Florida Shrimp Pie brings the sunny, coastal flavors of the Sunshine State right to your dinner table. This delightful seafood pie combines plump, juicy shrimp with a creamy filling and a golden, flaky crust that’s sure to transport you straight to the beaches of Florida.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this pie strikes that wonderful balance between comfort food and sophisticated seafood dish. The bright flavors and satisfying texture make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Uses simple ingredients that create impressive flavor
- The creamy filling paired with flaky crust creates perfect texture contrast
- Versatile recipe that can be prepped ahead for easy entertaining
- Showcases shrimp in a unique way beyond the usual preparations
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade)
- 1 large egg plus 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 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)
- 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, grated
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp edges. Prick bottom with a fork, brush with egg wash, and pre-bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and red bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and all seasonings, cooking 1 minute more.
- Add chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink but not overcooked. Remove shrimp mixture from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sprinkle flour and whisk well. Slowly add heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and both cheeses until smooth.
- Return the shrimp mixture to the skillet with the cream sauce and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
- Pour shrimp filling into the pre-baked pie crust and spread evenly. Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and parsley in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the pie is golden brown and bubbling. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw. Drizzle with extra lemon juice or hot sauce if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add 1/4 cup white wine when creating the sauce
- Try adding 1/2 cup corn or peas for sweetness and color
- Make it luxurious by adding 4 oz of cream cheese to the sauce
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream
- Create individual pies using ramekins for an elegant presentation
- Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan to the filling for a cheesy twist
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Florida Shrimp Pie with a crisp green salad dressed with a light citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pie. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes the perfect beverage pairing.
For a complete Florida-themed meal, consider serving with a side of grilled corn on the cob or a bright mango and avocado salad to complement the coastal flavors.
Notes
- The filling can be made up to one day ahead and refrigerated until ready to assemble and bake
- For best results, use fresh shrimp, but thawed frozen shrimp will work in a pinch
- The pie is done when the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges
- Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
FAQs
Can I use a different type of seafood?
Yes! Crab meat, scallops, or a seafood mix can be substituted for shrimp or used in combination.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute cornstarch for the flour in the filling.
Can I freeze this pie?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the shrimp and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze before baking and add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
You can make your own by combining paprika, black pepper, salt, celery salt, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, or simply use Cajun seasoning as a substitute.
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