Golden Cheddar Bay Ocean Casserole Recipe for Seafood Fans
Seafood lovers rejoice as this irresistible cheddar bay ocean delight casserole brings coastal flavors right to your dinner table.
The rich, cheesy goodness mingles perfectly with succulent seafood chunks.
Tender bites of oceanic treasures nestle beneath a golden, buttery crust that crackles with each spoonful.
Sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy punch to every mouthwatering layer.
Fresh herbs dance through the dish, creating a symphony of marine-inspired comfort.
Each forkful promises a delectable journey of creamy textures and bold coastal tastes.
Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.
Gear Needed for Cheddar Bay Ocean Casserole
Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining biscuit mix and creating soup base.
Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending broth and cream of mushroom soup.
13 x 9-inch baking dish: Provides ideal space for layering seafood and biscuit topping.
Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure milk and broth.
Nonstick spray: Ensures easy casserole removal and prevents sticking.
Spatula: Useful for spreading biscuit batter evenly and scraping bowl contents.
Making Cheddar Bay Ocean Casserole Simply
Ocean Treasure Bake
Oven Preparation Cozy kitchen setup with a warm oven ready at 350 degrees, lightly sprayed baking dish waiting to cradle your delightful creation.
Seafood Foundation Spread melted butter across the dish, creating a silky base. Arrange thawed shrimp and tender imitation crab meat like a delicate ocean mosaic.
Creamy Landscape Whisk vegetable broth and mushroom soup into a smooth, velvety sauce. Gently cascade this dreamy mixture over the seafood, creating rippling layers.
Seasoning Symphony Dust Cajun spices across the seafood, letting aromatic hints dance and tantalize. Sprinkle frozen peas for bursts of green vibrancy.
Biscuit Crown Dollop the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix generously over the entire landscape, covering seafood and peas like a golden, cheesy blanket.
Baking Magic Slide the casserole into the warm oven. Let it transform for 45-60 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center sets perfectly.
Pro Tips for Cheddar Bay Ocean Casserole
Seafood Swap Sensation: Replace shrimp with tender crab meat or flaky white fish for a delightful twist on the original recipe.
Spice Level Adventure: Dial up the heat by adding extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Cajun seasoning for bold flavor lovers.
Veggie Boost Bonus: Mix in additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or chopped spinach to increase nutrition and add color to the casserole.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
Serving Cheddar Bay Ocean Casserole Beautifully
Coastal Comfort Companions: Pair this seafood casserole with a crisp green salad featuring cucumber and dill for a refreshing contrast to the rich dish.
Zesty Sidekick Suggestions: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or garlic-sautéed green beans to add a vibrant vegetable element that complements the seafood flavors.
Wine Harmony Pairing: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy casserole's richness and enhance the delicate seafood notes.
Texture Touchdown Extras: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh garnish that provides a pop of color and subtle herbal freshness.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories: 480 kcal
Servings: 7
Ingredients in Cheddar Bay Ocean Casserole
For Seafood Base:
Shrimp: Sweet ocean treasures that provide delicate protein and tender texture; choose medium-sized, tail-off frozen shrimp for easiest preparation.
Imitation Crab Meat: Mild seafood alternative with flaky consistency; select vacuum-sealed package for freshest quality.
For Creamy Binding:
Vegetable Broth: Flavor-enhancing liquid that creates silky foundation; opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Rich, velvety sauce that adds depth and creaminess; select condensed version for optimal thickness.
Milk: Smooths biscuit mixture and adds subtle richness; whole milk provides best texture and flavor.
For Flavor and Topping:
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: Signature cheesy base that transforms into golden crown; includes convenient seasoning packet.
Frozen Peas: Bright green bursts of sweetness that add nutritional pop; select petite variety for even distribution.
Butter: Creates luxurious base layer and enhances overall golden color; use unsalted for precise seasoning control.
Cajun Seasoning: Zesty spice blend that brings vibrant maritime kick; choose salt-free version for customizable heat.
Store and Reheat Cheddar Bay Ocean Casserole
Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover casserole into airtight containers, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption in the refrigerator.
Cooling Countdown: Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating, which helps prevent condensation and maintains optimal texture.
Refrigerator Lifespan: Store the prepared dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping seafood safety and quality in mind for best taste and nutritional value.
Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in heavy-duty aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers to store for up to 2 months, perfect for quick future meals.
Red Lobster’s cheddar bay ocean delight casserole brings together seafood and cheesy goodness in one comforting dish. Hearty layers of tender shrimp, flaky fish, and melted cheddar cheese create a memorable meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F with rack centered. Generously spray 13 x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick coating to prevent sticking.
Batter Creation: Combine Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, seasoning packet, and milk in a bowl, whisking until smooth and lump-free. Set aside for later use.
Sauce Development: Whisk vegetable broth and cream of mushroom soup until achieving a silky, uniform liquid base that will infuse the casserole with rich flavor.
Seafood Layering: Drizzle melted butter across baking dish bottom. Arrange thawed shrimp in an even layer, then distribute imitation crab meat uniformly over the seafood foundation.
Seasoning and Coverage: Pour broth-soup mixture evenly over seafood, ensuring complete submersion. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning generously to enhance the maritime flavor profile.
Final Assembly: Scatter frozen peas across the seasoned seafood layer. Delicately spread the reserved biscuit batter to completely cover the underlying ingredients, creating a uniform top layer.
Baking Process: Transfer casserole to preheated oven, baking for 45-60 minutes until center becomes firm and surface turns golden brown with appetizing crisp edges.
Notes
Seafood Selection Tip: Use fresh or high-quality thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor intensity.
Moisture Management: Ensure shrimp and imitation crab are pat dry to prevent excess liquid in the casserole.
Seasoning Strategy: Adjust Cajun spice levels to personal heat tolerance, balancing flavor without overwhelming seafood.
Baking Brilliance: Check casserole at 45-minute mark to prevent over-browning and maintain optimal moisture.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.