Florida Shrimp Pie

by
Pin

Florida Shrimp Pie: Creamy Gulf Flavor, Flaky Crust, and a Crunchy Parmesan Topping!

Transport yourself to the sunny coasts of Florida with every delicious bite of this Florida Shrimp Pie! This dish is your new coastal comfort favorite, featuring a luscious, creamy Gulf shrimp filling, encased in a flaky, golden pie crust, and crowned with an irresistible crunchy Parmesan topping. It’s a truly satisfying and elegant meal, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering.

Why This Shrimp Pie is a Coastal Delight

  • Rich & Creamy Filling: Packed with tender Gulf shrimp in a savory, well-seasoned sauce.
  • Flaky Crust Perfection: The pie crust provides a beautiful, buttery base and top.
  • Crunchy Parmesan Topping: Adds an extra layer of texture and a burst of salty, cheesy flavor.
  • Comfort Food with a Twist: A unique and delicious alternative to traditional seafood dishes.
  • Elegant Presentation: Looks impressive but is surprisingly straightforward to make.

What You’ll Need

Gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients to craft your Florida Shrimp Pie:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pie crust (9-inch, refrigerated or homemade), well-chilled
  • 1 large egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

For the Shrimp Filling:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 1/4 cup finely diced celery
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb raw Gulf shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped into ½-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, optional)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or more, to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Parmesan Topping:

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter

Instructions: Assemble and Bake Your Coastal Comfort!

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the 9-inch pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges decoratively. Prick the bottom and sides with a fork several times. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Shrimp and Aromatics:

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until pink and opaque. Do not overcook. Remove the shrimp and vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth until smooth. If using, whisk in the dry white wine. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking continuously, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Combine Filling and Assemble Pie:

Add the cooked shrimp and vegetables back into the creamy sauce. Stir in the fresh parsley. Pour the entire shrimp mixture into the par-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly.

5. Prepare and Add Topping:

In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the Parmesan topping evenly over the shrimp pie filling.

6. Bake to Golden Perfection:

Bake the Florida Shrimp Pie in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

7. Rest and Serve:

Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set, making for cleaner slices. Serve warm and enjoy your new coastal comfort favorite!

Tips for Florida Shrimp Pie Success

  • Gulf Shrimp is Key: While any shrimp works, Gulf shrimp offers a distinct, sweet flavor that truly enhances this dish.
  • Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. Cook it just until pink in the skillet, as it will continue to cook in the pie.
  • Homemade Pie Crust: For the flakiest crust, consider using a homemade pie crust recipe. Ensure it’s well-chilled before baking.
  • White Pepper for Sauce: For a cleaner-looking sauce, you can use white pepper instead of black pepper.
  • Adjust Old Bay: Old Bay seasoning is a classic for a reason! Adjust the amount to your personal preference for spice and flavor.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the shrimp filling up to 1 day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Assemble the pie just before baking.
  • Crust Protection: If the pie crust edges are browning too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield during baking.

This Florida Shrimp Pie is a truly special dish, bringing the vibrant flavors of the coast right to your table. Enjoy every creamy, flaky, and crunchy bite!

Leave a Comment