Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe
Introduction
Florida Shrimp Pie is a deliciously creamy and savory dish that highlights fresh Gulf shrimp in a flaky, buttery crust. This comforting pie combines tender seafood with a flavorful vegetable medley and melted cheddar for a perfect meal any day of the week.

Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs fresh Florida shrimp (peeled & deveined), preferably wild-caught Gulf shrimp
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1/3 cup ice water
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 3/4 cup diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/3 cup diced celery
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing vegetables)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the crust by mixing flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add vinegar, then gradually mix in ice water until the dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges. Chill while preparing the filling.
- Step 2: In a skillet, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and celery in 2 tablespoons of butter until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Increase heat and add the shrimp, cooking until just pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, beaten eggs, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chilled pie crust.
- Step 6: Spread the shrimp and vegetable mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Step 7: Pour the cream and egg mixture over the filling, then top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Step 8: Bake the pie for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. Let the pie rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra flaky crust, freeze the butter and grate it into the flour before mixing.
- Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
- Add chopped cooked bacon or diced jalapeños to the filling for a smoky or spicy twist.
- If fresh shrimp is unavailable, frozen wild-caught shrimp can be used; just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Storage
Store leftover Florida Shrimp Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust flaky and the filling creamy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie crust up to 2 days in advance. Keep it tightly wrapped and refrigerated until ready to roll out and fill.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with milk?
Heavy cream gives the filling its rich, creamy texture, but you can use half-and-half or whole milk as lighter alternatives. The filling may be less rich and slightly less set.
PrintFlorida Shrimp Pie Recipe
Florida Shrimp Pie is a savory seafood pie featuring fresh wild-caught Florida shrimp nestled in a creamy, seasoned filling of sautéed vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic spices, all encased in a flaky homemade pie crust. This indulgent dish combines rich textures and bold flavors, perfect for a comforting dinner or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1.5 lbs fresh Florida shrimp (peeled & deveined, preferably wild-caught Gulf shrimp)
Flaky Pie Crust
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1/3 cup ice water
- 1 tsp white vinegar (for tenderness)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Creamy Filling
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 3/4 cup diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/3 cup diced celery
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing vegetables)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the white vinegar, then gradually mix in the ice water until the dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. After chilling, roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges. Place the crust in the fridge to chill while preparing the filling. For an extra flaky crust, freeze the butter and grate it into the flour before mixing.
- Make the Filling: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the peeled and deveined shrimp, and cook until just pink, about 2-3 minutes, being careful not to overcook. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, beaten eggs, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the chilled pie crust. Spread the shrimp and vegetable mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the filling, ensuring even coverage. Top the pie with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Remove from oven and let the pie rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For the flakiest crust, grate frozen butter into the flour instead of cutting it in.
- Use wild-caught Gulf shrimp for optimal flavor and freshness.
- Cayenne pepper is optional; adjust according to your preferred spice level.
- Letting the pie rest after baking allows the filling to set properly, making slicing easier.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter filling.
Keywords: shrimp pie, Florida shrimp recipe, seafood pie, savory pie, creamy shrimp filling, homemade pie crust, Gulf shrimp

