Florida Shrimp Pie

If you love creamy, cheesy seafood dishes with a hint of coastal charm, this Florida Shrimp Pie is about to become your new favorite! Packed with tender shrimp, a rich, savory filling, and a flaky, buttery crust, this dish is the perfect balance of comfort food and tropical flair.

Inspired by classic Southern seafood pies, this recipe highlights the fresh flavors of Florida shrimp, with just the right touch of spice and citrus. Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch, a cozy family dinner, or a summer gathering, this dish is easy to make and bursting with coastal goodness!

Description

This Florida Shrimp Pie combines succulent Gulf shrimp, a rich and creamy filling, and a golden, flaky pie crust. The filling is a savory blend of sautéed vegetables, cream, and just the right spices to enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness. A hint of lemon zest and Old Bay seasoning give it a signature Floridian twist, while a layer of melted cheese on top makes it completely irresistible.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile—serve it warm or at room temperature, as a main dish or a side, and even make mini pies for a fun appetizer version!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if preferred)
• 1 egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon water, beaten)

For the Shrimp Filling:

• 1 pound large Florida shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup celery, finely chopped
• ½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp the edges.
3. Lightly prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling.
4. Brush the crust with egg wash and pre-bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp Filling

5. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and red bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
6. Stir in the garlic, Old Bay, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute.
7. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink but not overcooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
8. In the same skillet, sprinkle in flour and whisk well. Slowly pour in heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
9. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, white cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
10. Return the shrimp mixture to the skillet and stir to combine. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

11. Pour the shrimp filling into the pre-baked pie crust and spread evenly.
12. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
13. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the pie is golden brown and bubbling.
14. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

15. Serve warm with a side of fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw.
16. Drizzle with extra lemon juice or hot sauce for extra flavor!

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen shrimp – If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
• Make it spicier – Add more cayenne or serve with a side of hot sauce.
• For a richer crust – Try a buttery biscuit or puff pastry crust instead of traditional pie dough.
• Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace the flour with cornstarch.
• Want a shortcut? – Use store-bought seafood chowder as a base instead of making the creamy filling from scratch.

Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Main Course, Seafood
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern, Floridian
• Diet: Pescatarian
• Keywords: Florida shrimp pie, seafood pie, creamy shrimp bake

Helpful Tips for the Best Florida Shrimp Pie

To make sure your Florida Shrimp Pie turns out perfectly creamy, flavorful, and beautifully golden, follow these pro tips!

Choosing & Prepping the Shrimp

• Use fresh shrimp if possible – Fresh Florida shrimp have a natural sweetness that enhances the pie’s flavor.
• If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp! – They only need a couple of minutes in the pan, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

Perfecting the Crust

• Pre-bake (blind bake) the crust – This prevents a soggy bottom and keeps it crispy.
• Use an egg wash – Brushing the crust with a beaten egg + water before baking gives it a beautiful golden color.
• Try a different crust – Swap traditional pie crust for puff pastry or a biscuit topping for a unique twist.

Creating the Best Filling

• Sauté the veggies properly – Cooking the onions, celery, and bell peppers until softened adds depth and enhances the flavors.
• Use Old Bay seasoning – It’s the classic seafood spice blend that brings out the best in shrimp.
• Lemon zest is a must! – It brightens up the richness of the dish without making it overly citrusy.
• Cheese choice matters – White cheddar gives a creamy, sharp bite, while Parmesan adds saltiness.

Topping Tips

• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, mixed with butter for a golden, crispy finish.
• Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking for a lightly toasted top.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives just before serving for color and a fresh pop of flavor.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make the filling ahead – Prepare the shrimp mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready.
• Freeze before baking – Assemble the pie, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Reheat leftovers properly – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to keep the crust crisp.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh salad – A citrusy arugula or avocado salad balances the richness.
• Serve with cornbread – A slice of buttery Southern cornbread is the perfect side.
• Add a side of roasted veggies – Asparagus, green beans, or zucchini pair beautifully with shrimp pie.

Conservation and Storage

Proper storage is key to keeping your Florida Shrimp Pie fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Whether you’re saving leftovers or prepping ahead for a future meal, follow these guidelines to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage)

• Cool completely – Allow the shrimp pie to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Store in an airtight container – Place leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrap the entire pie with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days – Enjoy within 3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing (Long-Term Storage)

Want to save your shrimp pie for later? You can freeze it before or after baking!

Freezing Before Baking (Best for Make-Ahead Meals!)

1. Assemble the pie, but do not bake it yet.
2. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then cover with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
3. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Baking from Frozen:

• Do NOT thaw first—bake directly from frozen.
• Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50-55 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 15 minutes to brown the top.

Freezing After Baking

1. Let the baked shrimp pie cool completely.
2. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil.
3. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating from Frozen:

• Oven (best method): Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave (for small portions): Heat individual slices in 30-second bursts, but note that the crust may soften.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven (best method): Cover the pie loosely with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Stovetop (for the filling only): Reheat the filling in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave (quickest method): Heat in 30-second intervals, but be aware the crust may lose its crispness.

Storage Tips

Use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.
Label with the date so you know when it’s time to enjoy it.
Reheat slowly to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Florida Shrimp Pie is its versatility! Whether you have dietary restrictions, different ingredients on hand, or just want to experiment with new flavors, here are plenty of easy substitutions and creative variations to try.

Crust Variations

Classic Pie Crust Alternatives

• Puff pastry – For a lighter, flakier crust with a buttery crunch.
• Biscuit topping – Use a savory biscuit dough instead of pie crust for a Southern-style twist.
• Cornbread crust – Adds a slightly sweet, crumbly contrast to the creamy shrimp filling.
• Phyllo dough – For a delicate, crispy texture similar to seafood strudel.

Crust-Free Options (For a Low-Carb or Gluten-Free Version!)

• Make it a casserole and bake the filling without a crust.
• Use gluten-free pie dough or almond flour crust for a gluten-free option.
• Serve the filling over cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes for a carb-conscious dish.

Seafood Swaps

Try Different Proteins

• Crab Meat – Adds a sweet, buttery taste. Use lump crab meat for the best texture.
• Scallops – Chop into small pieces for a delicate, tender bite.
• Lobster Meat – Makes it extra luxurious!
• White Fish (like Grouper or Snapper) – Flake cooked fish into the mixture instead of shrimp.
• Crawfish – Adds a Cajun twist with a rich, briny taste.

Want a Non-Seafood Option?

• Swap the shrimp for shredded rotisserie chicken or diced turkey.
• Use sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian version.

Cheese Variations

Switch Up the Cheeses

• Smoked Gouda – Adds a smoky depth to the pie.
• Pepper Jack – Adds a little spice and creaminess.
• Gruyère – Buttery and nutty, perfect for a gourmet touch.
• Cream Cheese – Adds a silky texture to the filling.
• Mozzarella – Makes the pie extra melty and stretchy!

Flavor Enhancements

Add Some Heat

• Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sprinkle in extra cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning for bold Southern flavor.
• Stir in chorizo or andouille sausage for a smoky-spicy combo.

Bright & Fresh Additions

• Fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or chives brighten the dish.
• A splash of white wine in the sauce adds depth and richness.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the seafood’s natural sweetness.

Extra Veggies for More Texture & Nutrition

• Spinach or kale – Stir into the filling for added greens.
• Corn kernels – Adds a sweet crunch and a Southern feel.
• Mushrooms – Give the pie an earthy umami boost.
• Diced tomatoes – Add a juicy, slightly tangy contrast.

Serving Variations

Mini Shrimp Pies (Perfect for Parties!)

• Bake the filling in small ramekins or a muffin tin lined with mini pie crusts for individual portions.
• Serve as hand pies by folding the filling inside pastry dough and baking until golden brown.

Turn It Into a Casserole (Crust-Free Option!)

• Pour the shrimp filling into a baking dish and top with:
  Buttery breadcrumbs
  Cheese & crushed crackers
  A mashed potato topping (like a seafood shepherd’s pie!)
  Bake until golden brown and bubbly.

Shrimp Pie Pasta Bake (A Fun Twist!)

• Toss the creamy shrimp filling with cooked pasta, top with cheese, and bake for a cheesy seafood pasta casserole!

Shrimp Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

• Spoon the filling into a baking dish and top with buttermilk biscuits for a rich, comforting twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the pie up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate before baking.

What should I serve with shrimp pie?

It pairs beautifully with a crisp salad, roasted asparagus, or a side of cornbread.

Can I make mini shrimp pies?

Yes! Use a muffin tin or mini pie dishes for individual portions.

Conclusion

This Florida Shrimp Pie is creamy, savory, and packed with fresh coastal flavors! Whether you’re enjoying it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a true taste of the Sunshine State.

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