Why Make This Recipe

Florida Shrimp Pie is a delightful dish that captures the fresh flavors of the Sunshine State. With its buttery crust, creamy filling, and juicy shrimp, this recipe brings a taste of coastal living right to your kitchen. This pie is not just about delicious flavors; it’s also about convenience. Suitable for family dinners or gatherings, it can be prepared ahead and reheated for a quick meal. Plus, with the option of customizing the ingredients, it can cater to varied tastes and dietary preferences.

Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking for a new dish to impress your guests, Florida Shrimp Pie is a fantastic choice that is easy to make and full of flavor.

How to Make Florida Shrimp Pie

Creating Florida Shrimp Pie involves several straightforward steps that will take you through the preparation and cooking process. Follow this guide for best results.

Ingredients:

1 pie crust for 9-inch pie pan, pre-baked
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt, to taste
½ teaspoon pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon paprika, optional
½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup milk
½ cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s essential to get the oven ready before you begin assembling the pie.
Prepare the Pie Crust:
Take your pre-baked pie crust and roll it out into a 9-inch pie pan. It’s important that the crust is fully cooked before adding the filling to ensure that it holds up well and gets crispy.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion, celery, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened but not browned. This step adds a lot of flavors to your filling.
Add Garlic and Seasoning:
Once the vegetables are ready, add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and ½ teaspoon of paprika (if using). Cook this mixture for an additional minute. Seasoning at this stage enhances the overall taste.
Cook the Shrimp:
Next, introduce the peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
Combine with Flour and Dairy:
Stir in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to coat the mixture. After that, gradually whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of milk. You want to cook this mixture until it thickens, giving you a creamy filling.
Add Cheese:
Once thickened, mix in ½ cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar) until it melts completely and combines with the mixture.
Assemble the Pie:
Pour the shrimp mixture into the pre-baked pie crust. Make sure it’s evenly distributed.
Prepare the Topping:
For the topping, mix ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the pie for a crispy finish.
Bake:
Place the assembled pie into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Cooling and Serving:
Once done, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm.

How to Serve Florida Shrimp Pie

Florida Shrimp Pie is best served warm. It makes a fantastic main dish that pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. You could also serve it with a slice of lemon on the side for a fresh burst of flavor. For a more festive presentation, consider garnishing the pie with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives. A chilled white wine or light beer complements the dish well, elevating the dining experience.

How to Store Florida Shrimp Pie

If you have leftovers, Florida Shrimp Pie stores quite well. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

In the Refrigerator: Allow the pie to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days.
In the Freezer: If you want to freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or warm the entire pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Tips to Make Florida Shrimp Pie

Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh shrimp and vegetables. Fresh ingredients enhance the dish’s overall taste.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking. They should be just cooked through and pink, not rubbery.
Experiment with Cheese: Different cheeses can change the flavor profile. Try using Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even goat cheese for a unique twist.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute shrimp with mushrooms or a medley of seasonal vegetables. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble, top, and bake when ready to serve.

Variation

To give your Florida Shrimp Pie a unique twist, consider these variations:

Spicy Shrimp Pie: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Herbed Version: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or thyme for an aromatic enhancement.
Delve into Seafood: If you’re a seafood lover, add crab meat or scallops to the filling for an even heartier pie.

FAQs

1. Can I make Florida Shrimp Pie without shrimp?
Yes! You can replace shrimp with vegetables, crab meat, or chicken in the filling.

2. How do I know when the pie is done?
Look for a golden brown topping and a filling that is bubbly. The internal temperature should be around 165°F (74°C) for safety.

3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just ensure to thaw frozen shrimp properly before using them in the recipe. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

4. How can I make my pie crust from scratch?
You can easily make your pie crust by mixing flour, butter, salt, and water. Combine until it forms a dough, chill it for a bit, and roll it out as needed.

5. Is Florida Shrimp Pie suitable for special diets?
This dish contains dairy, but you could use dairy-free substitutes to make it more suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals. However, be sure to check that the cheese and milk substitutes are safe for your dietary needs.

Enjoy making and savoring your Florida Shrimp Pie! It is a comforting dish that brings a bit of sunshine into every bite.

Florida Shrimp Pie

Author: everly
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

A delightful shrimp pie featuring a buttery crust and creamy filling, capturing the coastal flavors of Florida.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pie crust for 9-inch pie pan, pre-baked
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt, to taste
½ teaspoon pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon paprika, optional
½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup milk
½ cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the pre-baked pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan.
Sauté the chopped onion, celery, and red bell pepper with butter for about 3-4 minutes.
Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika, cooking for an additional minute.
Cook the shrimp in the skillet until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine with flour, then whisk in heavy cream and milk until thickened.
Add shredded cheese and mix until melted.
Assemble by pouring the shrimp mixture into the pie crust.
Prepare the topping with panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Cool slightly before slicing and serve warm.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp and vegetables for the best flavor. This pie can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: shrimp pie, seafood pie, Florida recipes, easy pie recipe, delicious seafood dish