Imagine a savory, golden-brown pie bursting with the flavors of juicy shrimp, sweet bell peppers, and creamy cheese, all wrapped in a delicately flaky crust—this is the magic of Florida Shrimp Pie. This beloved coastal classic blends the freshness of Gulf shrimp with colorful vegetables and just the right amount of spice, making it a showstopping centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re hosting brunch with friends or looking for a comforting dinner, this pie is the perfect blend of hearty and luxurious. If you’ve never tried a Florida Shrimp Pie before, get ready for a happy dance at the dinner table.

Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Florida Shrimp Pie is that you don’t need a laundry list of fancy items—just a handful of vibrant, quality ingredients that each offer something special. Every component, from the shrimp to the cheese, plays a starring role in creating the crave-worthy layers of taste and texture this dish is famous for.

Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the main attraction, bringing sweet, briny flavor and a satisfying bite.
Prepared Pie Crust: A buttery, flaky base that holds everything together; use homemade for a personal touch or store-bought for ease.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and a subtle sweetness that balances out the savory richness of the pie.
Green Onion: Brings a gentle pop of freshness and delicate crunch to every slice.
Garlic: Intensifies the aroma and gives the filling a mild, pungent kick.
Heavy Cream: Creates a lush, creamy texture in the filling that feels wonderfully indulgent.
Eggs: Hold the filling together and help the pie set perfectly as it bakes.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, adding depth and a sharp, savory edge.
Cajun Seasoning: Offers a background heat and southern flair—adjust to taste for your desired level of spice.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
Butter: Used for sautéing, it lends richness and helps develop the flavors of the vegetables and shrimp.

How to Make Florida Shrimp Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven and placing your pie crust into a pie dish. Prick the bottom a few times with a fork and pre-bake it for about 8–10 minutes, just until it starts to set but hasn’t fully browned. This step keeps your Florida Shrimp Pie from getting soggy on the bottom—never skip it!

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp and Veggies

Melt a knob of butter in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the red bell pepper, green onion, and garlic. Sauté till they’re just turning tender and fragrant, then add the shrimp. Cook them only until they’re bright pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Overcooking can make the shrimp rubbery, so keep a close eye here.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and your Cajun seasoning. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, blending just until everything is evenly combined—this mixture is the rich, savory heart of a proper Florida Shrimp Pie.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Pour the sautéed shrimp and veggies evenly over the bottom of your pre-baked crust. Pour the creamy egg mixture over the top, making sure it seeps into all the nooks and crannies. Give the pie a gentle wiggle to settle everything before sliding it into the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your pie until the filling is set and the top is a cheerful golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know your Florida Shrimp Pie is ready when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and there’s a gentle jiggle to the pie. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing, so it holds together beautifully when served.

How to Serve Florida Shrimp Pie

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onion right before serving adds a gorgeous pop of color and a hint of earthy flavor that brightens the whole dish. For an extra coastal zing, try a squeeze of lemon over each slice of Florida Shrimp Pie before digging in.

Side Dishes

Florida Shrimp Pie shines next to a crisp, simple salad—think mixed greens with a citrus vinaigrette or a chilled cucumber-tomato salad for contrast. If you’re after comfort, pair it with roasted potatoes or a scoop of creamy grits for an unforgettable Southern spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch buffet, bake your Florida Shrimp Pie in mini muffin tins for adorable, two-bite treats. You can also cut the pie into squares and serve on a platter with cocktail forks for a festive appetizer at your next gathering. Personalizing with unique toppings—like a drizzle of spicy aioli or avocado slices—takes your presentation up a notch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Florida Shrimp Pie stores beautifully—just cover the cooled pie with plastic wrap or transfer slices into an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing its delicious flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices by wrapping them tightly in both foil and plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the pie maintains its rich, creamy consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm slices in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling creamy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust a little soggy, but it works in a pinch if you’re short on time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp work perfectly and offer convenience without sacrificing the fresh, briny taste that makes Florida Shrimp Pie so special.

Is there a dairy-free version of this pie?

You can swap the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative, like coconut milk or an unsweetened cashew cream, and use a dairy-free cheese. The texture will be a little different, but you’ll still get a delightful, creamy filling.

What other vegetables work well in Florida Shrimp Pie?

Feel free to get creative! Diced zucchini, corn kernels, or sautéed spinach all play nicely with shrimp and can boost the color and nutrition of your pie. Just make sure to sauté watery veggies first so your filling doesn’t get soggy.

Can I prepare the pie in advance?

Definitely! You can fully assemble your Florida Shrimp Pie a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate it unbaked. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking as usual for a perfect result.

What’s the best way to tell when the pie is done?

Look for a gently golden top and a slightly puffed center that’s set but not dry. Insert a knife or toothpick in the middle—it should come out clean, with no runny filling clinging to it.

Final Thoughts

Sharing a Florida Shrimp Pie brings a taste of the coast to your table, no matter where you are. Don’t be surprised if it disappears in record time—it’s just that irresistibly good. Try it once and I guarantee you’ll want to keep this dazzling, crowd-pleasing recipe in your back pocket for years to come!

Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe