Florida Shrimp Pie

Florida Shrimp Pie brings together sweet shrimp, gently cooked veggies, and a creamy egg filling all tucked into a flaky crust. Finished with cheddar on top, it is a tasty celebration of coastal ingredients that reminds me of family trips to the Gulf. When I am craving a comforting but special dinner, this is the pie I turn to.

Each time I serve this pie, even shrimp skeptics ask for seconds. I first tried this method after a beach trip when fresh shrimp was abundant and could not believe how quickly it disappeared from the table.

Ingredients

• Unbaked nine inch pastry shell: gives structure and turns golden and flaky in the oven look for one with real butter for best flavor

• Fresh shrimp peeled and deveined: brings true coastal sweetness get the freshest you can from a seafood counter where shells are bright and meat smells clean

• Butter: helps vegetables soften and adds richness choose good quality for best taste

• Onion finely chopped: brings a mild sweetness look for onions with unblemished skins for fresher flavor

• Green bell pepper finely chopped: adds freshness and color firm heavy peppers are best

• Celery finely chopped: for a faint herbal crunch look for crisp stalks without browning

• Fresh garlic minced: brings depth pick firm unbruised cloves

• Mayonnaise: creates a silky custard choose a tangy brand for balance

• Milk: helps smooth out the filling whole milk gives best texture

• Large eggs: bind everything and make the filling creamy fresher eggs hold together better

• Lemon juice: brightens up the shrimp use freshly squeezed for zing

• Worcestershire sauce: adds savoriness and complexity check the label for quality ingredients

• Salt: defines all flavors opt for sea salt for cleanest seasoning

• Black pepper: adds subtle warmth grind fresh for fragrance

• Cayenne pepper: gives a gentle kick use more or less to taste

• Shredded cheddar cheese: brings a salty finish sharp cheddar melts best and adds robust flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pastry Shell:

Set the unbaked pastry shell on a baking sheet this makes transferring to and from the oven easier and prevents spills

Sauté the Vegetables:

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat add onion green bell pepper celery and garlic cook about seven minutes stirring until softened and translucent this builds the flavor base

Cook the Shrimp:

Add shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables stir gently until the shrimp turn pink and firm about three to five minutes immediately remove from heat to avoid overcooking drain off any excess liquid to keep pie from being soggy

Mix the Custard:

In a large bowl whisk together mayonnaise and milk until smooth add eggs lemon juice Worcestershire sauce salt black pepper and cayenne whisk until the mixture is completely blended and a pale golden color

Assemble the Pie:

Spread the shrimp and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared pastry shell pour the custard mixture over the top shake gently to let it settle all the way through

Add Cheese and Bake:

Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the pie bake in your preheated oven for thirty to thirty five minutes until the cheese is golden and the filling is set a knife inserted in the center should come out clean

Rest and Serve:

Let the pie cool for at least ten minutes before slicing this helps the filling set and makes serving cleaner

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When I use Gulf shrimp their sweetness and tenderness always transports me back to Florida summers watching the water with my grandparents They believed every pie should have just a little extra cheese on top and I never argue with that advice

Storage Tips

Let any leftovers cool completely then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator The pie keeps well for up to three days Reheat slices in the oven covered loosely with foil to maintain the flaky crust Microwave makes the crust softer but works in a hurry

Ingredient Substitutions

Instead of fresh shrimp you can use thawed frozen shrimp just be sure to pat them dry Swap cheddar for a mild blend like Monterey Jack or Gruyere For more veggie flavor try adding a handful of chopped spinach or a diced tomato just drain any added vegetables so the pie does not get watery

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Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a big green salad and a glass of crisp white wine This pie also pairs well with roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans For brunch slice into wedges and serve with fresh fruit

A Florida Classic

Shrimp pie is a Southern specialty especially along the Florida coast where seafood is so fresh Traditions like this one often started as a way for families to stretch season’s catch into hearty meals The addition of egg custard transforms it into a satisfying dish that feels festive even on a regular weeknight

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

→ What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar adds rich flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or Gouda for extra complexity.

→ Can this dish be made ahead?

Absolutely. Prepare and bake the pie, then refrigerate and reheat gently in the oven before serving.

→ How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Bake the pie on a lower oven rack and drain the shrimp mixture thoroughly before assembling.

→ What sides pair well?

A crisp green salad and citrusy white wine balance the richness and highlight coastal notes.