Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe
If you’re searching for a vibrant, delicious meal that truly captures the essence of the Sunshine State, look no further than Florida Shrimp Pie. This savory, creamy pie is loaded with sweet Florida shrimp, melty Swiss cheese, a splash of color from crisp bell peppers, and an irresistible custard filling—all nestled into a flaky crust. With every bite, you’ll taste a blend of coastal comfort and breezy tropical flair, making it a perfect centerpiece for brunch, lunch, or even a casual seaside dinner. Whether you’re at the beach or missing Florida’s beautiful coastline, this is a dish that brings the flavors of home right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Florida Shrimp Pie lies in its straightforward-yet-flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, bringing freshness, creaminess, or a pop of color to this beloved classic. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Unbaked Pie Crust (9-inch): Go for a flaky, buttery crust—store-bought or homemade—because this forms the base that holds all the tasty goodness together.
- Florida Shrimp, cooked and peeled (1 lb, chopped): Opt for truly fresh, local shrimp if you can; their natural sweetness steals the show.
- Swiss Cheese (1 cup, shredded): This cheese melts beautifully and adds a subtle nuttiness you’ll love.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Mayonnaise lends silkiness to the filling and a gentle tang that balances the richness.
- Large Eggs (2): Eggs bind everything together into a luscious, sliceable custard.
- Whole Milk (1/2 cup): Milk adds creaminess and keeps the filling soft without making it too heavy.
- Green Onions (1/2 cup, finely chopped): These bring crunch, a fresh bite, and a spark of color throughout the pie.
- Red Bell Pepper (1/4 cup, diced): For a burst of color and sweet flavor in every mouthful.
- Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch provides deep, aromatic flavor.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/8 teaspoon): A tiny bit of pepper ties all the flavors together with subtle heat.
How to Make Florida Shrimp Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is the foundation of your filling—it ensures every bite of your Florida Shrimp Pie is light, silky, and perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Add the Flavorful Ingredients
Now it’s time to fold in the stars of the show: toss the chopped shrimp, green onions, diced red bell pepper, and shredded Swiss cheese into your egg mixture. Stir gently to blend everything just until evenly combined. The vibrant veggies and cheese will dot every slice with bursts of color and pockets of melty goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Grab your 9-inch unbaked pie crust—homemade or store-bought—and place it in a pie plate. Pour your shrimp and veggie mixture into the crust, spreading it out to the edges for a beautiful, even layer. The filling will settle as it bakes, so don’t worry if it looks slightly overfilled; that’s part of the magic!
Step 4: Bake
Set the pie plate on a baking sheet in case of any spills, and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is completely set and the top turns a lovely golden brown. Enjoy the aroma as it fills your kitchen—it’s a true preview of the deliciousness to come!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
As hard as it is to wait, allow your Florida Shrimp Pie to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting. This brief rest helps the filling firm up for neater slices and allows all the flavors to meld. Serve warm, and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Florida Shrimp Pie
Garnishes
Bright, fresh garnishes will make your Florida Shrimp Pie even more inviting. Try scattering a handful of chopped parsley, snipped chives, or even a touch more sliced green onion over the top just before serving. For a burst of citrus, a wedge of lemon on the side is always a hit.
Side Dishes
Pairing is part of the fun! To complement the richness of this pie, serve it with a simple green salad, crisp cucumber slices, or a bowl of chilled fruit. For a heartier meal, add a scoop of potato salad or a tangy coleslaw—the refreshing crunch balances the savoriness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation transforms Florida Shrimp Pie into a showstopper. Bake the filling in individual ramekins for adorable, personal pies, or use a seashell-shaped baking dish for a true homage to the coast. If you’re hosting a brunch, slice the pie into petite squares and serve as finger-friendly appetizers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Florida Shrimp Pie, you’re in for a tasty encore. Let the pie cool to room temperature, then cover well or transfer slices to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days for best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Florida Shrimp Pie can absolutely be frozen! Once fully cooled, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for about a month. Defrost overnight in the fridge for easiest reheating.
Reheating
To recapture the just-baked magic, reheat Florida Shrimp Pie in a 325°F oven until warmed through—usually about 15-20 minutes. You can microwave a slice in a pinch, but the oven helps keep the crust crisp and the texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh Florida shrimp shine in this recipe, good-quality frozen (and thawed) shrimp also work beautifully. Just pat them dry to avoid extra moisture in your pie.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If you’d like to switch up the cheese, Gruyère or Monterey Jack are great alternatives. Even sharp cheddar can work for a bolder flavor twist!
Is there a way to make this Florida Shrimp Pie gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pie crust recipe or store-bought version. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free.
How do I know when the pie is finished baking?
Look for a golden top and gently shake the pie—if the center jiggles only slightly and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, your Florida Shrimp Pie is ready to come out of the oven.
Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Of course! Feel free to fold in a handful of baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even corn kernels for added color, flavor, and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a Florida native or dreaming of coastal nights by the sea, this Florida Shrimp Pie is bound to become a household favorite. It’s easy, inviting, and full of sunshine flavor. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised when everyone comes back for seconds!
Print
Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of the coast with this delightful Florida Shrimp Pie. A savory combination of succulent shrimp, Swiss cheese, and a medley of seasonings baked into a flaky pie crust.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
Filling:
- 1 lb cooked and peeled Florida shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in shrimp, green onions, red bell pepper, and Swiss cheese.
- Fill the crust: Pour the mixture into the pie crust, spread evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet, bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Fresh Florida shrimp provides the best flavor, but thawed frozen shrimp works well too.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
- Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or chilled fruit for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
