Thereโs something delightfully comforting yet undeniably coastal about Florida Shrimp Pie. Imagine plump, sweet shrimp mingling with creamy, cheesy goodness, wrapped in a flaky crust and baked until bubbling and golden. Itโs a dish that practically transports you to a breezy, sun-soaked Gulf Coast kitchen with every bite. Whether youโre hosting a lively brunch or just want to savor a slice of sunshine at dinner, this Florida Shrimp Pie brings bold, bright flavors and a beautiful slice of Southern hospitality to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe shine is how each simple ingredient builds on the next, layering flavor and texture in every forkful. These essentials come together for a truly magical Florida Shrimp Pie experience, fresh and familiar all at once.
- Fresh shrimp: Peeled and deveined, theyโre the star of the show, adding succulent, sweet notes to every bite.
- Pie crust: Store-bought or homemade, this forms the flaky, golden foundation and holds all that creamy filling together.
- Shredded cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the pie a rich, melty finish thatโs impossible to resist.
- Eggs: These bind everything, ensuring the filling sets beautifully with a custardy texture.
- Half-and-half: Adds a touch of decadence and creates the lush, creamy base for the filling.
- Green onions: Sliced thin for crisp freshness and gentle bite throughout.
- Red bell pepper: Brings vibrant color and sweet crunch that lights up the whole pie.
- Old Bay seasoning: The classic seafood spice mix that takes the flavor straight to the Florida coast.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a pop of color and herbal lift to finish each slice.
- Salt and pepper: The essential duo for perfect seasoning, allowing the other flavors to shine.
How to Make Florida Shrimp Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375ยฐF. Roll your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it to fit without stretching. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. If youโre feeling a little extra, crimp the edges for a bakery-worthy touch. Pre-bake the crust for 8 minutes until just setโthis keeps the bottom crisp when you add the creamy filling later.
Step 2: Sautรฉ the Shrimp and Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and toss in the chopped shrimp. Sautรฉ for 2โ3 minutes until pink and just barely cooked through, then transfer them to a bowl. In the same pan, add green onions and red bell pepper. Sautรฉ for another 2 minutes until soft and fragrantโthis builds that savory, sweet backbone essential to Florida Shrimp Pie.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Egg Filling
Whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch each of salt and pepper until smooth. Stir in the cheese so itโs evenly distributed, making sure every inch of filling gets that luscious, melty flavor once baked.
Step 4: Assemble the Florida Shrimp Pie
Scatter the sautรฉed shrimp, green onions, and bell pepper evenly over your pre-baked crust. Carefully pour the cheesy egg mixture over the top, letting it settle around all the tasty bits. Give it a gentle shake to even things outโno need for perfection, rustic charm is part of the appeal!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the assembled pie into your oven and bake for 30โ35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is puffed and lightly browned. If the edges of your crust brown too quickly, cover them with foil. After baking, let the Florida Shrimp Pie rest for at least 10 minutes so each slice holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Florida Shrimp Pie
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill on top brightens up each slice, adding color and a bit of garden-fresh flavor. For a little zip, a squeeze of lemon right before serving is pure magicโbright, citrusy, and classically Floridian.
Side Dishes
Florida Shrimp Pie is rich and satisfying, so think crisp and light when choosing sides. A green salad with a punchy vinaigrette, some roasted asparagus, or even a chilled cucumber salad all make lovely companions. And donโt forget a hunk of good crusty bread to mop up every last creamy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Florida Shrimp Pie up a notch by baking it in mini tart pans for individual servings, perfect for brunch or a chic appetizer at your next get-together. You can also serve it cold or at room temperature picnic-styleโsurprisingly delicious either way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Florida Shrimp Pie keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so donโt be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked pie cool completely, then wrap tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 325ยฐF oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty (about 10โ15 minutes). Avoid the microwave if possibleโoven reheating keeps the crust crisp and the filling silky, just like fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in Florida Shrimp Pie?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking, so you donโt end up with excess moisture in your filling. Fresh or frozen, as long as your shrimp are good quality, youโll have a delicious pie.
How can I make this pie spicier?
Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture or toss in some diced jalapeรฑo with the veggies. A splash of your favorite hot sauce works wonders too, customizing the warmth just the way you like it.
Can I make Florida Shrimp Pie without dairy?
Yes! Substitute your favorite non-dairy cheese and use a plant-based milk (like oat or almond) in place of the half-and-half. The flavor will change a bit, but youโll still get that satisfying creamy texture.
What other seafood works in this recipe?
Crabmeat or even chunks of flaky white fish (like grouper or snapper) fit right in. Try a combo for your own unique spin on Florida Shrimp Pie!
Is Florida Shrimp Pie good for brunch?
Itโs perfect for brunchโeasy to slice, serve, and enjoy with mimosas or iced tea. The savory, creamy filling appeals to both seafood lovers and pie fans alike.
Final Thoughts
Thereโs a slice of Florida sunshine waiting for you in every bite of Florida Shrimp Pie. Whether youโre after easy weeknight comfort or serving a crowd, this recipe guarantees happy faces and empty plates. Give it a try, and let your kitchen be filled with those bright, beachy flavors!
PrintFlorida Shrimp Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Southern)
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Florida Shrimp Pie is a comforting Southern classic featuring tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, creamy filling, and a flaky pie crust. With a savory blend of seafood and garden flavors, this dish makes a crowd-pleasing main course perfect for brunch, potlucks, or family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 1 (9-inch) refrigerated or homemade pie crust
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 pound Florida shrimp, peeled, deveined, and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate, crimping the edges. Set aside.
- Sautรฉ Shrimp & Vegetables. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped Florida shrimp and sautรฉ for 2โ3 minutes until the shrimp just turn opaque. Remove shrimp to a bowl. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3โ4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Make the Creamy Filling. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using). Simmer for 2โ3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add Shrimp & Assemble Pie. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the cooked shrimp and chopped parsley. Spoon the filling into the prepared pie crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake and Cool. Bake pie in the center of the preheated oven for 25โ30 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the cheese is golden. If the edges brown too quickly, cover with foil. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For a lighter pie, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Frozen shrimp can be used, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the filling.
- Serve with a green salad or fresh tomato slices for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 635mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 127mg
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