Why You’ll Love Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe
If you’re a fan of seafood and pies, this Florida Shrimp Pie is a must-try. It offers the best of both worlds with a smooth, creamy filling packed with fresh shrimp, complemented by a buttery, golden crust. The balance of flavors in this dish is exceptional, and the shrimp take center stage, bringing a touch of the Florida coast to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a casual dinner, or as a main course, it’s bound to be a hit.
Ingredients
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1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
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1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 cup flour (for thickening)
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1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
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Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until just starting to turn pink.
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Sprinkle the flour over the shrimp mixture and stir to combine, allowing it to cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
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Slowly add the chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring constantly, making sure the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
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Season with Old Bay, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the shrimp are fully cooked.
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Pour the mixture into the pie crust. If you like, top with shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
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Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
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Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 4-6 servings. It takes approximately 45 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time.
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with a variety of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a vegetarian version.
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Spicy Shrimp Pie: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicier twist.
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Different Cheeses: Instead of cheddar, try adding Gruyère, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.
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Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or skim milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the calorie content while still enjoying a creamy filling.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover shrimp pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for quicker reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
2. How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can add some chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to give the dish a bit of heat.
3. Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of a pre-made one?
Absolutely! A homemade crust will add a personal touch to the dish and enhance its flavor.
4. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the pie the day before. Store it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
5. What should I serve with Florida Shrimp Pie?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of rice.
6. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, you can blind-bake the pie crust for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps to create a barrier between the filling and the crust.
7. Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
8. How can I thicken the filling if it’s too runny?
If the filling is too runny, you can add a little extra flour or cornstarch to thicken it. Stir in small amounts until the desired consistency is achieved.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
10. Can I add other seafood to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add crab meat, scallops, or even lobster to create a mixed seafood pie.
Conclusion
Florida Shrimp Pie is a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh, coastal flavors of shrimp in a delicious, creamy pie. With its tender shrimp, savory filling, and flaky crust, it’s a dish that will impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re looking for a special dinner or a seafood treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Florida Shrimp Pie – A Creamy & Flavorful Coastal Classic
This Florida Shrimp Pie is a creamy and flavorful coastal classic, perfect for seafood lovers. With tender shrimp, a buttery crust, and a zesty combination of herbs and spices, it offers a delicious bite of Florida’s coastal cuisine. Ideal for special gatherings or a hearty weeknight dinner, this savory pie is the ultimate comfort food for seafood enthusiasts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the green onions, red bell pepper, and garlic powder, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they are just pink and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked shrimp mixture. Sprinkle in the flour and mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Pour the shrimp mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- If desired, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top for extra texture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the filling.
- To make this recipe lighter, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk.
- You can also add other seafood like crab meat for a mixed seafood pie.
- For a crispier crust, you can blind bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before filling it.