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This Florida shrimp pie became my go to dish for dinner parties when I needed something impressive but not stressful. The rich creamy shrimp filling with coastal spices and golden crust makes this feel like a warm hug from the Florida coast. Inspired by a trip to Key West I have been perfecting this pie for years and it never fails to wow guests.
I served this at Easter once and my mother in law who grew up with seafood pies said it reminded her of home but better. It was the best compliment I could ask for.
Ingredients
- Fresh Gulf shrimp: brings sweet seafood flavor and tender texture choose large shrimp for better bite
- Onion celery and bell pepper: form a classic Southern flavor base chop finely for even cooking
- Garlic: enhances the savory profile always use fresh for the best aroma
- Old Bay seasoning: defines the regional flavor look for fresh spices
- Smoked paprika: adds warmth and color go for high quality Spanish paprika
- Cayenne pepper: optional but gives a gentle heat adjust to taste
- Heavy cream and whole milk: make a luxurious sauce balance richness with a splash of lemon zest
- White cheddar cheese: offers creamy melt use sharp cheddar for deeper flavor
- Parmesan cheese: adds salty umami use real aged Parmigiano if possible
- Dijon mustard: gives tangy depth and complements seafood
- Lemon zest: brightens the creamy richness use fresh unwaxed lemons
- Pie crust: provides structure and flakiness a quality store bought crust works well
- Panko breadcrumbs: make the top golden and crisp pick Japanese style for better crunch
- Butter and parsley: add flavor to the topping and a pretty finish
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even baking from the start
- Prepare the Crust:
- Roll out the pie crust in a 9 inch pie pan crimp edges for a decorative look prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbles brush with egg wash and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat and cook onion celery and red bell pepper for about 4 minutes until just soft then stir in garlic and seasonings and cook for another minute until fragrant
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Add chopped shrimp to the vegetables and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink be careful not to overcook since they will finish in the oven set aside off heat
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet sprinkle flour and whisk into the drippings gradually pour in cream and milk whisking constantly to avoid lumps cook until thickened then stir in Dijon mustard lemon zest and cheeses until smooth
- Combine the Mixture:
- Add the shrimp and vegetables back into the cream sauce stir to combine evenly and ensure everything is coated and heated through
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the mixture into the pre baked crust spreading evenly mix panko with melted butter Parmesan and parsley and sprinkle over the top
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake the assembled pie for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling remove and let cool slightly before serving
Storage Tips
You can store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through for the best texture. Freezing is possible but the texture of the crust may change slightly after thawing.
Ingredient Substitutions
If fresh shrimp is unavailable thawed frozen shrimp works well just pat them dry before cooking. Gruyere can replace cheddar for a nutty twist and adding crab meat is a delicious way to vary the seafood mix.
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Serving Suggestions
This pie pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or with roasted asparagus and a chilled glass of white wine. For brunch serve it alongside fruit salad or mimosas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Yes Just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before cooking
- → What gives it a Florida-style flavor?
Gulf shrimp Old Bay seasoning and lemon zest create that coastal Florida flavor profile
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if chilled
- → How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes and avoid adding overly wet filling to the pie shell
- → What sides go well with this pie?
Light sides like green salad coleslaw or roasted vegetables pair well to balance the richness