When you think of Florida cuisine, visions of sun-drenched beaches, tropical fruits, and fresh-caught seafood likely dance through your mind. But one dish that stands out in both flavor and comfort is the Florida Shrimp Pie. This creamy, savory seafood pie is a delicious homage to coastal living and Southern kitchen traditions.
With layers of tender shrimp, sautéed vegetables, warm spices, and gooey cheese—all encased in a buttery, golden crust—Florida Shrimp Pie is more than just a meal. It’s a sensory journey that brings the warmth of a coastal breeze and the richness of the sea straight to your dinner table.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this Southern favorite: from its origin story and key ingredients to step-by-step cooking instructions, storage tips, substitutions, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, you’ll leave with the skills and inspiration to make this dish your own.
What Is Florida Shrimp Pie?
Florida Shrimp Pie is a savory seafood pie that combines the richness of heavy cream and cheese with the delicate sweetness of shrimp, wrapped in a crisp pastry shell. The dish reflects the flavors of the South—especially Florida’s Gulf Coast—with ingredients that are as comforting as they are fresh.
Unlike quiches or casseroles, this pie is more indulgent and deeply satisfying. It can be served as a standalone main dish, part of a seafood spread, or even as a brunch centerpiece. Think of it as the marriage of shrimp bisque and pot pie—with a cheesy twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Loaded with Flavor: From garlic, paprika, and Old Bay to fresh herbs and vegetables, this pie packs a punch in every bite.
- ✅ Rich Yet Balanced: The creaminess of the sauce doesn’t overpower the shrimp—it elevates it.
- ✅ Customizable: Easily switch out cheeses, crust types, or even add more seafood.
- ✅ Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish always impresses.
- ✅ Comfort Food with Coastal Charm: A warm, hearty meal that brings the beach to your plate.
Ingredients – What You’ll Need
Here’s the ultimate ingredient list for the perfect Florida Shrimp Pie. Every item serves a purpose in building flavor, texture, and richness.
For the Filling:
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but adds great flavor)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Crust:
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (or homemade crust if preferred)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
How to Make Florida Shrimp Pie – Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pie Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or tart pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes or until vegetables are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Shrimp
Toss in the shrimp and cook until they just turn pink—about 2–3 minutes. Avoid overcooking as the shrimp will continue to cook in the oven.
4. Build the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the shrimp and vegetable mixture and stir for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, then add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir in the seasonings: Old Bay, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Pie
Place your pie crust into the prepared dish. Pour the creamy shrimp filling into the crust. Smooth the surface and sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top. For a crunchy texture, mix panko with grated Parmesan and sprinkle it over the cheese.
6. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the pie rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set, making it easier to serve clean slices.
Serving Suggestions
Florida Shrimp Pie is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh Garden Salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic Butter Green Beans
- Lemon-Herb Rice Pilaf
- Corn on the Cob
- Iced Sweet Tea or Citrus Spritzer
Variations & Substitutions
🌶️ Spicy Version
Add finely chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for a kick.
🧀 Different Cheeses
Try Gruyère for a nutty flavor, Fontina for creaminess, or even a sharp white cheddar for tang.
🥦 Vegetarian Option
Swap shrimp for mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted cauliflower. Use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.
🦀 Mixed Seafood Pie
Add lump crab meat, chopped scallops, or lobster for a deluxe seafood medley.
🌿 Low-Fat Version
Use half-and-half instead of cream, and reduce the cheese. Swap butter for olive oil to lighten it up.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Wrap unbaked pie tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
To Reheat:
Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes.
FAQs About Florida Shrimp Pie
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid a watery filling.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free crust and replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.
Q: Is it suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance, store in the fridge, and bake fresh.
Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Blind-bake the crust for 5–7 minutes before adding the filling to keep it crisp.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fat: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
Make It a Family Tradition
This pie isn’t just dinner—it’s a memory in the making. It’s that dish your family will ask for again and again. From weekend brunches to holiday dinners, Florida Shrimp Pie is a comforting staple that brings everyone to the table.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that blends the elegance of seafood with the heartiness of comfort food, this Florida Shrimp Pie delivers. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with coastal flavor, it’s a standout recipe that feels both indulgent and deeply nostalgic.
Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a slice of the sea, this dish is more than worth the effort. Once you try it, it’ll become a regular part of your recipe rotation.