Baked Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe

Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe That Captures Coastal Flavor

Florida shrimp pie recipe lovers know that sometimes the most satisfying meals come from simple coastal traditions that have fed families for generations.

Originating from the Sunshine State's fishing communities, it unites the best of Southern comfort food with fresh seafood in one hearty dish.

Light yet filling, it works beautifully for weeknight dinners when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

The golden crust and savory filling make it just as appropriate for casual lunches as it is for impressing dinner guests on weekends.

What makes it so beloved is how it feels both homey and elegant at the same time—proving that good food doesn't need to be complicated.

Many coastal families have passed down their own versions through generations, each adding their own touch while keeping the soul of the original intact.

It's one of those recipes that tastes like a warm Florida evening by the water.

Give it a go tonight and see why so many people consider it a true Gulf Coast treasure.

Why Florida Shrimp Pie Feels Old-School Special

  • Comfort Food Classic: This Florida Shrimp Pie brings serious Southern coastal charm right to your dinner table, making every bite feel like a warm culinary hug.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Centerpiece: Perfect for family gatherings or weekend dinners, the recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular main course that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • One-Pan Wonder: The streamlined cooking process means minimal kitchen cleanup, letting you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious meal with friends and family.
  • Flavor-Packed Adventure: Packed with spices like Old Bay and smoked paprika, this pie delivers a bold taste experience that brings the coastal Florida food scene directly to your kitchen.

Florida Shrimp Pie Ingredient Overview

Main Proteins:
  • Large Florida Shrimp (1 pound): Fresh, sweet ocean catch that brings the taste of coastal waters right to your dinner plate. Chop these beauties to distribute their delicious flavor throughout the pie.
Vegetables and Seasonings:
  • Onion (½ cup), Celery (½ cup), Red Bell Pepper (½ cup): These chopped vegetables create a flavor base that adds depth and crunch to your shrimp pie. Each veggie brings its own character to the dish.
  • Garlic (2 cloves): Adds a robust, aromatic punch that complements the sweet shrimp perfectly.
  • Old Bay Seasoning (1 teaspoon), Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon), Cayenne Pepper (½ teaspoon): These spices bring a warm, complex flavor profile that makes your pie truly memorable.
  • Salt (½ teaspoon), Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the other flavors.
  • Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon), Fresh Parsley (1 teaspoon): Bright, fresh notes that lift the entire dish and add a final layer of flavor.
Baking and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Pre-Made Pie Crust (1): Saves time and ensures a perfect golden base for your seafood creation.
  • Butter (2 tablespoons), All-Purpose Flour (1 tablespoon): Create a smooth roux that thickens your pie filling beautifully.
  • Heavy Cream (½ cup), Whole Milk (½ cup): Rich, creamy liquids that make the filling luxuriously smooth.
  • Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle tangy kick that brightens the entire dish.
  • White Cheddar Cheese (½ cup), Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): Cheeses that melt into a dreamy, savory filling.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Creates a crisp, golden topping.
  • Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Helps brown the breadcrumb topping evenly.
  • Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): Enhances the crunchy topping with extra savory flavor.
  • Egg Wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon water, beaten): Promotes a glossy, golden crust.

Prep Tools For This Recipe Florida Shrimp Pie

  • Large Skillet (12-inch): Your go-to pan for sautéing veggies and creating the creamy shrimp filling with perfect heat control.
  • 9-inch Pie Pan: The essential vessel where your golden, flaky crust will hold the delectable shrimp mixture.
  • Rolling Pin: Your trusted tool for rolling out the pie crust to the perfect thickness and smoothness.
  • Mixing Bowls (2 small): Handy for combining breadcrumb topping and whisking cream sauce ingredients.
  • Whisk: Your key instrument for blending cream, milk, and cheese into a silky smooth sauce without lumps.
  • Pastry Brush: Perfect for applying egg wash to create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping shrimp, vegetables, and herbs with precision.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for getting ingredient proportions exactly right for a balanced flavor.
  • Fork: Helpful for pricking the pie crust and checking doneness of the shrimp.

Basic Steps for Florida Shrimp Pie

1

Crust Prep

Preheat your oven to exactly 375°F. Gently roll out the pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, creating pretty crimped edges. Use a fork to lightly poke holes across the bottom. Brush the entire crust with an egg wash:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

Bake for 10 minutes until it turns a delicate golden color. Set the crust aside while you tackle the filling.

2

Create Shrimp Base

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped vegetables:

  • 1/2 cup onion
  • 1/2 cup celery
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper

Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Add minced garlic and your spice collection:

  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook for another minute to wake up those spices.

3

Cook Seafood

Slide 1 pound of chopped shrimp into the skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes until they turn pink but stay tender. Transfer the shrimp mixture to a separate bowl.

4

Create Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour and whisk smoothly. Slowly pour in:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Whisk constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in:

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Mix until everything melts together beautifully.

5

Combine and Top

Return the shrimp to the creamy sauce and blend thoroughly. Pour the mixture into your pre-baked crust. For the topping, mix:

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley

Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the top.

6

Final Bake

Slide the pie into the 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown top and bubbling edges. Let it rest 5-10 minutes before cutting.

7

Serve with Flair

Slice and serve alongside a crisp salad or roasted vegetables. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds a bright finish.

Helpful Cooking Notes for Florida Shrimp Pie

  • Prick the pie crust bottom with a fork to stop bubbling and prevent soggy bottoms that can ruin your entire pie.
  • Watch your shrimp carefully while cooking – those little guys turn pink super fast and can get rubbery if overcooked, so pull them off the heat right when they’re just turning color.
  • Whisk the cream sauce slowly and steadily to prevent lumps, making sure your mixture becomes silky smooth before adding cheese and seasonings.
  • Toast your panko breadcrumbs to golden perfection for a crispy, crunchy top that adds amazing texture to your Florida Shrimp Pie.
  • Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes after baking so the filling sets and your slices come out clean and beautiful.

What Variations Work Well for Florida Shrimp Pie

  • Crab Coastal Classic: Swap out shrimp with fresh lump crab meat, keeping the same seasoning and cooking technique for a rich seafood alternative that captures ocean flavors.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Version: Replace shrimp with roasted zucchini, eggplant, and artichoke hearts, using feta cheese instead of cheddar to create a plant-based Mediterranean-style pie.
  • Gluten-Free Seafood Comfort: Substitute regular pie crust with a gluten-free almond flour crust, use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.
  • Lighter Protein Swap: Trade shrimp for diced chicken breast, adjusting cooking time to ensure meat is fully cooked and maintaining the same creamy, cheesy sauce profile.

Best Ways To Serve Florida Shrimp Pie

  • Serve with Tangy Salad: Pair the pie with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy shrimp filling.
  • Complement with Roasted Veggies: Roast some asparagus or brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil for a perfect side that adds color and nutrition to your plate.
  • Wine Pairing Tip: Grab a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will cut through the pie’s creamy texture and enhance the seafood flavors.
  • Portion Perfectly: Slice the pie into 6 generous wedges, which makes for a satisfying main course that leaves everyone feeling content and well-fed.

Simple Storage Guide for Florida Shrimp Pie

  • Store leftover Florida Shrimp Pie covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, keeping the crispy topping separate to prevent sogginess.
  • Freeze unbaked pie filling in an airtight container for up to one month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and baking.
  • Reheat individual slices in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to help restore the crust’s crispness and warm the filling thoroughly.
  • When prepping ahead, chop vegetables and measure spices in advance, storing separately in sealed containers to streamline your cooking process.

Florida Shrimp Pie Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before chopping. Fresh or frozen both work great for creating a delicious seafood pie.

FAQ

What if I cannot find Old Bay seasoning?

No worries. Create a similar blend using paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne to capture that classic seafood flavor profile.

FAQ

How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the crust and using a light egg wash helps create a barrier that keeps the bottom crisp. Make sure to prick the crust with a fork before baking.

FAQ

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Prepare the pie filling and crust separately, then assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and freshest taste.

FAQ

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from cayenne and smoked paprika. Adjust the spices to your preference by reducing or increasing the amount.

FAQ

What cheese works best if I do not have white cheddar?

Gruyère or monterey jack are excellent substitutes that will still provide a creamy, rich flavor to your shrimp pie.

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Baked Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe

Baked Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes – 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Savor the coastal charm of Florida Shrimp Pie, where fresh Gulf shrimp nestled in a buttery, flaky crust tell a delicious story of sunshine and seaside flavors your family will absolutely adore. Creamy, herbed filling packed with succulent shrimp creates a perfect dinner that brings Southern comfort right to your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound large Florida shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • ½ cup onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup celery, finely chopped
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

Baking and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-made pie crust
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon water, beaten)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Gently roll the pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, creating decorative edges. Pierce the bottom with a fork to prevent air bubbles.
  2. Brush the entire crust surface with 1 egg wash mixture. Pre-bake the crust for exactly 10 minutes until it turns a light golden shade. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup each of onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
  4. Incorporate 2 minced garlic cloves and all dry seasonings: 1 teaspoon Old Bay, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for another minute.
  5. Toss 1 pound chopped shrimp into the skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink but remain tender.
  6. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour into the skillet and whisk thoroughly. Gradually pour ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup whole milk, whisking continuously until sauce thickens.
  7. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ½ cup white cheddar, and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese until mixture becomes smooth.
  8. Pour the shrimp filling into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading evenly across the surface.
  9. Mix ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon melted butter, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon chopped parsley in a small bowl.
  10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture uniformly over the pie’s surface. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until top turns golden brown and filling bubbles.
  11. Remove from oven and allow the pie to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with a refreshing side salad or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Pre-baking the crust ensures a crisp bottom and prevents a soggy pie, so don’t skip this crucial step.
  • Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, preferably locally caught if possible.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • The key to perfect shrimp is cooking just until they turn pink, as overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.
  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Shrimp
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 326 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 190 mg
Susan Whitaker

Susan Whitaker

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Guide

Expertise

Family-friendly Meals, Simple Healthy Cooking, Ingredient Substitutions, Beginner-friendly Recipes, Flexible Meal Prep

Education

Saint Paul College
  • Program: Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Trained in a hands-on professional kitchen environment with coursework spanning core culinary technique, pastry, butchery, charcuterie, food safety, sanitation, restaurant operations, and the nutritional side of healthy cooking, with real-world practice tied to the college’s student-run restaurant.

Susan is the steady, practical guide at Mary Sue & Susan, bringing clarity, structure, and a warm sense of encouragement to every recipe she touches. Susan joined the site with a simple goal: help people cook with more confidence and less guesswork.

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