Irresistible Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe

Florida Shrimp Pie is a comforting Southern seafood dish that combines tender shrimp, creamy filling, savory seasonings, and a golden crust into a pie that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Popular along the Gulf Coast and throughout Southern kitchens, this dish is a celebration of fresh seafood and homestyle cooking. Whether you’re looking for a hearty brunch option, a weeknight dinner, or an impressive meal for guests, Florida Shrimp Pie hits the mark with its rich taste, coastal flair, and crowd-pleasing appeal.

This pie is often passed down through generations, making it a nostalgic favorite that captures the essence of Florida’s seafood-loving culture. Think of it as a cross between a seafood quiche and a savory pot pie, where every bite is packed with creamy shrimp filling encased in a buttery crust. Whether served warm from the oven or cooled slightly for easy slicing, Florida Shrimp Pie is always a hit at the table.

Recipe Preparation Equipment

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

• 9-inch deep dish pie pan
• Medium and large mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Medium skillet
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)
• Cooling rack

What Do You Need to Prepare Florida Shrimp Pie?

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust (homemade or store-bought):

• 1 9-inch unbaked deep-dish pie crust (or your favorite homemade recipe)

For the Filling:

• 1 lb fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

How to Make Easy Florida Shrimp Pie Step-by-Step ?

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by peeling, deveining, and chopping the shrimp into bite-sized pieces if they are large. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with Old Bay, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook just until shrimp turn pink—about 2–3 minutes. Do not overcook. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

Sprinkle the flour over the shrimp mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and mix in cheeses, beaten eggs, and chopped parsley.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the shrimp filling into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes or until the pie is golden and set in the center. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Recipe Variations

Florida Shrimp Pie is flexible and easy to adapt based on your pantry and preferences. Try swapping out shrimp for other seafood like crabmeat, lobster, or a seafood medley for a more indulgent version. For a spicier kick, mix in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. Prefer a smoky depth? Add diced andouille sausage or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Vegetable lovers can throw in fresh spinach, mushrooms, or corn to add texture and sweetness. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or mozzarella. For a lower-carb version, skip the crust entirely and bake the filling in a greased casserole dish like a crustless quiche.

Feeling decadent? Top the pie with a layer of buttery breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan before baking for an irresistible golden crunch. Gluten-free? Use a gluten-free crust and replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or rice flour as a thickener. The beauty of Florida Shrimp Pie lies in its versatility, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Cooking Note

The key to a perfect Florida Shrimp Pie lies in timing and texture. Shrimp cook extremely fast, so it’s important to sauté them just until they turn pink overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Letting the cooked filling cool slightly before adding the eggs is crucial, too; this prevents the eggs from scrambling prematurely.

Cheese also plays a big role in flavor and texture. Sharp cheddar and Parmesan offer both creaminess and a salty bite, but you can adjust the type and quantity to your taste. If your filling seems too runny, don’t worry baking will firm it up.

Always let the pie rest after baking. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier. If you’re serving this at a gathering or holiday event, consider making it ahead of time. Florida Shrimp Pie reheats beautifully and can be made a day in advance. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze individual slices for future meals.

Lastly, don’t skip the parsley or a touch of lemon these fresh elements balance the rich flavors and brighten the whole dish.

Serving Suggestions

Florida Shrimp Pie is a versatile main dish that can be served warm or at room temperature. For a complete Southern-inspired meal, pair it with a fresh green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette or a classic Southern coleslaw. A side of roasted vegetables or sautéed green beans works beautifully, offering color and nutrition.

Cornbread muffins, cheesy biscuits, or garlic breadsticks also make great accompaniments, soaking up any creamy goodness from the pie. For brunch occasions, serve with mimosas, fruit salad, and coffee for a coastal-inspired feast.

If you’re hosting a dinner party, present slices of Florida Shrimp Pie with lemon wedges and a garnish of fresh herbs on elegant plates. It’s also great for casual potlucks or picnics just bake it in advance and enjoy warm or chilled.

Helpful Tips

1. Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp: While fresh shrimp are always ideal, frozen shrimp work well too—just thaw them fully and pat them dry.
2. Pre-bake the Crust: To avoid a soggy bottom, blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
3. Use a Deep-Dish Pan: Standard pie pans may overflow; opt for a 9-inch deep dish to hold all the goodness.
4. Let It Set: Allow the pie to rest for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing to ensure it holds its shape.
5. Don’t Overfill: Leave a little room at the top to prevent spillover during baking.
6. Add Herbs Last: Parsley and other fresh herbs should be stirred in just before baking for maximum flavor.
7. Layer Wisely: Spread a layer of cheese on the crust before adding the filling to create a barrier and prevent sogginess.

These tips ensure a foolproof experience for first-timers and a perfected bake for seasoned home cooks.

Tips for the Best Florida Shrimp Pie

To make the best Florida Shrimp Pie, always start with quality shrimp fresh, wild-caught, and deveined for the cleanest flavor. Use a combination of creamy and sharp cheeses to build depth, and be generous with your seasonings, especially Old Bay, garlic, and paprika. Sautéing the vegetables until soft helps develop the flavor base, while adding flour creates a roux that binds the filling beautifully.

If time allows, chill your pie dough for 30 minutes before baking it ensures a flaky, golden crust. Brush the crust edge with an egg wash for extra shine and crispiness. Balance is key: a squeeze of lemon or dash of hot sauce can cut the richness.

Letting the pie rest after baking is non-negotiable it allows the structure to set, making slicing clean and easy. With these steps, your Florida Shrimp Pie will taste like it came straight from a beachside café.

Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 420
Protein: 27g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g

Related Recipes :

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
• Easy Shrimp and Avocado Salad
• Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
• Easy Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe
• Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
• Smothered Okra with Shrimp and Sausage Recipe

FAQs

Q: Can I make Florida Shrimp Pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the pie a day ahead and reheat it in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: You can, but briefly sauté them with the vegetables just to blend the flavors and avoid overcooking.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Wrap the pie tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It also freezes well in individual portions.

Q: Can I make this recipe without dairy?
A: For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative, but the flavor will differ slightly.

Q: What crust should I use?
A: A classic butter pie crust works best. For convenience, store-bought crusts are fine too.

Conclusion

Florida Shrimp Pie is a timeless Southern treasure that brings together the richness of the sea with the comfort of a hearty, home-baked dish. Whether you’re recreating memories of coastal vacations or just looking to spice up your dinner table, this recipe is an absolute must-try. Creamy, cheesy, savory, and slightly zesty every forkful is a celebration of flavor and tradition.

Ideal for brunch, dinner, or potluck gatherings, this shrimp pie is as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Customize it to your taste, share it with loved ones, and most importantly don’t forget the lemon wedges!