Homemade Cheddar Bay Seafood Cobbler

Introduction

Homemade Cheddar Bay Seafood Cobbler is the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers, combining the best of two worlds: fresh seafood and buttery, cheesy biscuits. Imagine digging into a bubbling cobbler filled with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and delicate scallops, all nestled in a creamy, flavorful filling. On top sits a layer of golden-brown Cheddar Bay biscuits, infused with garlic and herbs, soaking up the savory juices while staying perfectly flaky. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you need a cozy treat on a chilly evening.

What makes this seafood cobbler truly special is the variety of textures and flavors. The creamy seafood filling is rich and indulgent, while the biscuit topping adds a cheesy, garlicky crunch that’s reminiscent of Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits—only better because it’s homemade! The flavors meld together beautifully, with each bite offering a perfect balance of seafood and buttery biscuit goodness.

This recipe has a personal touch for me; it was inspired by a holiday dinner where I wanted to bring something different yet comforting to the table. I experimented with adding a seafood twist to a classic cobbler, and the result was such a hit that it quickly became a family favorite. It’s a versatile dish, too—feel free to mix and match your favorite seafood, or add extra herbs and spices to suit your taste. Whether served as a hearty main course or an impressive dish for guests, this Homemade Cheddar Bay Seafood Cobbler is sure to impress and satisfy every craving!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are several reasons why this Homemade Cheddar Bay Seafood Cobbler will become a favorite:

• Hearty Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and creamy, this dish is perfect for comfort food cravings.
• Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topper: Brings the beloved flavors of Red Lobster’s biscuits right to your table.
• Variety of Seafood: Offers a rich combination of shrimp, crab, and scallops for a seafood lover’s delight.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out the seafood or customize based on availability.
• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps make it suitable for various skill levels in the kitchen.
• Impressive Presentation: The golden, bubbling top makes for a beautiful dish to serve at dinner parties.
• Homemade Taste: Gives you the satisfaction of a homemade meal with the flavors of a restaurant dish.
• Customizable Flavor Profile: Add different herbs and spices to create your signature version.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped in advance and baked before serving for convenience.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for holidays, gatherings, or simply elevating a weeknight dinner.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 520 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fat: 32g, Carbohydrates: 34g, Protein: 24g, Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make Homemade Cheddar Bay Seafood Cobbler:

For the Seafood Filling

• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1/2 pound sea scallops, cut into quarters
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups seafood stock or clam juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredient Highlights

• Seafood: Provides a mix of textures and flavors with shrimp, crab, and scallops.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the biscuit topping.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Enhances the seafood’s natural flavors with a touch of spice.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy filling for the cobbler.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Homemade Cheddar Bay Seafood Cobbler:

Prepare the Seafood Filling

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Seafood: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and scallops, cooking until just opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Roux: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the seafood stock and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer.
5. Season: Add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped parsley.
6. Combine Seafood: Return the cooked shrimp and scallops to the skillet, along with the crab meat. Stir to combine, then transfer to a baking dish.

Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cubed cold butter, using a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.
4. Add Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
5. Top the Filling: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit mixture over the seafood filling in the baking dish.

Bake the Cobbler

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Cool Slightly: Allow the cobbler to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve

1. Transfer to Plates: Spoon servings onto plates.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

How to Serve

Here are some serving suggestions for Homemade Cheddar Bay Seafood Cobbler:

• Serve with a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Add Fresh Lemon Wedges: Squeeze lemon over the cobbler for a burst of citrusy brightness.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
• Accompany with Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread for a delicious way to soak up the sauce.
• Serve in Individual Ramekins: Present in small ramekins for a personalized touch and even baking.
• Pair with White Wine: Enjoy with a glass of dry white wine for a classic seafood pairing.
• Offer Hot Sauce: Provide hot sauce on the side for guests who enjoy an extra kick.
• Add a Creamy Slaw: Serve with a side of creamy coleslaw for a refreshing texture contrast.
• Accompany with Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli or asparagus for a balanced meal.
• Serve Warm and Fresh: Enjoy straight out of the oven while the cheddar topping is crispy and hot.

Additional Tips

Enhance your Homemade Cheddar Bay Seafood Cobbler with these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh seafood will give the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Be cautious not to overcook the seafood before baking.
• Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter is key to achieving a flaky biscuit topping.
• Use a Pastry Cutter: A pastry cutter helps incorporate the butter into the flour mixture.
• Bake Until Golden: Make sure the biscuits are golden brown for the best texture.
• Add More Cheese: For extra cheesiness, top the biscuits with additional shredded cheddar.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or spices.
• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Reheat Gently: Reheat in the oven to retain the cobbler’s texture.
• Make it Spicier: Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Recipe Variations

Try these creative variations for your Homemade Cheddar Bay Seafood Cobbler:

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the biscuit mix for extra heat.
• Cajun Style: Season seafood with Cajun seasoning for a Southern twist.
• Mixed Seafood: Use a variety of seafood, such as scallops, crab, and shrimp, for added flavors.
• Herb-Infused Biscuits: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the biscuit dough.
• Garlic Lover’s Edition: Add roasted garlic to the filling for an intense garlic flavor.
• Creamy Sauce: Mix in cream cheese or heavy cream to make the sauce extra rich.
• Add Vegetables: Include diced bell peppers, corn, or peas for extra texture.
• Cheesy Bliss: Add more cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan, to the biscuit topping.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix and flour for a gluten-free version.
• Bacon Upgrade: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon into the filling for a smoky touch.

Freezing and Storage

Keep your Homemade Cheddar Bay Seafood Cobbler fresh with these storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cobbler in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen cobbler in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Special Equipment

Make your cooking process smoother with these recommended tools:

1. Ovenproof Skillet: For baking the cobbler evenly and maintaining heat throughout cooking.
2. Pastry Cutter: To blend the biscuit dough ingredients for a crumbly texture.
3. Whisk: For mixing sauces and ensuring a smooth consistency.
4. Seafood Cracker: Handy for cracking shells if using whole seafood pieces.
5. Basting Brush: For brushing butter on the biscuit topping for a golden finish.
6. Fine Mesh Strainer: To drain any excess liquid from the seafood.
7. Kitchen Shears: Useful for cutting seafood into manageable pieces.
8. Rolling Pin: For flattening biscuit dough if you prefer a thinner topping.
9. Garlic Press: Easily crush garlic for adding to the seafood mixture.
10. Digital Thermometer: To check that the seafood reaches a safe internal temperature.

FAQ Section

• Can I use frozen seafood?
  Yes, thaw and drain frozen seafood before using it in the recipe.
• How can I make the cobbler spicier?
  Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Can I use milk instead of cream?
  Yes, but the filling will be less rich and creamy.
• How can I keep the biscuit topping flaky?
  Make sure the butter is cold and avoid overmixing the dough.
• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
  Yes, you can assemble the cobbler in advance and bake it when ready.
• Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
  Use dairy-free substitutes for the butter, cream, and cheese.
• What other herbs go well with this dish?
  Dill, thyme, or tarragon would complement the flavors.
• How can I make the filling thicker?
  Add an extra tablespoon of flour when making the roux.
• Can I use store-bought biscuit mix?
  Yes, you can use pre-made biscuit mix for convenience.
• What side dishes go well with this cobbler?
  Serve with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.

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Conclusion

Homemade Cheddar Bay Seafood Cobbler brings together the richness of seafood and the comforting taste of cheddar biscuits in a dish that’s sure to please. Its creamy filling, featuring succulent seafood and fresh vegetables, is topped with fluffy, golden cheddar biscuits that create a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This dish is perfect for warming up on chilly days, making it a cozy choice for dinner.

Whether you’re looking for a main course to impress guests or a comforting meal for a quiet night at home, this seafood cobbler delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. The easy preparation and delicious outcome make it a fantastic recipe to have on hand for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and the simple pleasure of making a meal that feels like a special treat! I can’t wait to see your version of this delicious dish, so don’t forget to share your photos on social media and tag me—I love seeing your culinary adventures!