the biscuit-style topping and spoon it evenly over the seafood mixture. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the pie to rest briefly before serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves four to six people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with 35 to 40 minutes of baking time, making it ready in approximately 1 hour.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the texture of the topping. Microwaving is possible but may soften the crust.

Variations and Customizations

Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie is easy to customize. You can adjust the seafood combination based on availability, using salmon, cod, or lobster for a more luxurious version. For added vegetables, stir in peas, corn, or diced carrots.

If you prefer extra richness, add a splash of cream to the filling. For a spicier version, a pinch of cayenne or Old Bay-style seasoning adds warmth without overpowering the seafood. Each variation preserves the comforting essence of the dish while allowing personal creativity.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish is high in protein from seafood and provides calcium from cheese and milk. It is filling and satisfying, making it ideal as a main course. Lighter versions can be made by reducing cheese or using low-fat milk.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Seafood texture
Avoid overcooking seafood before baking, as it will finish cooking in the oven.

Sauce consistency
The filling should be thick enough to support the topping without becoming dry.

Cheddar flavor
Use sharp cheddar for the most pronounced flavor.

FAQs

What seafood works best for this pie?

Shrimp, scallops, crab, and firm white fish work very well.

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before using.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the filling ahead and add the topping before baking.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but the topping texture may change slightly.

Can I use puff pastry instead of biscuit topping?

Yes, puff pastry creates a lighter, flakier crust.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, peas and carrots are excellent additions.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, but spice can be added easily.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and topping alternatives.

What should I serve with this pie?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well.

Conclusion

Cheddar Bay Seafood Pie is a rich, comforting dish that combines creamy seafood filling with a savory, cheesy topping. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every serving, making it a standout recipe worth keeping in regular rotation.

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