The Florida Shrimp Pie is a delightful fusion of coastal flavors and southern comfort. This pie is packed with tender shrimp, sautéed aromatics, cheddar cheese, and seasoned perfectly with a touch of Old Bay and fresh parsley. The creamy filling and crisp pie crust come together to create a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings, this savory pie brings the taste of the sea straight to your table. Easy to make and bursting with fresh ingredients, the Florida Shrimp Pie is a must-try for seafood lovers looking to switch up their usual routine.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (pre-baked)
- 1 lb fresh Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onions, garlic, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, just until pink. Remove from heat.
- Stir in parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let mixture cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream.
- Spread shrimp mixture evenly over the pre-baked pie crust.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture over the shrimp, then sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Lightly dust with paprika and breadcrumbs, if desired.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until golden and set.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Discover the Comfort of Coastal Cuisine: Florida Shrimp Pie
When you think of comfort food, classic dishes like pot pies, casseroles, and quiches might come to mind. But what if you could bring a refreshing, coastal twist to your comfort meals? That’s exactly what the Florida Shrimp Pie does combining the richness of a savory pie with the freshness of tender shrimp, bright herbs, and bold southern flavors. It’s a dish that merges the bounty of the sea with familiar home-style textures, making it ideal for seafood lovers and home cooks looking to impress.
The Origins of Shrimp Pie
While you may not hear about shrimp pie as frequently as crab cakes or shrimp scampi, savory seafood pies have deep roots in coastal and southern culinary traditions. Historically, fishermen and families living near the sea would use fresh catches like shrimp, crab, or fish, combining them with staples like bread, milk, and eggs to create hearty, filling meals. Over time, these seafood pies evolved to incorporate local spices, herbs, and cheeses, resulting in recipes that reflect regional identities.
The Florida Shrimp Pie specifically celebrates Florida’s rich shrimping industry, which is known for its high-quality, sweet-tasting shrimp. Florida’s coastal waters provide the perfect environment for pink shrimp, a variety that is firm, succulent, and perfect for dishes like this pie. By using fresh, local shrimp and southern flavorings like Old Bay seasoning, parsley, and cheddar cheese, this recipe beautifully honors the flavors of the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
What Makes Florida Shrimp Pie Special?
1. A Balance of Creaminess and Freshness
One of the standout qualities of Florida Shrimp Pie is its perfect balance of creamy texture and fresh, briny shrimp flavor. The heavy cream and eggs create a custardy base that envelops the shrimp and vegetables, while sharp cheddar cheese adds a salty bite and richness. This creaminess is contrasted by the freshness of the sautéed onions, bell peppers, celery, and parsley, resulting in a filling that is both indulgent and bright.
2. Coastal Flavors Enhanced by Southern Seasonings
Florida Shrimp Pie is seasoned lightly but effectively. Old Bay seasoning, a staple in southern seafood dishes, gives a subtle kick with its blend of paprika, celery salt, and other spices. The touch of lemon juice elevates the shrimp’s natural sweetness, while parsley provides an herbaceous note. Unlike overly spicy seafood dishes, this pie leans more on balance, letting the shrimp shine without overpowering their delicate flavor.
3. Ease of Preparation Meets Elegance
Although pies might seem labor-intensive, Florida Shrimp Pie is surprisingly straightforward to make, especially when using a pre-made crust. Sautéing the shrimp and vegetables, whisking the creamy egg mixture, and assembling the pie can be done within an hour. Yet, the finished result looks and tastes like something served at an upscale coastal restaurant. This makes it an excellent option for family dinners, brunch gatherings, or special occasions where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavor Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Perfect Side Dishes
Florida Shrimp Pie is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with lighter sides helps round out the meal beautifully. Consider serving it alongside:
- A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette
- Steamed asparagus or green beans with lemon zest
- Roasted new potatoes seasoned simply with olive oil and sea salt
- A side of coleslaw for a tangy, refreshing contrast
Beverage Pairings
For drinks, you’ll want something that complements the shrimp’s freshness and balances the pie’s richness. A few suggestions include:
- A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- Light craft beers, especially citrusy wheat ales
- Sparkling water with lemon or cucumber slices for a non-alcoholic option
Versatility and Variations
One of the beautiful aspects of this dish is how adaptable it is. You can easily customize the recipe based on dietary preferences or what’s available in your pantry. Here are some fun variations to try:
1. Crust Alternatives
While a traditional pie crust provides that perfect flaky texture, you can swap it out for:
- Puff pastry for an extra buttery, delicate layer
- A gluten-free crust to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners
- No crust at all, turning the filling into a crustless shrimp quiche
2. Different Cheeses
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment:
- Gruyère for a nuttier, creamier flavor
- Parmesan for a sharper, saltier bite
- A blend of mozzarella and provolone for a milder, melty texture
3. Additional Seafood
Why stop at shrimp? This recipe welcomes the addition of other seafood:
- Lump crab meat for a sweeter, more luxurious pie
- Flaky white fish like cod or haddock
- Scallops chopped into smaller pieces for a decadent upgrade
4. Vegetable Additions
Want to sneak in more veggies? Try:
- Sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor
- Fresh spinach or kale, wilted into the filling
- Sweet corn kernels for a pop of color and sweetness
Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp-Based Dishes
Shrimp are not just delicious they’re also nutrient-dense and health-friendly. A few key benefits include:
- High Protein Content: Shrimp are an excellent source of lean protein, making them ideal for those looking to maintain muscle or follow a high-protein diet.
- Low in Calories and Fat: Compared to other animal proteins, shrimp are low in calories and saturated fat.
- Rich in Nutrients: Shrimp contain essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, selenium, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support thyroid health, brain function, and heart health.
Paired with the vitamins from fresh vegetables and the satisfying fats from eggs and cheese, this dish provides a balanced nutritional profile especially when enjoyed in moderation.
Why You Should Add Florida Shrimp Pie to Your Meal Rotation
Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping main course, a creative way to use shrimp, or a comforting yet unique dish, Florida Shrimp Pie checks all the boxes:
- Flavor-packed yet simple
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort
- Customizable based on preference or ingredients on hand
- Great balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients
- Ideal for any occasion from casual weeknight meals to festive gatherings
Conclusion:
Incorporating seafood into your diet doesn’t have to be complicated or limited to the usual grilled or fried fare. The Florida Shrimp Pie is a celebration of coastal ingredients, southern charm, and kitchen simplicity all rolled into one. It’s a recipe that embodies both comfort and elegance, appealing to a wide range of palates and culinary skill levels.
Give this dish a try, and you’ll soon see why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or someone who simply loves homemade pies, the creamy, savory richness of Florida Shrimp Pie is guaranteed to satisfy and impress.