If you’re craving something creamy, savory, and packed with coastal flavor, Florida Shrimp Pie is your next must-try dish. It’s the kind of recipe that brings sunshine to your plate—think tender shrimp, melty cheese, and fresh citrus all tucked inside a flaky golden crust. Whether you’re making this for a relaxed weekend brunch or a special family dinner, it’s the kind of dish that earns you compliments and second helpings.

This isn’t your average seafood pie. With zesty lemon, buttery shrimp, and just the right balance of herbs and spice, it’s bright, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull together—even if you’ve never made a savory pie before.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this Florida-inspired dish, and it goes well beyond the shrimp.

Key Benefits

Easy to make: You don’t need complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. The steps are straightforward, and most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to grab from your local grocery store.

Big flavor with simple ingredients: A handful of fresh ingredients—garlic, lemon, herbs—do the heavy lifting when it comes to flavor. And cheese? Just enough to make things feel cozy and indulgent.

Perfect for any occasion: It’s a winner at potlucks, a showstopper at brunch, and just the right comfort food for a cozy night in. You can even slice it into mini wedges for party-friendly appetizers.

Customizable: Not into shrimp? Swap in crab, scallops, or even a little smoked salmon. Want to keep it low-carb? Skip the crust altogether and pour the filling straight into a greased dish.

Suitable For

• Busy weeknight dinners: Prep ahead and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

• Entertaining guests: Looks impressive, tastes even better.

• Brunch spreads: Serve with a fresh salad or fruit platter.

• Pescatarian-friendly meals: A meatless main that still satisfies.

Ingredients for Florida Shrimp Pie

Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this delicious pie. Most of the ingredients are fresh, flavorful, and easy to find—just the way we like it.

Core Ingredients

• Shrimp: Use cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Roughly chop them so you get a bit in every bite.

• Pie crust: A store-bought 9-inch crust works great, but homemade is always a bonus if you’ve got the time.

• Eggs: They help bind everything together and give the pie its rich texture.

• Half-and-half or heavy cream: For that luscious, custard-like filling.

• Garlic, onion, and bell pepper: Sautéed until soft and fragrant—they build the flavor base.

• Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack or mozzarella gives you the perfect creamy melt.

• Lemon zest and juice: Adds a citrusy brightness that really brings the seafood to life.

• Fresh herbs: Parsley or dill work beautifully here.

• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and if you like a little heat, a dash of hot sauce or Old Bay.

Substitutions and Tips

• Cheese swaps: Not a cheddar fan? Try Fontina or Gruyère for a more mellow flavor.

• Seafood options: Crab, scallops, or even lobster can easily take shrimp’s place. Or mix them for a seafood medley.

• Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.

• Add-ins: Spinach, corn kernels, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms add great texture and flavor.

Don’t be afraid to make it your own. This recipe is super forgiving and totally adaptable to your tastes.

Best Shrimp for Florida Shrimp Pie

Shrimp is the star of this pie, so let’s make sure you’re using the right kind.

Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh is fantastic if you can get it, but frozen shrimp (thawed and drained) works perfectly too. Just make sure they’re fully cooked, peeled, and deveined.

Size matters: Medium to large shrimp are ideal. You want chunks big enough to be noticed in every bite, but not so big they throw off the texture of the pie.

Season it well: A quick toss in a little lemon juice, salt, and pepper before mixing it into the filling can boost flavor even more.

Pro tip: Avoid overcooking the shrimp when sautéing with the veggies. Since it’ll bake again in the pie, keep them tender by adding them just before baking.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make Florida Shrimp Pie—just a few basics will get you there.

Must-Have Tools

• 9-inch pie dish: Glass, ceramic, or metal all work well.

• Skillet: For sautéing your garlic, onions, and peppers.

• Mixing bowls: One for the veggies, one for the filling.

• Whisk: To beat your eggs and blend everything together.

• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy matters in baking, even for savory pies.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Zester: Fresh lemon zest is key to the flavor.

• Pie weights or dried beans: If you want to blind-bake your crust to prevent sogginess.

• Pie shield or foil strips: Helps protect the crust edges from over-browning.

How to Make Florida Shrimp Pie

Ready to bake? Let’s walk through the steps to bring this delicious Florida Shrimp Pie to life. Don’t worry—nothing here is complicated, and I’ll guide you every step of the way. The goal is a golden, savory pie that tastes like sunshine and comfort in every slice.

Step 1: Pre-Bake the Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, place it gently into a 9-inch pie dish. Press it lightly along the sides and bottom, then prick the base all over with a fork. This helps prevent bubbling during baking.

Bake the crust on the center rack for 7 to 8 minutes—just until it starts to firm up. You’re not cooking it fully yet, just giving it a head start so it won’t turn soggy later. Remove from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.

Tip: If you’re feeling fancy, you can blind-bake it using pie weights or dried beans on parchment paper. This keeps the crust perfectly flat.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

While the crust is cooling, grab a skillet and melt 1 tablespoon of butter (or olive oil) over medium heat.

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies are soft and fragrant. You want them tender but not browned.

Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly while you prep the filling.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream (or half-and-half), lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a few dashes of hot sauce or Old Bay if you’re in the mood for a little kick.

Now stir in the cooked shrimp, the sautéed veggies, both kinds of shredded cheese, and chopped parsley or dill. Mix it gently but thoroughly—you want the shrimp and cheese evenly distributed.

It should look rich, colorful, and creamy. If it feels too thick, you can add a splash more cream.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling into your pre-baked pie crust and use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly. It’ll be quite full, and that’s exactly what you want.

Place the pie on the center rack and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife into the middle—it should come out clean.

If the crust edges are browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil or use a pie shield.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling firm up and makes it easier to cut beautiful, clean slices.

You can serve this pie warm or at room temperature, depending on your mood or timing. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or fresh fruit on the side.

Tips for Success

Want your Florida Shrimp Pie to come out perfectly every time? Keep these tips in mind:

• Avoid overbaking. The filling should be just set—too long in the oven and it can turn rubbery.

• Use good cheese. Pre-shredded works, but fresh-grated melts better and tastes richer.

• Don’t skip the lemon. That little hit of zest and juice makes all the difference in balancing the creamy richness.

• Let it cool. Just 10 minutes gives the filling time to set, so you don’t end up with a runny mess.

How to Store Florida Shrimp Pie

Got leftovers? You’re in luck—this pie stores and reheats beautifully.

At Room Temperature

Leave the pie out for no more than two hours after baking. After that, it should be stored in the fridge for safety.

In the Refrigerator

Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The pie will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 325°F until heated through. The crust will stay crisp, and the filling will come back to life.

Freezing Tips

This pie also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat, bake straight from frozen at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until warmed through. It’s perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before chopping. Avoid shrimp that are overly watery or icy—extra moisture can make your filling runny.

Can I make this pie without a crust?

Yes! A crustless version is delicious and lower in carbs. Just grease your pie dish well and pour in the filling directly. The result is more like a frittata or baked egg pie—still packed with flavor.

What sides go best with this pie?

Light and fresh is the way to go. A simple green salad, steamed green beans, or a citrus fruit salad make great companions. You could also serve it with roasted potatoes for something heartier.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prepare the filling up to one day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready, just pour it into your crust and bake. Or bake the whole pie ahead of time and reheat before serving.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Florida Shrimp Pie, try these other savory seafood delights:

• Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: Buttery shrimp and pasta baked to perfection.

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Rich and flavorful with every forkful.

• Savory Steak Bites and Shrimp in Butter Soy Glaze: A hearty combo that satisfies surf and turf cravings.

• Creamy Ice Cream Bars: A cool dessert to follow your savory pie.

• Avocado Mango Salad with Arugula: A refreshing salad that pairs well with seafood pies.

Conclusion

This Florida Shrimp Pie brings all the best flavors of the coast into one golden, bubbly dish. It’s comforting but bright, rich but balanced—and it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for guests or just because, don’t be surprised if there aren’t any leftovers.

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