Nothing captures the essence of Florida’s coastal cuisine quite like a perfectly crafted shrimp pie. This Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Comfort brings together the Gulf Coast’s finest seafood with traditional Southern comfort food in one irresistible dish. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers the authentic flavors of the Sunshine State’s shoreline right to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Comfort is the ultimate comfort food that combines simplicity with sophistication. The creamy custard-like filling paired with tender Gulf shrimp creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to a beachside bistro. The recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize the vegetables and seasonings to match your family’s preferences while maintaining that distinctive coastal charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Comfort
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a store-bought pie crust, allow it to come to room temperature. If making homemade, roll out your dough and press it into a 9-inch pie pan, crimping the edges decoratively.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers and green onions, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp In the same skillet, add the chopped shrimp and season with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp just begins to turn pink. Remove from heat immediately – the shrimp will continue cooking in the oven. Drizzle with lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce, then toss to combine.
Step 4: Create the Custard Base In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and eggs until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This custard base will bind all the ingredients together and create that signature creamy texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie Layer the sautéed vegetables in the bottom of the prepared pie crust. Add the seasoned shrimp on top, distributing evenly. If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the shrimp layer. Slowly pour the cream and egg mixture over the filling, ensuring it reaches all corners of the pie.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips:
Shrimp Selection: Choose medium to large shrimp for the best texture. Avoid overcooking them during the sautéing step, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Preventing Soggy Crust: Pre-bake your pie crust for 8-10 minutes before adding the filling if you prefer a crispier bottom crust.
Flavor Enhancement: For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables, allowing it to cook off before proceeding.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the filling components a day ahead and assemble the pie just before baking.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar is traditional, Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese also work beautifully in this recipe.
Details:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 6-8 people
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Comfort represents the perfect marriage of land and sea that defines Gulf Coast cuisine. The Old Bay seasoning provides that essential coastal flavor profile, while the combination of bell peppers and green onions adds both color and a subtle sweetness that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Notes:
- For the freshest flavor, use Gulf Coast shrimp when available
- The pie can be served warm or at room temperature, making it excellent for potlucks
- Consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the custard base for those who enjoy a little heat
- Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can be substituted for parsley as garnish
- This recipe works equally well with frozen shrimp – just ensure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before use
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp often contain more moisture, so this step is crucial for preventing a watery pie.
Q: How do I know when the pie is done? A: The center should be set and not jiggly when you gently shake the pan. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean, and the top should be golden brown.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Yes! You can assemble the pie up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Q: What sides pair well with Florida Shrimp Pie? A: A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted vegetables complement this dish beautifully without competing with the coastal flavors.
Q: Can I freeze leftover pie? A: While possible, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, consume within 2-3 days of baking and store in the refrigerator.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Comfort in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent the pie from absorbing other flavors. To reheat, place individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the custard base rubbery. For food safety, never leave the pie at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Conclusion:
This Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Comfort is more than just a recipe – it’s a celebration of Florida’s rich culinary heritage and coastal lifestyle. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy comfort and fresh seafood flavors that make this dish truly special. Whether you’re a Florida native longing for home or simply someone who appreciates exceptional coastal cuisine, this shrimp pie will become a treasured addition to your recipe collection. The combination of simple ingredients and straightforward techniques makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels, while the impressive presentation ensures it’s suitable for any occasion. Serve it at your next gathering and watch as guests are transported to the sun-soaked shores of the Gulf Coast with every delicious bite.
