Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Bliss Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that brings vibrant coastal flavors right to your table, look no further than Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Bliss. This pie is packed with plump, juicy shrimp and a creamy, savory filling, all enveloped in a golden flaky crust. Each bite delivers a delicious blend of creamy, briny, and slightly spiced notes that will transport you straight to a sunny Florida beach. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just want to treat yourself to something special, this pie oozes comfort and just a hint of seaside nostalgia.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial part in creating the flavors and textures that make this pie so memorable. You’ll love how approachable the list is—each item works together to showcase the star of the show: the shrimp! Don’t forget, a good crust brings it all together, so give each component the attention it deserves.

• Pre-made (or homemade) pie crusts: Two crusts are needed for a beautiful double-crust pie and that irresistible golden crunch.
• Egg (for egg wash): Brushing the top with egg gives your pie a shiny, golden-brown finish that’s just begging to be sliced.
• Shrimp (1 lb, peeled, deveined & chopped): The star ingredient! Use fresh Florida shrimp if you can for unbeatable sweetness and tenderness.
• Onion (½ cup, finely diced): Provides a subtle, savory backbone and depth of flavor.
• Garlic cloves (3, minced): Adds gentle warmth and fragrance to the filling.
• Bell pepper (½ cup, diced): Delivers color and a little crunch along with a gentle sweetness.
• Mushrooms (½ cup, chopped; optional): Give your filling added earthiness and heartiness if you love that extra umami.
• Unsalted butter (3 tbsp): Helps sauté the veggies and adds creaminess to the roux.
• All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Thickens the creamy filling to perfection.
• Heavy cream (1 ½ cups, or whole milk): Makes the sauce lusciously rich and velvety.
• Seafood or chicken broth (½ cup): Infuses the pie with extra savory, complex flavors.
• Old Bay seasoning (1 tsp): This classic seafood spice turns up the coastal charm.
• Salt (½ tsp): Essential for balance and bringing out the goodness in every bite.
• Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle punch that perks up the creamy filling.
• Lemon juice (1 tbsp, fresh): Gives zingy freshness and really makes the shrimp pop.
• Parsley (2 tbsp, freshly chopped): Adds a vibrant finish and a burst of color.

How to Make Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Bliss

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay one pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, gently pressing it in to fit snugly. For a flakier base, lightly prick the bottom with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking. Set it aside—you’ll soon fill it with that dreamy, seafood-rich mixture.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using), sautéing until they become soft and aromatic, filling your kitchen with a tantalizing scent. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir continuously for a minute—this helps cook out any raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and broth, letting the mixture thicken until smooth and silky. Season generously with Old Bay, salt, black pepper, and a splash of lemon juice. Add your chopped shrimp and cook until they’re just pink, about three minutes. Remove from the heat and fold in the fresh parsley for a flourish of color and flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Spoon the luscious shrimp filling into your prepared pie crust, making sure to spread it out evenly. Gently lay the second crust on top, sealing the edges tightly—either crimp with a fork for a rustic look or flute them with your fingers for elegance. Don’t forget to cut a few small slits in the center, allowing steam to escape and ensuring your crust stays perfectly crisp. Lastly, brush the top with your beaten egg to guarantee a glossy, golden finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Pop your masterpiece into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and delightfully crisp. The aroma will have everyone circling the kitchen! Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing, so the creamy filling stays neatly tucked inside every slice.

How to Serve Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Bliss

Garnishes

Bring out the best of your Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Bliss with a flourish of fresh, chopped parsley or delicate chives right before serving. Add lemon wedges on the side for those who love a little extra citrus zip. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dash of paprika can add colorful flair, making each slice pop on the plate.

Side Dishes

This pie is rich and hearty, so serve it with a crisp, citrusy green salad or simple roasted asparagus for balance. Lightly buttered corn on the cob or a tangy tomato-cucumber salad also pair beautifully, giving your meal a relaxed, coastal feel worthy of a Florida evening.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, cut the Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Bliss into generous wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards. Hosting a party? Try baking the filling in mini tart shells for bite-sized appetizers! You can also offer the pie as part of a brunch spread, surrounded by fresh fruit and bubbly mimosas for maximum coastal appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover pie with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to three days. The crust holds up well, and the filling stays creamy, making leftovers just as delicious for lunch or a quick snack.

Freezing

Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Bliss freezes surprisingly well. For best results, wrap tightly in layers of plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you’d like to freeze the whole pie before baking, just assemble, wrap, and freeze. Pop it straight into the oven from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until perfectly golden.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you can, as the crust may lose some of its irresistible flakiness. For a quick lunch, a toaster oven works like a charm too!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before using. Frozen shrimp are often flash-frozen at peak freshness, so they still deliver that juicy bite and sweet flavor.

What’s the best way to prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Lightly pricking the bottom crust with a fork and using a metal or glass pie plate helps circulate heat. If you want extra insurance, blind-bake the bottom crust for 7-10 minutes before filling for the ultimate crispiness.

Can I add other seafood, like crab or scallops?

Definitely! Adding a handful of lump crabmeat or chopped scallops will take your Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Bliss to an even more decadent level. Just be mindful not to overfill your crust.

Does this recipe work with gluten-free pie crust and flour?

Yes, it does. Use your favorite gluten-free pie crust and substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The sauce may thicken slightly differently, but you’ll still enjoy that creamy, rich texture.

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

If Old Bay isn’t available, you can make a quick substitute with a blend of celery salt, a pinch of paprika, a dash of cayenne, and just a hint of dried mustard and bay leaf. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll add a lovely flavor boost.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of balmy breezes and ocean flavors, Florida Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Bliss delivers pure comfort and a big burst of sunshine. Give this recipe a try—it’s a true celebration of fresh coastal ingredients, and every bite brings you a step closer to your own little vacation at home.

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