How to Make Creamy Shrimp Biscuits & Gravy

Imagine biting into a fluffy, golden biscuit, drenched in a rich, velvety sauce overflowing with tender shrimp and delicate crab, leaving a warm, savory embrace. This is the ultimate comfort food experience.

This dish always transports me back to those cozy family brunches, where comfort food reigned and we’d all fight for the last delicious bite. It is a memory maker, every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen, combining ease of preparation with gourmet results that will impress anyone at your table. Its unique flavor profile, blending the briny sweetness of shrimp and crab with a savory, creamy sauce, offers a delightful departure from the ordinary, proving that comfort food can also be sophisticated. The stunning presentation, with golden biscuits peeking through a luscious seafood blanket, makes it a feast for the eyes before it even touches your tongue. If you are ready to master how to make creamy shrimp biscuits and gravy that truly impresses, this recipe provides an unforgettable experience for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this delicious dish:

1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits) Choose your favorite brand for fluffy, golden bases that bake up effortlessly, providing the perfect canvas for our rich sauce.

2 tablespoons unsalted butter This is our foundational fat, crucial for building the roux that will give our creamy shrimp and crab gravy its luxurious texture and rich flavor.

2 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic depth, infusing the butter and sauce with a savory warmth that complements the seafood beautifully.

1/4 cup all-purpose flour The essential thickener for our velvety sauce, the flour forms a roux with the butter, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency that coats every morsel.

2 cups whole milk This dairy forms the bulk of our luscious gravy, providing a mild, creamy base that perfectly carries the flavors of the seafood and seasonings. This, along with the heavy cream, is key to the “creamy” aspect of this decadent dish.

1/2 cup heavy cream The secret to truly decadent and ultra-creamy seafood gravy! Heavy cream adds unparalleled richness and a silky mouthfeel, making the sauce utterly irresistible.

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning A classic for a reason, this iconic blend brings a delightful, balanced medley of spices that perfectly enhances the flavor of both shrimp and crab.

1/2 teaspoon salt Essential for seasoning, balancing and enhancing all the flavors in our savory sauce.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and a gentle bite, rounding out the seasoning profile of the creamy gravy.

8 ounces cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped Sweet and tender, these chopped shrimp integrate seamlessly into the sauce, adding delightful texture and a burst of oceanic flavor.

8 ounces lump crab meat, picked for shells Delicate and naturally sweet, the lump crab meat elevates this dish, providing tender, flaky bites that complement the shrimp beautifully. Ensure it is meticulously checked for any shell fragments.

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional) If you desire an extra layer of gooey, savory richness, this cheese melts into the sauce, adding a wonderful, mild creaminess.

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish A vibrant final flourish, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a light, herbaceous freshness that brightens the entire dish upon serving.

The complete ingredient list, including quantities, can be found directly under the recipe card.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Baking Your Golden Biscuits

The foundation of any great biscuits and gravy dish is, of course, the biscuit! To start this culinary adventure, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place your refrigerated biscuit dough on a baking sheet, giving them a little space to expand and get cozy. Bake them according to the package directions until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once beautifully baked, take them out and let them cool just slightly. This brief cooling period makes handling easier before you slice each biscuit neatly in half horizontally, preparing them to be gloriously filled.

Crafting the Velvety Seafood Roux

While your biscuits are busy getting golden, it is time to turn your attention to the star of the show: the incredibly creamy seafood gravy. Grab a large skillet or a sturdy saucepan and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter shimmers and becomes fragrant, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté this aromatic duo for just 1 minute until the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlic scent. This brief sauté ensures the garlic’s flavor infuses perfectly without burning.

Developing Your Rich, Creamy Base

Next, build your roux, the thickening agent for this exquisite gravy. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour with the melted butter and garlic. Continue stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. This cooking time is crucial; it helps to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a smooth, golden roux that beautifully thickens the sauce. Now, gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Add it slowly while continuously whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring this luxurious mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, watching it magically thicken into a rich, velvety sauce.

Seasoning and Warming the Seafood

Once your sauce reaches that perfect, luscious consistency, stir in 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a good taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference – perhaps a little more Old Bay if you like a bolder kick! Reduce the heat to low, keeping the sauce gently warm. This is the moment to gently fold in 8 ounces of chopped cooked shrimp and 8 ounces of lump crab meat. If you are using it, stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese until it completely melts, creating an even creamier, more indulgent gravy. Allow the seafood to warm through for 2-3 minutes in the sauce, ensuring everything is perfectly infused and delicious.

Assembling Your Decadent Biscuits

With your golden biscuits sliced and your creamy seafood gravy bubbling gently, it is time for the grand assembly! Place the bottom half of each biscuit onto your serving plates. Spoon a generous amount of that warm, creamy shrimp and crab mixture right over the biscuit base. Do not be shy here; we are going for decadence! Place the other half of the biscuit on top, like a cozy lid, and then spoon even more of that glorious sauce over the very top. You want every nook and cranny bathed in this savory goodness.

Garnish and Serve Immediately

To complete your culinary masterpiece, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley over each serving. The vibrant green adds a beautiful contrast and a touch of herbaceous freshness that really brightens the dish. Serve your creamy shrimp biscuits and gravy immediately to enjoy the warmth of the biscuits and the luscious, velvety texture of the sauce at its absolute best.

Mastering Your Creamy Seafood Biscuits and Gravy

Tips for Success with this Decadent Dish

Achieving creamy seafood biscuits and gravy perfection is simpler than you think. For an even richer experience, consider baking homemade biscuits, though refrigerated dough offers wonderful convenience. Ensure biscuits are slightly cooled before slicing. When making the sauce, a key tip is cooking the flour and butter for 1-2 minutes to create a lump-free roux and eliminate any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream for velvety smoothness. Always meticulously check lump crab meat for shell fragments—a small but important step for enjoyment. Adjust Old Bay seasoning to your personal spice preference for the perfect balance. By following these tips, you will consistently know how to make creamy shrimp biscuits and gravy that earns rave reviews.

Serving and Storage Made Easy

This hearty dish stands alone as a complete meal, ideal for brunch or dinner. To beautifully balance its richness, serve it with a crisp, light green salad, dressed in a simple vinaigrette, which provides a refreshing contrast. For meal prep, the creamy sauce can be made ahead of time. Cook it, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, gently warm and add a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore its perfect consistency. Leftovers, while best fresh, can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat gently and add fresh parsley just before serving for the best flavor and visual appeal.

Improving the Cooking Method

For optimal timing when preparing how to make creamy shrimp biscuits & gravy, start your biscuits first. While they are baking, simultaneously begin crafting the velvety seafood sauce. This parallel approach ensures everything finishes around the same time, delivering a warm, cohesive dish without waiting for one component to finish.

Decorate Your Dish with Your Personal Touch

Personalize your creamy shrimp biscuits & gravy by experimenting with the Monterey Jack cheese; a sharp cheddar could offer a delightful tang if you desire. For a different flavor profile, consider adjusting the Old Bay seasoning, perhaps adding a pinch of cayenne for extra warmth. You could also swap fresh parsley for chopped chives to alter the garnish.

Smart Tips for Storage and Reheating

To preserve the texture of this creamy shrimp biscuits & gravy, store the sauce and biscuits separately. Refrigerate the seafood sauce in an airtight container for up to two days. Gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop, adding a splash of whole milk or heavy cream if thickened, and warm the biscuits right before serving.

Practical Chef Advice

For a lump-free and flavorful sauce, whisk the flour into the melted butter thoroughly. Cook it for the full 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

When adding the delicate shrimp and crab, fold them in gently. Over-stirring can break up the lump crab meat and toughen the shrimp.

Taste your rich gravy before adding shrimp and crab. Adjust the salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning to achieve your ideal flavor balance.

The first time I perfected how to make creamy shrimp biscuits & gravy, my family declared it “Sunday brunch in heaven.” That shared moment of pure culinary delight is truly an unforgettable memory.

Final Thoughts

This delightful recipe for creamy shrimp biscuits & gravy offers a truly comforting and indulgent meal experience. The golden, tender biscuits provide the perfect base for a rich, velvety sauce, brimming with succulent shrimp and delicate crab. It’s a combination that delivers an unforgettable flavor, bringing both warmth and elegance to any gathering, whether for a special brunch or a decadent dinner. Don’t just imagine that first savory spoonful; experience the pure delight of this incredible seafood creation yourself. It’s time to gather your ingredients and elevate your culinary repertoire!

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FAQs

Can I use homemade biscuits instead of canned for this dish?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a 16.3 oz can of refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience, you can certainly use homemade biscuits if you prefer. The instructions guide you to bake them according to their package directions until golden brown and cooked through, then cool slightly and slice horizontally. Using homemade biscuits is even noted as a way to achieve a richer flavor in this delightful dish. Just ensure they are fully baked and ready to be halved before assembling with the creamy seafood sauce.

How can I ensure the creamy sauce is the right consistency?

Achieving the perfect sauce consistency involves careful whisking. After creating your roux with butter and flour, gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Continue stirring frequently as you bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken. The sauce should be velvety and smooth. If you prepare the sauce ahead of time and find it has become too thick upon reheating, simply add a splash more milk or cream while warming it gently over low heat, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is it necessary to use cooked shrimp and prepped crab meat?

Yes, for this specific recipe, it is essential to use cooked shrimp that has been peeled, deveined, and chopped as specified in the ingredients list. The lump crab meat also needs to be picked thoroughly for any shell fragments before being added to the sauce, as mentioned in the notes. These ingredients are gently folded into the thickened sauce and only need to warm through for 2-3 minutes, as they are already cooked. This ensures the seafood remains tender and succulent without overcooking, contributing to the dish’s rich texture and flavor.

Can I adjust the spice level of the creamy shrimp and crab gravy?

Absolutely, tailoring the spice level of this creamy gravy is easy to do! The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, which provides a classic, savory flavor with a hint of warmth. However, one of the helpful notes explicitly states that you can adjust the Old Bay seasoning to your preference for more or less spice. When you reach step 5, where you stir in the seasonings, feel free to start with a little less than a full teaspoon if you prefer a milder taste, or add a touch more if you enjoy a more pronounced kick. Always taste and adjust as you go.