There’s just something magical about combining fresh seafood with creamy, cheesy goodness, all nestled into a buttery pie crust. That’s exactly what you get with this Florida Shrimp Pie—a Southern coastal-inspired dish that brings the ocean to your dinner table in the most comforting way possible.
This isn’t your average seafood casserole or pot pie. This savory shrimp pie is filled with flavor from tender shrimp, sautéed veggies, melty cheese, and a hint of Old Bay seasoning that gives it just the right kick. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite, whether you’re serving it for a cozy brunch, a casual dinner, or even as a hearty lunch option.
I first made this pie on a trip to visit family in Florida. We had just picked up some incredibly fresh Gulf shrimp from a local seafood shack, and I wanted to make something simple but satisfying that highlighted the sweet, briny flavor of the shrimp. This pie hit the mark perfectly—and now, it’s become a regular comfort dish in our rotation. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to put together but sure to impress, this one fits the bill.
Let’s dive into the first steps of bringing this creamy, coastal favorite to life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the pie crust:
1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
For the filling:
1 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
STEP 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it hot and ready to go by the time your pie is assembled. If you’re using a homemade pie crust, go ahead and roll it out into your pie dish. Store-bought works just fine here too—sometimes convenience wins!
STEP 2: Sauté the Veggies
Grab a medium-sized skillet and melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, toss in your chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook these down for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until they’re soft and starting to get a little color.
Next, add in the minced garlic and stir everything together. Let it cook for another 1 minute—just long enough to mellow out the garlic and infuse the mixture with flavor.
STEP 3: Cook the Shrimp
Once your veggies are soft and fragrant, add the chopped shrimp to the skillet. Since the shrimp are chopped into bite-sized pieces, they’ll cook quickly—about 3 minutes is all it takes until they turn a light pink. Be careful not to overcook here; you want the shrimp tender, not rubbery.
When everything is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. This makes sure your eggs won’t scramble when you mix everything together in the next step.
STEP 4: Mix Up the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 beaten eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
A dash of salt and black pepper, to taste
This combo makes a rich, creamy base that ties everything together. Once it’s well blended, stir in your cooled shrimp and veggie mixture.
Florida Shrimp Pie: Assembling and Baking to Golden Perfection
Welcome back! Now that we’ve got that rich, flavorful filling all prepped and ready, it’s time to assemble our Florida Shrimp Pie and get it baking. This is the part where everything comes together—creamy filling, buttery crust, and that irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen.
This pie is truly one of those dishes that’s just as satisfying to make as it is to eat. It looks impressive coming out of the oven, but the steps are surprisingly simple. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch, a potluck, or just a laid-back weeknight meal, this savory pie delivers comfort in every bite.
Let’s jump back in and finish up this Southern-inspired favorite.
STEP 5: Fill the Crust
Take your unbaked 9-inch pie crust—whether it’s store-bought or homemade—and set it on a baking sheet (this helps catch any overflow). Now, pour your shrimp and veggie filling into the crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly, making sure everything is distributed nicely. You want those bites of shrimp and melted cheese in every slice.
STEP 6: Bake the Pie
Pop the pie into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake it for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a pie that’s set in the center and lightly golden on top. If you give the pie a gentle shake and the center doesn’t jiggle, you’re good to go.
Pro tip: If the edges of your crust start browning too quickly, you can cover them with foil or a pie shield partway through baking.
STEP 7: Let It Rest
Once your shrimp pie is beautifully baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This gives the filling a chance to set up completely, making it easier to serve nice clean slices (and believe me, the flavor is even better once it cools just slightly).
If you’d like, sprinkle the top with a bit of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish. Totally optional, but a lovely touch.
Tasty Tips and Easy Variations
Now that your shrimp pie is cooling and making your kitchen smell amazing, here are a few handy tips and fun twists to keep in mind:
Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or stir in some finely chopped jalapeños for a little heat. It gives the pie a nice kick that pairs beautifully with the richness of the filling.
Switch up the cheese: While cheddar is a classic and adds great flavor, you can also try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a seafood blend cheese if you want something a little different.
Add more veggies: This pie is pretty versatile! Feel free to toss in a handful of sliced mushrooms, chopped spinach, or even diced tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
Go crustless: Watching carbs? You can skip the pie crust altogether and turn this into a crustless shrimp bake by pouring the filling into a greased pie dish and baking as directed. It still turns out creamy and delicious.
Perfect Pairings
Florida Shrimp Pie is rich and satisfying on its own, but if you’re putting together a full meal, here are a few sides that pair perfectly:
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance out the richness.
A bowl of fresh fruit or a citrus salad adds a bright, sweet contrast.
For a brunch spread, serve with buttery grits or roasted breakfast potatoes.
Florida Shrimp Pie: FAQs and Final Thoughts
You’ve baked it, you’ve smelled the rich aroma filling your kitchen, and now—maybe—you’re eyeing the last slice, wondering just how many ways you can enjoy this delicious shrimp pie. Before we wrap things up, let’s take a moment to go over some of the most frequently asked questions I get about this recipe.
Whether you’re making it for the first time or planning to customize it next time around, these tips should help you feel confident every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works just fine—just make sure it’s fully thawed and well-drained before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to avoid adding excess moisture to the filling.
2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pie up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven (you may need to add 5–10 extra minutes if it’s going in cold). You can also bake it fully and reheat it the next day.
3. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through. It actually reheats really well, making it a great option for lunch the next day.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free pie crust or go crustless and bake the filling in a greased pie dish. Just be sure to check your seasoning mix (like Old Bay) for any hidden gluten, as not all brands are gluten-free.
5. What other seafood could I use in place of shrimp?
This recipe is really flexible! You could use crab meat, chopped cooked scallops, or even a mix of seafood for more variety. Just make sure whatever you use is fully cooked before adding it to the filling.
6. Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, this shrimp pie can be frozen either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the pie and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake straight from the freezer, adding about 15–20 extra minutes of bake time. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
7. What’s the best way to tell if the pie is done?
Give it a gentle shake—the center should no longer jiggle, and the top should be lightly golden. You can also insert a knife into the center to make sure it comes out clean. If you’re unsure, bake for an additional 5 minutes and check again.
Final Thoughts: Time to Slice In
There’s something so satisfying about pulling this golden, savory shrimp pie out of the oven. It’s warm, cheesy, full of flavor, and just the right balance of rich and fresh—thanks to that coastal Florida inspiration.
Whether you’re serving it as a hearty brunch centerpiece, a comforting dinner option, or bringing it to a family potluck, Florida Shrimp Pie always earns its place on the table. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough for when you’re entertaining guests.
And don’t be afraid to make it your own—switch up the cheeses, add in your favorite veggies, turn up the heat, or try it crustless. This recipe is a great foundation that works well with all kinds of flavor combinations.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below with any tweaks you made or sides you served it with. And if you’ve got a favorite seafood pie variation, definitely share—I’m always looking for new spins on a classic!
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Florida Shrimp Pie
Description
Florida Shrimp Pie is a savory, coastal-inspired dish that blends fresh shrimp with creamy, cheesy filling in a buttery pie crust. This comforting meal brings a touch of Southern charm and tropical flavor, perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the pie crust:
1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
For the filling:
1 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook until just pink, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked shrimp mixture.
Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust, smoothing the top evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the pie is set in the center and lightly golden on top.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
You can substitute the cheddar with Monterey Jack or a seafood-friendly blend. For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the filling. This pie pairs well with a simple green salad or fresh fruit for a balanced meal. Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day lunch.
