Cozy Cheddar Bay Ocean Delight Casserole Recipe for Seafood Fans

Cheddar bay ocean delight casserole brings maritime magic straight to your dinner table.

Seafood lovers understand the irresistible allure of creamy, cheesy comfort dishes that spark culinary excitement.

Imagine a harmonious blend of tender oceanic proteins nestled beneath a golden, buttery biscuit-like topping.

Rich, savory flavors dance together in this inventive coastal-inspired creation.

Delicate seafood mingles with sharp cheese notes, creating a symphony of textures that tantalize your taste buds.

Regional coastal influences shine through in every decadent bite of this mouthwatering dish.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through maritime culinary traditions that will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love Cheddar Bay Ocean Delight Casserole

• Dive into a mouthwatering combination of succulent shrimp and imitation crab, creating a delightful ocean-inspired flavor profile that will transport your taste buds to coastal paradise.
• Experience the perfect blend of rich cream of mushroom soup and vegetable broth, forming a luxurious base that hugs every morsel of seafood with velvety smoothness.
• Enjoy the iconic Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix spread across the top, delivering a crispy, cheesy golden crust that adds irresistible texture and flavor to this one-dish wonder.
• Whip up this impressive casserole with minimal prep time and simple ingredients, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal without complex cooking techniques.

Ingredients That Go Into Cheddar Bay Ocean Delight Casserole

• Shrimp: Tender protein that creates the main seafood foundation of the casserole, best when thawed completely.
• Imitation Crab Meat: Provides a soft, mild seafood flavor and additional texture, look for good quality chunks.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates a light, savory liquid base that helps bind the casserole, low-sodium varieties work well.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Delivers rich, creamy consistency and depth of flavor, classic pantry staple.
• Frozen Peas: Adds bright color and subtle sweetness, provides additional vegetable element.

• Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: Signature topping that creates a cheesy, herbed crust, includes special seasoning packet.
• Milk: Helps bind the biscuit mix and create a tender topping, whole milk recommended for richness.
• Butter: Provides a golden base and enhances overall flavor, melted before adding to baking dish.
• Cajun Seasoning: Offers a spicy, complex flavor profile to enhance seafood layers, adjust to personal heat preference.

How to Prepare Cheddar Bay Ocean Delight Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

• Adjust oven rack to middle position
• Turn oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
• Spray 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray
• Set dish aside for later use

Step 2: Create Biscuit Base

• Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
• Seasoning packet
• Whole milk

Stir ingredients until smooth and free of lumps

Let mixture rest while preparing other components

Step 3: Build Creamy Seafood Foundation

• Vegetable broth
• Cream of mushroom soup

Blend until mixture becomes silky and consistent

Step 4: Layer Seafood and Vegetables

• Pour melted butter into prepared baking dish
• Spread thawed shrimp evenly across bottom
• Distribute diced imitation crab meat over shrimp
• Sprinkle Cajun seasoning across seafood layer
• Scatter frozen green peas over seafood

Step 5: Top With Biscuit Mixture

• Gently pour soup mixture over seafood and peas
• Spread prepared biscuit batter completely over top
• Ensure entire surface is covered

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

• Place casserole in preheated oven
• Bake for 45-60 minutes
• Check for golden brown top
• Verify center is fully set
• Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving

Enjoy your coastal comfort meal!

Tips for the Creamiest Cheddar Bay Ocean Delight Casserole

• Seafood Selection Strategy: Choose high-quality, fresh or properly thawed seafood to ensure maximum flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Biscuit Batter Brilliance: Mix the biscuit batter gently to avoid overmixing, which can create tough, dense topping instead of light, fluffy layers.
• Seasoning Sophistication: Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste, starting with a light sprinkle and adding more for bold flavor lovers.
• Golden Brown Perfection: Check the casserole at 40 minutes to prevent over-browning, using aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly while the center needs more cooking time.
• Resting Ritual: Allow the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking, which helps set the layers and makes serving easier without falling apart.

Storage and Reheating for Cheddar Bay Ocean Casserole

Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer any remaining casserole into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze Portions: Pack individual servings in freezer-safe containers, which can be preserved for 2-3 months without losing quality.

Reheat Carefully: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Alternatively, restore moisture and texture by reheating in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

Dishes That Pair Well with Ocean Delight Casserole

• Seafood Wine Selection: Pair this rich casserole with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay. These white wines complement the seafood's delicate flavors and cut through the creamy texture, creating a balanced dining experience.
• Zesty Side Salad Match: Create a bright citrus salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy elements will contrast nicely with the casserole's creamy and savory profile, refreshing your palate between bites.
• Herbal Beverage Companion: Serve with an iced herbal tea infused with lemon and mint. The cool, refreshing drink will balance the warm, cheesy casserole and provide a light counterpoint to the dish's richness.
• Rustic Bread Pairing: Offer a crusty sourdough or garlic bread on the side. The bread's crisp texture and slightly tangy flavor will perfectly complement the casserole's creamy seafood base and help soak up the delicious sauce.

Creative Variations for Cheddar Bay Ocean Delight

• Coastal Crab Casserole Remix: Replace shrimp with fresh lump crab meat and add diced bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
• Spicy Southwest Seafood Bake: Incorporate chorizo, jalapeños, and swap Cajun seasoning for a chipotle spice blend to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Ocean Fusion: Add chopped artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and replace Cajun seasoning with a blend of oregano and garlic powder for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Cheesy Salmon Comfort Casserole: Substitute shrimp and imitation crab with fresh salmon chunks, and mix in some cream cheese to enhance the richness and creaminess of the dish.

Questions About Cheddar Bay Ocean Delight Casserole

• Can I use fresh seafood instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh shrimp and crab meat work perfectly. Just ensure they’re thoroughly cleaned and pat dry before adding to the casserole.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for a golden brown top and a set center. Insert a knife in the middle – it should come out clean without any raw batter. The total baking time is typically 45-60 minutes.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

• What can I substitute if I don't have Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix?

You can use a homemade biscuit mix or another store-bought brand. Just ensure it’s a similar cheesy, savory mix to maintain the recipe’s signature flavor profile.

Cheddar Bay Ocean Delight Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Red Lobster’s legendary Cheddar Bay Biscuits inspire this comforting ocean delight casserole, blending succulent seafood with cheesy, herbed goodness. Guests will savor each creamy, golden-crusted bite of maritime magic that brings coastal flavors directly to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) frozen cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail off, thawed
• 3 oz (85 grams) imitation crab meat, diced

Vegetable and Broth Ingredients:

• 1 cup (150 grams) peas, frozen
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable broth
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

Baking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
• 1 stick (113 grams) butter, melted
• 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the center. Lavishly coat a 13 x 9-inch baking vessel with nonstick spray to ensure effortless release.
2. Whisk the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with its accompanying seasoning packet and milk in a mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous batter. Reserve to the side.
3. In a separate container, blend vegetable broth and cream of mushroom soup until the liquid achieves a silky, uniform consistency that will serve as the casserole’s luxurious foundation.
4. Drizzle melted butter across the prepared baking dish, creating a glistening base layer. Distribute thawed shrimp in an even, elegant pattern, then cascade diced imitation crab meat atop the seafood landscape.
5. Gently cascade the broth-soup fusion over the seafood, ensuring complete coverage. Dust the surface with Cajun seasoning, allowing the spices to dance across the marine terrain.
6. Scatter frozen peas like emerald jewels across the seasoned seafood canvas. Crown the creation by spreading the reserved biscuit batter, completely veiling the underlying ingredients.
7. Slide the casserole into the heated oven, allowing it to transform for 45-60 minutes. The dish is ready when the center sets firmly and the top achieves a golden, appetizing complexion.

Notes

• Seafood lovers rejoice with this easy one-dish wonder packed with shrimp, crab, and comforting biscuit topping.
• Frozen peas add a quick nutrition boost and vibrant color to this hearty seafood casserole.
• Cajun seasoning brings a zesty kick that transforms this simple meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.
• Thaw shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent watery texture.
• Baking time varies by oven, so check casserole at 45 minutes and look for golden-brown biscuit topping and set center.
• Leftovers stay fresh in refrigerator for 2-3 days, making this a fantastic meal-prep option for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg