Florida Shrimp Pie: A Creamy and Savory Coastal Delight Recipe

Florida Shrimp Pie combines succulent Gulf shrimp, a rich and creamy filling, and a flaky crust for a perfect seafood main course. This recipe offers an authentic taste of coastal Florida, elevated by Old Bay and lemon zest for signature flavor.

A Taste of Florida Shrimp Pie: Why It’s the Best

Florida Shrimp Pie captures the essence of coastal dining in one satisfying dish. You are creating a savory main course that is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. This recipe stands out because of its use of fresh, sweet shrimp combined with rich dairy and bold southern spices.

The addition of Old Bay seasoning provides that quintessential East Coast and Southern seafood flavor. You will find that the creamy filling perfectly balances the slight heat from the cayenne pepper. Serving this pie is a wonderful way to bring a warm, coastal feel to your own kitchen table.

Key Takeaways

• Prep and cook time is only 45 minutes total.
• Uses a creamy, rich sauce featuring white cheddar and Parmesan.
• The crust is pre-baked for extra flakiness and structure.
• Old Bay seasoning and lemon zest deliver the signature Floridian flavor.
• Yields 6–8 generous servings for your family and guests.

Florida Shrimp Pie is a savory baked dish featuring Gulf shrimp, diced vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all encased in a flaky pie crust. It is seasoned with traditional spices like Old Bay and smoked paprika, giving you a warm, comforting, and deeply flavorful seafood main course. This pie is often enjoyed in Southern coastal regions.

Assembling the Florida Shrimp Pie Crust Perfectly

Preparing the crust properly ensures your pie holds its rich filling without becoming soggy. You can use a store-bought crust for speed, but make sure it is for a 9-inch pie pan. This step is about building the foundation for the delicious filling you are preparing next.

Rolling and Crimping Your Pie Crust

You need to roll out your crust and gently fit it into the pie dish, taking care not to stretch the dough. Crimp the edges firmly so they hold their shape during baking. This creates a beautiful border that will become wonderfully golden brown when finished.

The Importance of Pre-Baking the Shell

Pre-baking, or blind baking, the crust is a necessary step to prevent a soggy bottom. You should lightly prick the crust with a fork before brushing it with an egg wash, which helps achieve that lovely golden color. Only bake for 10 minutes; it will finish cooking with the filling.

Choosing the Best Shrimp for Florida Shrimp Pie

The quality of the shrimp greatly impacts the final flavor of your dish. You should always opt for large, high-quality shrimp, preferably from the Gulf of Mexico, for their sweet, succulent flavor. Using fresh ingredients is always better for any seafood recipe.

Handling Fresh Versus Frozen Shrimp

Whether you choose fresh or frozen shrimp, you must ensure they are properly peeled and deveined. If using frozen, allow the shrimp to thaw completely in the refrigerator and then pat them dry with a paper towel. This prevents excess moisture from thinning your creamy filling.

Prepping the Shrimp for the Filling

You need to chop the large shrimp into smaller, manageable pieces before cooking them. This ensures the shrimp is distributed evenly throughout every slice of your pie. Cook the shrimp for only 2-3 minutes until they turn pink to avoid making them tough or rubbery.

Building the Deep Flavor in the Filling

The filling is the heart of this Florida Shrimp Pie, and building flavor layers is key to its success. You start by sautéing the holy trinity of vegetables—onion, celery, and bell pepper. This process lays the aromatic base that will carry the rich seafood flavor.

After the vegetables soften, you introduce the spices like Old Bay, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cooking these spices for a minute releases their essential oils and deepens their taste. This careful layering is what provides the signature complexity you are looking for.

Creating the Perfect Creamy Sauce for Shrimp Pie

The sauce needs to be rich, creamy, and thick enough to hold the filling together when sliced. After cooking the shrimp, you whisk in the flour to create a simple roux. This small step is essential for thickening the sauce later.

Slowly pouring in the heavy cream and milk while whisking constantly prevents lumps from forming in the sauce. Once thickened, you can stir in the Dijon mustard and lemon zest, which adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness. Finally, melt in the white cheddar and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, bringing creamy richness to the dish.

Florida Shrimp Pie Spices: Old Bay and Beyond

Florida Shrimp Pie owes much of its coastal character to a specific blend of seasonings. Old Bay is non-negotiable, offering its unique mix of celery salt, pepper, and paprika. This seasoning is what defines so many classic Southern and coastal seafood recipes.

Adding a Hint of Heat with Cayenne

The optional addition of cayenne pepper is a great way for you to customize the dish’s warmth. Just half a teaspoon offers a mild background heat that complements the shrimp without overpowering it. You can easily omit it or increase the amount for a spicier result.

The Role of Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika contributes a subtle, woody depth that enhances the savory profile of the pie. It is a fantastic seasoning that provides a richness not achievable with just regular paprika. You will appreciate the warm, slightly smoky note it adds to the creamy filling.

Assembling the Final Florida Shrimp Pie

Once the filling is ready and the crust is pre-baked, the final assembly is quick and easy. You must pour the creamy shrimp mixture into the pre-baked shell and make sure it is spread evenly. This guarantees uniform baking and serving.

Preparing the Crispy Panko Topping

The topping adds an essential textural contrast to the soft, creamy filling. You simply mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Sprinkling this mixture over the pie creates a beautifully golden and crispy layer after baking.

Baking Time and Temperature Guidelines

Baking the pie at the correct temperature ensures a perfectly set filling and a golden topping. You should bake the pie at $375^{\circ}\text{F}$ ($190^{\circ}\text{C}$) for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent the topping from browning too quickly.

The pie is done when the top is a deep golden brown and the creamy filling is bubbling around the edges. It is very important that you allow the pie to cool for 5-10 minutes before you attempt to slice it. This brief rest time allows the filling to set up completely.

Serving Suggestions for Florida Shrimp Pie

Florida Shrimp Pie is rich and hearty, so serving it with fresh, lighter sides is recommended. A simple side of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette makes for a lovely pairing. You could also pair this pie with a refreshing beet salad with feta for a touch of color and brightness.

Perfect Side Dishes to Pair

Consider serving roasted asparagus, green beans, or a fresh coleslaw alongside the pie. The crunch and slight acidity of these sides cut through the richness of the creamy filling. You will find that these lighter options create a balanced and satisfying meal.

Enhancing Flavor with Extra Garnishes

A drizzle of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens all the flavors in the pie. For those who enjoy more heat, you could offer a small dish of your favorite hot sauce on the side. A sprinkle of fresh parsley is also a nice way to add color and freshness.

Creative Variations and Shortcuts for Busy Cooks

While this recipe is excellent as written, you can easily adapt it based on your time and preferences. If you are short on time, you could use a store-bought seafood chowder as a base for the creamy filling instead of making it from scratch. This significantly reduces your preparation time.

Exploring Different Crust Options

For a richer, more indulgent feel, you could try substituting the traditional pie crust with a buttery biscuit dough or puff pastry. The flaky layers of puff pastry add a beautiful presentation and a delightful texture to the finished dish. You can find more excellent main course recipes here.

Making it Gluten-Free or Spicier

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust and replacing the tablespoon of flour with cornstarch as a thickener. If you want more spice, feel free to double the cayenne pepper or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. Find more ideas on our Pinterest page or our Instagram feed.

Florida Shrimp Pie: Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, this Florida Shrimp Pie stores and reheats very well, making it a great meal prep option. Allow any leftovers to cool completely to room temperature before covering them tightly. This prevents condensation from making the crust soggy.

How to Store Leftovers Safely

You should store the cooled pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not leave the pie sitting out at room temperature for extended periods due to the seafood and dairy content. Proper storage is key to maintaining freshness.

Best Methods for Reheating

To reheat, you can place individual slices in the microwave, but this may soften the crust. The best way is to place the slices in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at $300^{\circ}\text{F}$ ($150^{\circ}\text{C}$) for about 10–15 minutes. This method ensures the crust returns to its delicious crispness.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Seafood Dish

Florida Shrimp Pie is a truly satisfying and savory dish that will become a staple in your rotation of main courses. You have successfully created a pie that is rich with creamy, cheesy flavor and packed with tender, succulent shrimp. This recipe perfectly balances comfort food satisfaction with bright, coastal spice.

You should feel proud of mastering this simple yet elegant recipe, bringing the flavors of the Sunshine State right to your own dinner table. Remember to check out our entire main course category for more delicious ideas like this one. Enjoy every warm, flavorful slice!

Florida Shrimp Pie

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• Author: Carina James
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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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.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. PREPARE THE PIE CRUST: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp the edges. Lightly prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Brush the crust with egg wash and pre-bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside.
2. COOK THE SHRIMP FILLING: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and red bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, Old Bay, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink but not overcooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sprinkle in flour and whisk well. Slowly pour in heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, white cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth. Return the shrimp mixture to the skillet and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
4. ASSEMBLE AND BAKE: Pour the shrimp filling into the pre-baked pie crust and spread evenly. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the pie is golden brown and bubbling. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
5. SERVE AND ENJOY: Serve warm with a side of fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw. 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.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6–8 servings
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 170mg

Keywords: seafood, pie, main course, floridian, old bay