Recipes Idea

Introduction
Florida’s sun-drenched coastlines are known not just for their breathtaking beauty, but also for the bounty of fresh seafood harvested from their waters. Among these delicacies, shrimp reigns supreme. Sweet, tender, and versatile, Florida shrimp forms the foundation of countless regional dishes. But one lesser-known treasure is the Florida Shrimp Pie—a savory, creamy pie filled with seasoned shrimp, herbs, cheese, and a flaky, golden crust.

This recipe marries the tradition of Southern comfort food with the vibrant zest of coastal Florida cuisine. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, brunches, or whenever you want to showcase shrimp in an unexpected and satisfying way. If you’re familiar with quiche or savory seafood casseroles, this dish sits comfortably in that neighborhood—elevated by fresh shrimp, a hint of citrus, and warm spice.

Let’s dive into how to make this creamy seafood pie from scratch, with plenty of cooking tips, serving suggestions, and ingredient insights along the way.

Preparation Time
Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 6 to 8 slices

Ingredients
For the Pie Crust (homemade or store-bought)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and diced

4–5 tablespoons ice water
(or use 1 pre-made 9-inch pie shell)

For the Shrimp Filling
1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 small yellow onion, finely diced

Next

1 small green bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 pound raw Florida shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)

¾ cup whole milk or half-and-half

½ cup heavy cream

Zest of ½ lemon

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese and Egg Mixture
2 large eggs

½ cup mayonnaise (or sour cream)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

2 green onions, sliced thin (white and green parts)

Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust (Skip if Using Store-Bought)
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until dough comes together.

Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

On a floured surface, roll dough into a 12-inch circle. Fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp edges, dock bottom with a fork, and pre-bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Shrimp
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.

V

Add onions, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.

Add garlic, Old Bay, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Stir until fragrant.

Stir in the chopped raw shrimp. Cook for 2–3 minutes until pink.

Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat evenly.

Slowly pour in milk and cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Egg and Cheese Base
In a large bowl, whisk eggs with mayonnaise (or sour cream).

Stir in shredded cheeses, parsley, and green onions.

Fold in the slightly cooled shrimp mixture. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pie
Pour the shrimp mixture into the pre-baked pie crust, smoothing out the top.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–45 minutes, or until the center is set and top is golden.

Let cool 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions
Florida Shrimp Pie is best served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides or Southern staples:

Citrus-dressed arugula salad

Sautéed green beans or collard greens

Southern coleslaw with vinegar dressing

Cornbread muffins or buttermilk biscuits

Sweet tea or white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)

For brunch or a light lunch, serve with a mimosa and fruit salad for a bright and complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, based on 8 servings)
Nutrient Approximate Amount
Calories 420 kcal
Protein 28 g

Next

Total Fat 28 g
Saturated Fat 12 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Sodium 560 mg
Fiber 1 g
Sugar 3 g
Note: Values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients.

Tips for Success
1. Use Fresh Florida Shrimp:
Fresh wild-caught shrimp from Florida’s Gulf or Atlantic coast has unmatched flavor. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.

2. Don’t Skip Pre-Baking the Crust:
This prevents a soggy bottom and helps the pie hold its shape.

3. Adjust the Heat:
Cayenne pepper adds a mild kick. Omit or increase based on your preference.

4. Add Vegetables:
Spinach, corn, or diced tomatoes can be added to the sauté for more texture.

5. Cheese Variations:
Feel free to swap in Gruyère, Fontina, or pepper jack for flavor complexity.

Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
Wrap slices individually in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Next
Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave in short bursts until warm. Let refrigerated slices come to room temp before reheating for best texture.

Regional Background: A Florida Specialty
While shrimp pies aren’t exclusive to Florida, the Sunshine State’s abundant access to fresh seafood and warm-weather culinary influences makes this dish shine. It draws on Southern roots, but the lemony brightness, creamy richness, and seafood-first attitude give it a Floridian identity. Whether served at a beachside diner or home kitchen, shrimp pie is a celebration of local flavor and coastal hospitality.

Make-Ahead Tips
Hosting guests? This dish is make-ahead friendly:

Day Before: Fully bake the pie, cool, and refrigerate.

On the Day: Reheat in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes until warmed through.

You can also make the filling ahead and refrigerate for 1 day before assembling and baking fresh.

Recipe Variations
Low-Carb: Skip the crust and bake the filling in greased ramekins or a pie dish for a crustless version.

Mini Pies: Use muffin tins or mini pie molds for appetizer-sized servings.

Crab or Crawfish: Replace some or all shrimp with lump crabmeat or crawfish tails.

Spicy Creole Version: Add diced jalapeños and a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.

Conclusion
Florida Shrimp Pie is one of those unforgettable dishes that blends comfort with elegance. The flaky crust, the warm spiced shrimp, and the creamy, cheesy filling make it irresistibly good—an ideal centerpiece for a special dinner, holiday meal, or coastal-themed brunch.

It brings the essence of the Gulf Coast to your table in the most delicious way. Once you try it, it might just become a staple in your kitchen rotation.