Masters of kitchen
Imagine the buttery aroma of a flaky pie crust mingling with the briny sweetness of shrimp, all baked into a creamy, comforting filling. That’s the magic of Florida Shrimp Pie—a coastal gem that captures the sunshine, seafood, and soul of the state.
This savory pie is a beloved staple across Florida’s beach towns and fishing communities. Locals swear by it for casual dinners, holiday brunches, and everything in between. It’s hearty without being heavy, rich without being overwhelming, and packed with fresh flavor in every bite.
What makes it uniquely Floridian? It starts with fresh-caught Gulf shrimp, known for their sweet and delicate flavor. Add a splash of citrus, a dash of Southern seasoning, and a crust that holds it all together—and you’ve got a dish that feels like a mini vacation on a plate.
What Is Florida Shrimp Pie?
Think of Florida Shrimp Pie as a cross between a Southern pot pie and a savory seafood tart. It takes the creamy comfort of a casserole, the elegance of a quiche, and the flaky richness of a pie—and ties it all together with coastal flair.
At its heart is a creamy shrimp filling, loaded with tender bites of sautéed shrimp, onions, garlic, and sweet bell peppers. A mix of cream and cheese brings everything together into a luscious base that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
The crust can be homemade or store-bought, depending on how much time you have. Some folks go all out with buttery, hand-rolled dough, while others swear by a shortcut puff pastry or ready-made pie crust.
What really sets it apart are the Southern-seasoned add-ins—a sprinkle of Old Bay, a hint of paprika, or a bright burst of lemon zest—that bring the whole dish to life.
History of Florida Shrimp Pie and Its Coastal Roots
Florida Shrimp Pie has its roots in the Southern coastal kitchen, where resourceful cooks turned fresh catch into flavorful meals that could feed a family. Florida’s long-standing seafood culture—especially along the Gulf Coast—has made shrimp a household favorite for generations.
The dish also draws inspiration from Caribbean flavors, thanks to Florida’s close cultural ties with the islands. You’ll often find hints of spice, citrus, and fresh herbs that reflect this influence.
Over time, this humble pie has evolved into a cherished comfort food that blends Southern charm with coastal elegance, making it a must-try for seafood lovers everywhere.
Why You’ll Love This Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe
There’s so much to love about Florida Shrimp Pie, no matter the occasion. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough to serve at brunch or a coastal-themed gathering.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it warm out of the oven with a side salad, or enjoy it chilled like a quiche. The flavors hold up beautifully either way. Hosting a crowd? Shrimp pie is a hit at potlucks and family dinners because it’s easy to slice, share, and reheat.
Planning ahead? This dish is make-ahead friendly and stores well in the fridge or freezer. You can even prep the filling the night before to cut down on time.
Pro tip: Use fresh Gulf shrimp for unbeatable flavor and texture. Their natural sweetness and firm bite make all the difference in every creamy, savory forkful.
Ingredients That Make Florida Shrimp Pie Shine
Let’s break down what goes into making this dreamy, seafood-filled pie:
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Shrimp: Opt for medium to large Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh is ideal, but frozen works too if properly thawed.
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Pie Crust: A buttery homemade crust delivers the best flavor and texture. However, store-bought or puff pastry makes a great shortcut.
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Aromatics: Onions, garlic, and bell peppers provide the savory base and a pop of sweetness.
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Dairy: A splash of heavy cream or half-and-half gives the filling richness. Add your favorite cheese—sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even gruyère all pair beautifully.
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Seasonings: A blend of Old Bay, paprika, salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon zest adds layers of flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
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Optional Add-ins: Chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or a crispy breadcrumb topping add texture and color.
Bold Tip: Don’t skip the lemon zest—it adds brightness that balances the rich filling and enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.
This combination of creamy, briny, and buttery elements is what makes Florida Shrimp Pie a true crowd-pleaser.
Best Shrimp for Florida Shrimp Pie
Choosing the right shrimp is key to a perfect pie. Always aim for wild-caught shrimp over farm-raised whenever possible—they have a cleaner flavor and better texture.
For that true Florida taste, Gulf shrimp or Florida pink shrimp are the gold standard. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold water, and be sure to pat them dry.
Devein and remove tails for easier eating, especially in a creamy filling. Cook the shrimp briefly—just until pink—since they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
Fresh, quality shrimp can take this pie from good to unforgettable.
Essential Tools for Making Shrimp Pie at Home
You won’t need any fancy tools to make Florida Shrimp Pie, but having these on hand will help:
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A 9-inch pie dish (glass or ceramic)
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A medium skillet for sautéing
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Mixing bowls for the filling
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A whisk or spoon for stirring
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A sharp knife and cutting board for prep work
How to Make Florida Shrimp Pie Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat oven and prep pie crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming the edges as needed. For store-bought crusts, follow the package directions for pre-baking, if required. Place the crust in the fridge to chill while you make the filling—this helps it stay crisp.
Step 2: Sauté aromatics and shrimp
In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm a drizzle of oil or a pat of butter. Sauté the onions and bell peppers until soft and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Then, toss in the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink—this should take no more than 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make creamy shrimp mixture
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed shrimp and veggies with cream, cheese, and your seasonings (Old Bay, paprika, lemon zest). Mix until well blended. If the mixture feels too thick, add a small splash of milk or broth to loosen it slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the pie
Pour the shrimp mixture into your chilled pie crust, spreading it out evenly. If using a second crust or lattice topping, place it over the filling and crimp the edges. For a golden finish, brush the top crust with an egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tbsp water).
Step 5: Bake until golden
Bake the pie for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a crust shield halfway through baking.
Step 6: Cool slightly before serving
Let the pie rest for 10–15 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Bonus tip: Sprinkle fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Pie
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Don’t overcook the shrimp during sautéing. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, so aim for just barely pink before removing them from heat.
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Let the pie cool slightly before slicing—this prevents the filling from spilling out and ensures clean, picture-perfect wedges.
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For maximum flavor, use a blend of cheeses. Sharp cheddar adds richness, while Monterey Jack brings creaminess and a subtle kick.
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Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for a bold twist.
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If your crust tends to get soggy, blind bake it for 8–10 minutes before adding the filling.
Make-Ahead, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Making ahead: You can prepare the shrimp filling a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then assemble and bake the pie when ready.
Freezing before baking: Assemble the uncooked pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing after baking: Let the baked pie cool completely, then wrap and freeze. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20–25 minutes).
Reheating individual slices: Microwave on medium power or heat in the oven at 325°F for a few minutes until warmed. To prevent sogginess, avoid using high microwave power.
Pro tip: Always label your frozen pie with the date and reheating instructions for easy use later!
What to Serve with Florida Shrimp Pie
Florida Shrimp Pie pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides. Try it with a crisp garden salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or some corn on the cob for a Southern touch.
For a fuller meal, add Southern coleslaw or chilled marinated vegetables. It’s also lovely with roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans.
Drink-wise, iced tea, citrus-infused sparkling water, or a chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are perfect pairings.
Whether you serve it at brunch, lunch, or dinner, this savory pie always brings a little coastal sunshine to the table.
Variations & Twists
Want to change things up? Here are a few tasty spins on the classic:
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Swap the shrimp for crabmeat or scallops for a different seafood profile.
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Make mini shrimp pies in muffin tins for parties or meal prepping.
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Stir in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, corn, or even zucchini for added nutrition and color.
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Going low-carb? Skip the crust and bake the filling in a buttered casserole dish for a crustless (keto-style) shrimp pie.
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Add a Caribbean flair with a touch of coconut milk and lime zest in the filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in shrimp pie?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge or under cold water and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
How do I keep shrimp from overcooking in a pie?
Sauté them just until pink, then remove from heat. Or use pre-cooked shrimp and stir them in after the filling is made to avoid double-cooking.
Can I make shrimp pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling and crust a day ahead, or bake the entire pie and reheat before serving. It keeps well in the fridge.
What kind of crust works best for savory shrimp pie?
A buttery shortcrust or a flaky puff pastry both work great. Homemade delivers the best flavor, but store-bought shortcuts are fine too.
Florida Shrimp Pie
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust homemade or store-bought
- 1 lb Gulf shrimp peeled, deveined, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 bell pepper red or green, diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar and Monterey Jack blend
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
- Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
- 1 egg for egg wash, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Fit your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and chill in the refrigerator.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, heat oil or butter. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Cook shrimp: Add shrimp and cook just until pink, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Make filling: In a bowl, combine the shrimp and vegetable mixture with cream, cheese, Old Bay, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble pie: Pour the mixture into the crust. Add optional toppings. Brush crust edges with egg wash.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and filling is bubbly.
- Cool 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
- Short on time? Use pre-cooked shrimp and store-bought crust.
- For a spicier version, add cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze individual slices.
Nutrition
Conclusion: A Slice of Sunshine on Your Table
Florida Shrimp Pie is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting bite of coastal tradition, sunshine, and Southern charm all wrapped up in a golden crust. Whether you’re serving it at a lazy weekend brunch, a family dinner, or a potluck with friends, this dish brings people together with its creamy filling, tender shrimp, and bold Floridian flavor.
With easy prep, endless variations, and freezer-friendly options, this shrimp pie is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. So grab your pie dish, some fresh Gulf shrimp, and let the aroma of the Sunshine State fill your home.
Now it’s your turn—give it a try, and don’t forget to share your favorite twist in the comments below!