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Florida Shrimp Pie is a comforting, Southern-inspired dish bursting with coastal flavor. Featuring tender Florida shrimp in a creamy, cheesy filling and baked in a flaky pie crust, this savory seafood pie is elevated by hints of Old Bay seasoning, lemon zest, and a golden panko-Parmesan topping. It’s a fantastic main course for brunch, dinner, or special gatherings, and can even be made ahead or frozen for convenience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade)
1 egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water, beaten)

For the Shrimp Filling:

1 lb large Florida shrimp, peeled, deveined, chopped
2 tbsp butter
½ cup onion, finely chopped
½ cup celery, finely chopped
½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp lemon zest
½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
¼ cup Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp butter, melted
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Prepare the Pie Crust:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the crust in a 9-inch pie pan. Prick the bottom, brush with egg wash, and bake for 10 minutes. Set aside.
Make the Filling:
In a skillet, melt butter. Sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic, spices, and chopped shrimp. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes until pink. Remove from heat.
In the same skillet, whisk in flour, then add cream and milk. Stir until thickened. Mix in mustard, lemon zest, cheddar, and Parmesan. Return shrimp mixture and stir to combine.
Assemble and Bake:
Pour filling into the crust. In a bowl, combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over the pie.
Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Cool 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy:
Pair with salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw. A drizzle of lemon juice or hot sauce adds extra zing!

Nutrients (per slice, approx.)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 22g
Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Cholesterol: 170mg
Sodium: 780mg

A Tribute to Coastal Southern Cuisine

Florida Shrimp Pie takes inspiration from the traditional seafood dishes found along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic shoreline, where shrimp is abundant and celebrated. While seafood pies are less commonly found than their meat or vegetable counterparts, this dish carves out a unique space—blending the rich creaminess of quiche with the layered complexity of seafood chowder.

The result is a hybrid that feels both comforting and luxurious, with enough flavor to satisfy seafood lovers and enough structure to make a satisfying main course.

Sweet, Tender Florida Shrimp: The Star of the Show

The foundation of this recipe is the use of Florida shrimp, known for their naturally sweet flavor and firm texture. These shrimp are perfect for baking, as they hold their shape and remain juicy throughout the cooking process.

Chopped into bite-sized pieces, they become part of a rich, savory filling that turns this dish into a show-stopping centerpiece. If you can’t source Florida shrimp, any high-quality large shrimp will work, but fresh or flash-frozen shrimp from a coastal source is always best.

Creamy Filling with Depth and Complexity

The shrimp is paired with a combination of sautéed onion, celery, red bell pepper, and garlic—a flavor base reminiscent of a traditional Southern mirepoix. This aromatic blend adds depth and color, while the addition of Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne brings warmth and spice.

Dijon mustard and lemon zest add subtle acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the heavy cream, milk, and two types of cheese (white cheddar for bold sharpness and Parmesan for salty umami).

The filling is thickened with just a touch of flour, ensuring it holds together without becoming heavy. When baked, it sets into a luscious custard-like consistency that envelops the shrimp and vegetables in velvety goodness.

Flaky Crust with a Buttery Crunch

A key component of this dish is the crust. Whether you opt for a store-bought pie crust or make your own from scratch, blind-baking it before adding the filling ensures it stays crisp and doesn’t turn soggy during baking.

Brushed with an egg wash and pre-baked until lightly golden, the crust provides a sturdy, flaky base that complements the creamy filling without competing with it.

Topping the pie is a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, and fresh parsley. This creates a crisp, golden layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft, rich interior and adds another dimension of flavor and texture.

Flexible and Make-Ahead Friendly

One of the best parts about Florida Shrimp Pie is its versatility:

Serve it warm for dinner with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
Slice it cold or at room temperature for a brunch buffet or picnic.
Make it ahead and refrigerate or freeze the entire pie for reheating later.

To freeze, allow the fully baked pie to cool completely, wrap tightly, and store for up to two months. Reheat in the oven from frozen or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming through.

Serving Suggestions

Florida Shrimp Pie is a complete dish in itself, but it shines brightest when served with fresh and zesty sides. Consider pairing it with:

Citrus arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Coleslaw with vinegar dressing for a crunchy, acidic contrast
Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans
Corn on the cob with herbed butter
Pickled vegetables or sliced avocado

A drizzle of lemon juice or your favorite hot sauce can take each bite to the next level, adding tang or heat to contrast the richness of the filling.

Tips for Success

Use large, high-quality shrimp and avoid overcooking them in the skillet—they will finish cooking in the oven.

If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

Blind bake the crust to avoid a soggy bottom. Prick with a fork and brush with egg wash for best results.

Don’t skip the lemon zest—it brightens the whole dish and balances the creaminess.

Let the pie rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set before slicing.

Add a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs on top after baking for extra color and presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s deeply comforting yet sophisticated enough for entertaining.

It brings together creamy, cheesy, savory flavors with a touch of spice and citrus.

It highlights sweet, tender shrimp in a completely satisfying way.

It’s versatile—serve it for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

It’s freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully.

It makes an eye-catching centerpiece for holidays or seafood-focused menus.

Nutritional Highlights

At approximately 420 calories per slice, this dish delivers:

22 grams of protein from shrimp and cheese
12 grams of saturated fat for creamy satisfaction
32 grams of carbs, primarily from the crust and topping
A moderate cholesterol level (~170mg) and sodium content (~780mg)

While indulgent, it also includes a fair amount of fresh ingredients and can be lightened up with milk alternatives, reduced cheese, or a crustless variation for a lower-carb approach.

Conclusion

Florida Shrimp Pie is the perfect combination of coastal charm and Southern comfort. Rich yet balanced, hearty yet elegant, it’s a dish that’s as well suited for family meals as it is for festive gatherings. The combination of creamy shrimp filling, flaky crust, and crispy topping is unforgettable—and surprisingly simple to make.

Whether you’re introducing your guests to something new or revisiting a nostalgic Southern favorite, this pie is sure to impress with its flavor, texture, and beautiful presentation. Serve it once, and it just might become a staple at your table year-round.

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