Shrimp pie is a beloved dish from the southern coastal regions of the United States, and Florida’s version brings a unique blend of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that celebrate fresh Gulf shrimp and local seasonings. This Florida Shrimp Pie recipe is comfort food at its finest — a rich, golden-baked pie filled with succulent shrimp, aromatic vegetables, creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy panko topping. Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress.
Introduction: What Is Florida Shrimp Pie?
Shrimp pie is a casserole-like savory pie that has roots in southern coastal cooking, where seafood is abundant and flavorful. The Florida variation typically features fresh Gulf shrimp, seasoned with Old Bay and smoked paprika, combined with sautéed vegetables and a creamy, cheesy sauce. The pie is then baked in a flaky crust and topped with a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb crust that adds the perfect crunch.
Unlike traditional shrimp cocktails or fried shrimp, this pie offers a comforting, warm meal that feels both indulgent and homey. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with the subtle tang of Dijon mustard and the fresh brightness of lemon zest.
Ingredients Breakdown and Their Roles
Pie Crust
The base of the pie is a traditional 9-inch deep-dish pie crust. You can use a store-bought crust or make your own from scratch for an even flakier, buttery base. The crust holds all the creamy goodness inside and provides structure for slicing.
Vegetables
A mix of finely chopped onion, celery, and red bell pepper forms the aromatic base. These vegetables soften as they cook and add sweetness and texture that balances the richness of the cheese and cream.
Shrimp
Fresh Gulf shrimp are peeled, deveined, and chopped. Gulf shrimp are prized for their sweetness and tenderness, making them ideal for this pie. Cooking shrimp just until pink is crucial to avoid a rubbery texture.
Seasonings
Old Bay seasoning is a signature blend for seafood in the South, offering a complex mix of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and other spices. Smoked paprika adds a gentle smoky depth, while cayenne pepper adds optional heat. Garlic brings pungency, and lemon zest offers brightness.
Cream Sauce
A roux made with butter and flour thickens the sauce, which includes heavy cream and whole milk. Dijon mustard provides a tangy contrast, while white cheddar and Parmesan cheeses melt into a rich, velvety sauce that envelops the shrimp and vegetables.
Topping
Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and fresh parsley are sprinkled on top for a crisp, golden crust after baking.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preparing the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your pie crust in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. To prevent sogginess, prick the crust’s bottom several times with a fork. Bake it for 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This par-baking ensures the crust stays crisp once the filling is added.
2. Cooking the Vegetables
While the crust is baking, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to bloom the spices and meld flavors.
3. Cooking the Shrimp
Add 1 pound of fresh, peeled, deveined, and chopped Gulf shrimp to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque pink. Remove the skillet from heat to avoid overcooking.
4. Making the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet with the shrimp and veggies, sprinkle ½ cup of all-purpose flour over the mixture. Whisk quickly to incorporate and cook for 1-2 minutes, which helps remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup whole milk. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
Add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Stir in 1 cup shredded white cheddar and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. The cheese sauce will coat the shrimp and vegetables, creating the luscious filling.
5. Assembling the Pie
Pour the shrimp and cream mixture into the pre-baked pie crust, smoothing the top evenly.
6. Preparing the Topping
Mix ½ cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pie filling.
7. Baking
Bake the pie for 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the filling bubbles around the edges.
8. Cooling and Serving
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes. This resting time allows the filling to set, making the pie easier to slice. Serve warm for the best experience.
Tips for Success
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Use fresh Gulf shrimp whenever possible for optimal sweetness and texture.
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Don’t overcook shrimp; they only need a few minutes to turn pink and firm up.
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Par-bake the crust to avoid sogginess from the creamy filling.
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Customize the spice level by adjusting or omitting cayenne pepper.
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Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the flavor.
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Make ahead: Assemble the pie and refrigerate before baking to save time.
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Pair with: A light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 450 kcal
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Protein: 30g
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Fat: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 3g
This hearty dish is rich in protein and fat due to the shrimp and cheese, making it a satisfying and indulgent meal.
Variations to Try
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Spicy Shrimp Pie: Increase cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
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Seafood Medley: Substitute half the shrimp with crab meat or scallops for variety.
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Cheese Choices: Swap cheddar for Gruyere or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
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Crustless Version: For a low-carb option, bake the filling in a casserole dish without the crust, topped with extra panko or cheese.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh dill or tarragon to the filling for a fresh herbal twist.
History and Cultural Context
Shrimp pie reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Gulf Coast, where seafood has always been a staple. Coastal communities, particularly in Florida, Louisiana, and the Carolinas, have developed recipes that celebrate the bounty of the sea. This dish marries French, Creole, and Southern influences, combining creamy textures and bold spices.
Historically, seafood pies were a practical way to stretch precious catches into filling meals. The addition of vegetables and cheese in this recipe elevates the dish from simple fare to a centerpiece for celebrations or family dinners.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Florida Shrimp Pie pairs well with crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cut through the richness. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a lemon twist complements the tangy notes.
Sides like steamed asparagus, roasted green beans, or a light mixed green salad balance the richness. For bread lovers, garlic bread or a simple baguette rounds out the meal.
Final Thoughts
Florida Shrimp Pie is more than just a seafood dish — it’s a celebration of local flavors and comforting textures. Its creamy, cheesy filling packed with tender shrimp and seasoned vegetables topped with a golden crunchy crust makes it irresistible.