If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and a little bit indulgent, you have got to try this Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe. It’s like a celebration of the ocean’s finest caught in a buttery, flaky crust with creamy cheddar and just the right touch of herbs and spice. This pie takes shrimp to a whole new level, wrapping it in a comforting, cheesy embrace that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or impressing guests with your coastal culinary skills.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe lies in its straightforward and harmonious ingredients. Each item plays an essential part, bringing together layers of taste, texture, and even a pop of color to make your pie both delicious and visually inviting.
- 1 lb fresh large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp ensures a sweet, tender bite without fiddling with shells.
- 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust: The flaky foundation that holds everything together with buttery goodness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped (any color): Gives a vibrant crunch and a subtle fresh flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped: Brings a bright, slightly tangy herbaceous lift to balance richness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy texture that binds the filling.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: Adds a zesty hint that makes the shrimp sing.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, flavorful goodness with a sharp bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning: The classic spice blend that brings a little heat and complexity perfect for seafood.
How to Make Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pie crust bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden brown color we all love. Having the oven ready from the get-go makes the final assembly and baking seamless.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat, gently melt some butter and toss in the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step softens the veggies and brings out their sweetness, which forms the savory base of your pie filling.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp and Garlic
Next, add the peeled shrimp and minced garlic to your skillet. Stir frequently and cook until the shrimp just turn pink, roughly 3 to 5 minutes. This quick cooking keeps the shrimp tender and juicy, while the garlic releases its irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. This blend is crucial as it will coat the shrimp and veggies in a creamy, tangy sauce that’s packed with flavor.
Step 5: Incorporate the Cheese
Slowly stir the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into your creamy mixture until it melts fully. The cheese creates a rich, gooey texture that locks all the ingredients together and adds that signature sharpness you crave in a seafood pie.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie
Pour and spread the shrimp and vegetable filling into the prepared pie crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed. The crust acts like a cozy little boat, holding all those wonderful flavors inside as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbling gently around the edges. This baking step melts everything together spectacularly.
Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the pie rest for a few minutes. This helps the filling set so when you slice it, everything holds together neatly and each portion looks as great as it tastes.
How to Serve Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh dill or finely chopped parsley on top adds a burst of color and fresh flavor that brightens this rich seafood pie. A few lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add a little extra zing if they’d like.
Side Dishes
For the perfect meal, serve your Florida Shrimp Pie alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Something light and fresh provides a lovely contrast to the creamy, cheesy filling and keeps the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try making individual pies in small ramekins or muffin tins. This not only looks charming but makes serving effortless at parties or family gatherings. You could also pair it with a chilled white wine or a fruity cocktail to elevate your dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping to keep the crust from getting soggy.
Freezing
This pie freezes well, too! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and place it in the freezer for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This method preserves the crust’s crispness far better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine but make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in your pie.
Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?
While not absolutely required, Old Bay adds a distinctive, classic seafood flavor that really makes the pie shine. You could substitute with Cajun or Creole seasoning if you prefer a different spice profile.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust adds a personal touch and some might say superior flakiness, but store-bought is a great shortcut that saves time without sacrificing taste.
How spicy is the pie?
The pie has a mild to moderate kick from the Old Bay seasoning. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount by half or omit it altogether.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Definitely. Just double the ingredients and bake in a larger pie dish or two standard-sized pies to feed a bigger crowd.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe is like inviting sunshine and seaside charm right into your kitchen. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to serve guests with pride. Once you experience the creamy, cheesy filling with perfectly cooked shrimp in a crispy crust, there’s no going back—this recipe will become a treasured favorite!
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Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a flavorful Florida Shrimp Pie featuring tender shrimp sautéed with fresh vegetables and herbs, combined with a creamy, cheddar-infused filling baked to golden perfection in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for a delightful seafood meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 1 lb fresh large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pie Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Crust
- 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust
- 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing vegetables and shrimp)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the shrimp pie.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onions and bell peppers until they are soft and fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp turns pink, about 3 to 5 minutes, indicating they are just cooked through.
- Prepare Filling Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning to create a flavorful creamy base.
- Add Cheese: Mix the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the cream mixture until the cheese is well incorporated.
- Combine Filling: Stir the cooked shrimp and vegetable mixture into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Fill Pie Crust: Spoon the combined shrimp filling into your prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing and serving to let the filling firm up for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp is fresh and properly deveined for the best taste and texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter pie, but the texture may be less rich.
- Feel free to experiment with different bell pepper colors for visual appeal and subtle flavor variation.
- This pie can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for gatherings.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to maintain texture.
