Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar

If you’re looking for a cozy, indulgent dish that brings the luxurious flavors of the sea right to your table, Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar will absolutely steal your heart. This recipe combines tender shrimp and succulent lobster meat swimming in a creamy, seasoned sauce, all topped with fluffy cheddar biscuits that bake to golden perfection. Every bite bursts with savory richness, making it a perfect comfort meal that feels special without a complicated fuss. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar offers an elegant twist on seafood that’s surprisingly simple to whip up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a crucial role, from the fragrant garlic and crisp celery to the sharp cheddar cheese that crowns the dish with a golden, cheesy topping.

• Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base and adds depth when cooking the aromatics.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with its unmistakable savory aroma.
• Small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and texture complexity.
• Celery stalk, diced: Brings a subtle crunch and refreshing flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the creamy sauce and forming the biscuit topping.
• Seafood stock (or chicken stock): Creates a flavorful liquid base that enhances the seafood.
• Heavy cream: Gives the filling its luscious, velvety consistency.
• Old Bay seasoning: The classic seafood spice blend that perfectly complements shrimp and lobster.
• Salt and black pepper: Balances and enhances the overall flavors.
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides tender, sweet seafood bites throughout the dish.
• Cooked lobster meat, chopped: Adds luxurious texture and flavor.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with herbal notes and fresh color.
• Baking powder: Helps the biscuit topping rise beautifully and become fluffy.
• Garlic powder: Boosts the biscuit’s flavor with a hint of warmth.
• Cold butter, grated: Ensures the biscuit topping is delightfully flaky when baked.
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Provides a rich, tangy finish on top of the biscuits.
• Whole milk: Moistens the biscuit dough for the perfect consistency.
• Fresh chives or parsley (optional): Adds an optional burst of fresh herbaceous flavor to the topping.

How to Make Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatic Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for baking. Then, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, and diced celery. Cook these until they soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes. This base is the flavor backbone of your Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar, giving it rich complexity right from the start.

Step 2: Make the Roux and Creamy Sauce

Next, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. This forms the roux, a thickening agent that makes the sauce perfectly creamy. Slowly whisk in 1½ cups of seafood stock and ½ cup of heavy cream, stirring until the mixture smooths and thickens, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. The result is a luscious, velvety base that will hug every bite of seafood.

Step 3: Season and Add Seafood

Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. These seasonings bring the essential flavors of the sea to life. Add the peeled shrimp and cook just until pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, stir in the chopped lobster meat and 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley. Remove the pan from heat—your filling is now bursting with savory goodness.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheddar Biscuit Topping

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cut in 2 tablespoons of cold, grated butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and your choice of 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley for an optional fresh bite. Add ⅓ cup whole milk and mix until just combined; the dough will be sticky and ready to top the seafood filling.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the rich seafood mixture into individual ramekins or a baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the top and gently spread it to cover the filling evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. Once out of the oven, allow your Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set beautifully before serving.

How to Serve Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add freshness, sprinkle additional chopped parsley or chives right before serving. A light drizzle of melted butter over the biscuits can add extra sheen and richness, making each bite even more inviting. These simple touches highlight the rustic charm and homemade feel of this delightful dish.

Side Dishes

Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar pairs wonderfully with crisp, bright side dishes that contrast its creamy richness. A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts make excellent companions. For a heartier meal, garlic roasted potatoes add comfort and balance the seafood flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar in individual mini cast iron skillets or scalloped ramekins for a rustic yet elegant look. Add a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of paprika on top of the biscuits for color. Setting the dish on a wooden board with crusty bread slices invites shared, convivial dining that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which may be rare because it’s that good), store the Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. This way, you can enjoy the comforting flavors even on a busy, no-cook night.

Freezing

While the biscuit topping is best enjoyed freshly baked for fluffiness, the seafood filling can be frozen. Place it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and topping with freshly baked biscuits.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. If the biscuit topping loses its crispness, you can refresh it under the broiler for a minute or two—but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. This gentle reheating ensures the Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar tastes almost as good as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp and lobster for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your creamy filling. Using fresh, high-quality seafood will deliver the best flavor, but frozen works perfectly fine.

What can I substitute if I don’t have seafood stock?

Chicken stock or vegetable stock can be used as a substitute if seafood stock is unavailable. While seafood stock gives the richest flavor, chicken stock maintains depth, and vegetable stock keeps it light and fresh.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

To create a dairy-free version, substitute unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or another creamy non-dairy milk instead of heavy cream and whole milk. Choose a dairy-free cheddar-style cheese to maintain the cheesy topping flavor.

Can I make the biscuit topping gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Baking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on the biscuit topping as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

How spicy is Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar?

This dish features a mild, comforting spice level due to the Old Bay seasoning, which adds warmth without overwhelming heat. If you enjoy a bit more kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.

Final Thoughts

There is something undeniably magical about the harmony of flavors in Shrimp & Lobster Cheddar. This dish offers indulgent seafood decadence combined with the homely goodness of cheddar biscuits, creating a meal that feels both luxurious and approachable. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, making this recipe will surely become a cherished favorite. Don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, seafood-filled bite. You’ll be glad you did!

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