Hearty Shrimp Gravy Smothered Over Cheesy Cheddar Bay Bacon Biscuits
Prepare yourself for a culinary journey that combines comfort food with a touch of Southern charm: our epic recipe for Shrimp Gravy over irresistible Cheddar Bay Bacon Biscuits. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience as delightful to prepare as it is to savor. Imagine fluffy, cheesy biscuits, inspired by the beloved Red Lobster classic but made even better with crispy bacon, serving as the perfect foundation for a rich, creamy shrimp gravy. This creative seafood dish with a distinct low-country vibe is destined to become a new family favorite, offering a unique twist on the traditional biscuits and gravy.
The genesis of this incredible dish traces back to one of my favorite culinary challenges: creating a spectacular dinner purely from ingredients I already had on hand. This practice, which I embrace regularly, helps minimize food waste, declutter the pantry, and ensure frozen items are used before they lose their freshness. The rules are simple: no last-minute grocery runs, no calling the spouse to pick something up, and certainly no knocking on the neighbor’s door. Everything must be sourced from the pantry, fridge, or freezer.
Usually, the results of these “pantry challenges” are perfectly edible, sometimes even quite good. But then there are those rare, magical occasions when something truly extraordinary emerges – a dish so fantastic, you wonder how it ever came to be. This shrimp gravy over cheddar bay bacon biscuits recipe is one of those fantastic triumphs. It’s a testament to how simple, readily available ingredients can combine to create something truly spectacular.
Why This Shrimp Gravy and Biscuit Recipe is a Must-Try
This dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will captivate your palate. The buttery, flaky biscuits, infused with sharp cheddar and smoky bacon, provide a comforting base. Ladled generously over them is a velvety, savory gravy brimming with succulent shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and sweet corn. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent and special, yet remains approachable enough for a weeknight dinner.
- Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The richness of the creamy gravy perfectly complements the savory, cheesy, and slightly smoky notes of the bacon-infused biscuits.
- Comfort Food at Its Finest: It delivers the ultimate comfort experience, reminiscent of classic Southern fare but with an exciting seafood twist.
- Creative & Unique: This isn’t your everyday meal. It’s a creative approach to using common ingredients, resulting in a dish that feels gourmet and innovative.
- Surprisingly Easy: Despite its impressive presentation and complex flavors, both the biscuits and the gravy are straightforward to prepare, even for novice cooks.
The Marvel of Cheddar Bay Bacon Biscuits (A Red Lobster Copycat)
Let’s talk about those biscuits! The inspiration for these flaky delights comes from the famously addictive Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. But why stop at perfection when you can elevate it? By adding crispy, savory bacon into the dough, we introduce a layer of smoky depth that takes these biscuits from great to absolutely divine. These aren’t just sides; they’re an integral part of the main course, designed to soak up every last drop of that incredible shrimp gravy.
The key to light and airy biscuits lies in cold ingredients and minimal handling. Using a food processor simplifies the process dramatically, ensuring the butter remains cold and the dough isn’t overworked, which can lead to tough biscuits. The buttermilk contributes to their tender texture and a subtle tang, while the sharp cheddar melts into gooey pockets of flavor. And that dusting of seafood seasoning (like Old Bay) on top before baking? It adds that signature coastal aroma and a hint of spice that truly seals the deal.
Crafting Your Perfect Cheddar Bay Bacon Biscuits
Making these biscuits is surprisingly simple, especially with a few clever tricks. Here’s how you’ll achieve biscuit perfection:
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Cold Butter: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, baking powder, salt, and diced cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures the butter pieces remain distinct, creating those coveted flaky layers when baked. If you don’t have a food processor, a pastry cutter in a large bowl works just as well.
- Add Cheese, Bacon, and Buttermilk: Introduce the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, and cold buttermilk. Pulse (or mix gently with a fork) just until the ingredients are barely combined. The goal is to avoid overmixing, which develops gluten and can result in tough biscuits. A slightly shaggy dough is ideal.
- Form Drop Biscuits: Instead of laboriously rolling and cutting the dough, we’re making “drop biscuits.” Simply spoon generous dollops of dough onto a baking sheet. This saves time and effort while still producing beautifully rustic biscuits. Aim for about 8 large biscuits.
- Season and Bake: Lightly dust the tops of your biscuits with seafood seasoning. This adds a fantastic aromatic and savory crust. Bake in a preheated oven until they turn a glorious golden brown and are wonderfully toasted on the outside, typically 10-15 minutes.
- Enjoy Warm: Remove them from the oven and try not to eat them all before the gravy is ready! Their warm, cheesy, bacon-infused aroma will fill your kitchen.
Using the food processor to mix biscuit dough is a technique I’ve relied on for years, not just for biscuits but also for making perfect pie crust dough. It’s all about quick pulses to bring the ingredients together without overworking them, making baking feel effortless.
While these golden-brown beauties are baking, it’s time to shift our focus to the star of the show: the creamy, dreamy shrimp gravy. This component is equally straightforward, ensuring your entire meal comes together smoothly.
The Richness of the Creamy Shrimp Gravy
This shrimp gravy is a flavor powerhouse – thick, creamy, and bursting with the freshness of seafood, complemented by savory mushrooms and sweet corn. It’s the perfect companion to those cheesy bacon biscuits, creating a truly memorable meal. The secret to its velvety texture and deep flavor lies in a properly made roux and careful cooking of the shrimp.
Steps to Making the Perfect Shrimp Gravy:
- Quick-Sear the Shrimp: The most crucial step for tender, succulent shrimp is to avoid overcooking them initially. Toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with a little olive oil and a pinch of seafood seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the shrimp for just a minute or two per side, until they are lightly pink on the exterior but still translucent (raw) in the middle. Immediately remove them from the heat and set aside. They will finish cooking gently in the warm gravy, ensuring they remain perfectly tender.
- Brown the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the chopped mushrooms over medium-high heat. Allow them to brown nicely, stirring occasionally. This brings out their deep, earthy flavor and adds another layer of texture to the gravy. Once softened and golden, remove them from the skillet.
- Build the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Continue whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This mixture acts as the thickening agent for your gravy and develops a nutty flavor.
- Thicken the Gravy: Slowly pour in the half-and-half while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, over medium-high heat. The mixture will gradually thicken into a smooth, luscious gravy consistency.
- Combine and Finish: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the partially cooked shrimp, browned mushrooms, and corn kernels. The residual heat from the gravy will gently finish cooking the shrimp, preserving their delicate texture. Season the gravy with the remaining seafood seasoning, salt, and fresh cracked pepper to taste.
The trick with the shrimp, as mentioned, is patience and timing. A quick initial sear ensures some caramelization and flavor development on the outside, while leaving the inside slightly undercooked prevents them from turning rubbery when added to the hot gravy. This technique guarantees perfectly plump and juicy shrimp every time.
On a side note, while crafting this gravy, I couldn’t help but think how a few diced potatoes and some sautéed onions could easily transform this into a delightful shrimp chowder. A recipe idea for another day!
Assembling Your Culinary Masterpiece
Once your biscuits are golden and your shrimp gravy is perfectly seasoned and thick, it’s time to bring this sensational dinner together. Gently split each warm biscuit horizontally using a fork – this creates a beautiful, rustic surface perfect for soaking up the gravy. Generously ladle the creamy shrimp gravy over the bottom biscuit half, then place the top half on. For an extra touch of decadence and flavor, spoon a little more gravy over the top, then garnish with fresh chopped green onions and additional crumbled bacon. The combination of succulent shrimp, sweet corn, savory bacon, and cheesy, fluffy biscuits in every bite is truly unforgettable.
Each delicious bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors – the crunch of bacon, the tender snap of shrimp, the creamy gravy, and the soft biscuit all merging into a wonderfully satisfying experience. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of creative cooking and simple, incredible ingredients.
Tips for Success
- Keep Biscuit Ingredients Cold: Ensure your butter and buttermilk are very cold. This helps create pockets of steam during baking, leading to flaky biscuits.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the biscuit dough just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which results in tough biscuits.
- Perfect Shrimp Texture: The partial cooking of the shrimp before adding them to the gravy is key. They will finish cooking in the residual heat, ensuring they remain tender and juicy.
- Whisk Your Roux Continuously: When making the roux and adding the half-and-half, whisk constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, velvety gravy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and seafood seasoning to your preference.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for your biscuits.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh chopped chives or parsley into the biscuit dough or sprinkle them over the finished dish for an aromatic boost.
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables to the gravy, such as diced bell peppers, celery, or peas, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy or use a spicier Cajun seasoning blend. A dash of hot sauce also works wonders.
- Different Seafood: While shrimp is fantastic, you could also try this gravy with scallops, crawfish tails, or even a mix of seafood.
- Smoked Paprika: A teaspoon of smoked paprika in the gravy can add a beautiful depth and subtle smokiness.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover shrimp gravy and biscuits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheating the gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, is best. You might need to add a splash of milk or half-and-half to thin it slightly if it thickens too much. Biscuits can be reheated in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.
So there you have it – a creative, fun, and incredibly delicious recipe for shrimp gravy with cheddar bay bacon biscuits. It’s a dish that proves some of the best meals come from culinary exploration and a willingness to try something new with familiar ingredients. Give it a try, and prepare to be amazed by this low-country inspired masterpiece!
If this recipe looks good, check out these other pantry-ingredient recipe ideas:
- Vegan Mexican Macaroni Bake
- Quinoa and Black Bean Casserole
- Mexican Chicken Pizza
- Super Quick Mexican Baked Penne
Shrimp Gravy over Cheddar Bay Bacon Biscuits
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Ingredients
For the Cheddar Bay Bacon Biscuits
- ½ cup unsalted cold butter diced
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 strips bacon cooked, chilled, and crumbled
- seafood seasoning for dusting
For the Shrimp Gravy
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined (roughly chopped, if desired, or left whole)
- 8 oz mushrooms chopped
- 3 Tbs olive oil divided
- 3 Tbs unsalted butter
- 3 Tbs all-purpose flour
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 cup half and half
- ½ tsp seafood seasoning
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ⅛ tsp fresh cracked pepper
- garnish: chopped green onion and additional crumbled bacon
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
For the Cheddar Bay Bacon Biscuits:
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In a food processor (or in a large mixing bowl with a pastry cutter), pulse the flour, baking powder, salt, and cold, diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, and cold buttermilk, then pulse (or mix with a fork) just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
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Spoon the biscuit dough onto a baking sheet, forming 8 large drop biscuits. Sprinkle seafood seasoning generously over the tops. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and set aside.
For the Shrimp Gravy:
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Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with a good pinch each of salt, pepper, and seafood seasoning. Set aside.
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Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook until very lightly pink on one side, then flip and cook briefly until lightly pink on the other side (the center should still be raw). This quick sear prevents overcooking. Remove from heat and transfer the shrimp to a dish; set aside.
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In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and sauté, tossing occasionally, until they are softened, deeply browned, and fragrant. Remove from heat.
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In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring regularly, to create a smooth roux. While whisking constantly, slowly add the half-and-half. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, over medium-high heat until the mixture thickens to the consistency of a rich gravy.
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Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the partially cooked shrimp, browned mushrooms, and corn kernels (the shrimp will finish cooking in the hot sauce). Add the remaining seafood seasoning, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper to taste.
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To serve, gently split the warm biscuits in half with a fork. Spoon a generous amount of shrimp gravy over the bottom biscuit half, then top with the other half. Spoon a little more gravy over the assembled biscuit, and garnish with chopped green onion and additional bacon crumbles for extra flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
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