Florida Shrimp Pie: A Deliciously Creamy Southern Seafood Delight

There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich, savory pie—especially when it’s packed with plump, juicy shrimp and a creamy, flavorful filling. Enter Florida Shrimp Pie, a Southern-inspired dish that combines fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and a buttery crust for a meal that’s both elegant and hearty. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a taste of coastal cuisine, this recipe is a must-try.

This dish is easy to make, customizable, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, with its flaky crust and luscious filling, it’s guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters. The best part? You can adapt it to suit your taste preferences—whether you like it mild and creamy or with a little extra kick.

A Brief History of Shrimp Pie in Southern and Coastal Cuisine

While shrimp pie isn’t as widely known as other seafood dishes like gumbo or shrimp and grits, it has deep roots in Southern and coastal cuisine, particularly in regions where fresh shrimp is abundant. In Florida, where fishing communities have thrived for generations, home cooks have long incorporated shrimp into pies, casseroles, and turnovers as a way to make the most of their catch.

This recipe draws inspiration from classic Southern seafood pies but adds a Floridian twist with bright citrus notes, fresh herbs, and a touch of spice. Unlike heavier meat-based pies, shrimp pie offers a lighter yet still indulgent alternative that highlights the natural sweetness of the seafood.

Fun fact: In the early 20th century, seafood pies were a popular way for home cooks to use up leftover fish and shellfish, making them a practical (and delicious) solution for frugal households. Over time, these humble dishes evolved into beloved regional specialties, with each coastal area adding its own unique flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Florida Shrimp Pie

Rich & Creamy Filling – A velvety blend of shrimp, herbs, and a touch of citrus for a burst of freshness.
Flaky, Buttery Crust – The perfect contrast to the tender shrimp filling.
Easy to Customize – Add crab, scallops, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleasing dish that works for both casual meals and special gatherings.

Ingredients & Equipment

For the Pie Crust (Makes a Double Crust)

• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (226g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6–8 tbsp ice water

Why This Works: A homemade crust ensures maximum flakiness, but you can also use a high-quality store-bought version if you’re short on time.

For the Shrimp Filling

• 1 lb (450g) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large size preferred)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup (120ml) seafood or chicken broth
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning for extra spice)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus extra for serving)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for depth of flavor)
• ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (if you like heat)

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9-inch pie dish (preferably glass or ceramic for even baking)
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Skillet (for sautéing the filling)
• Whisk (for smoothing the sauce)
• Pastry brush (optional, for egg wash)
• Sharp knife or kitchen shears (for trimming crust)

Pro Tip: If you want extra insurance against a soggy crust, you can pre-bake (blind bake) the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Just line it with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans to prevent puffing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust (Homemade Option)

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it.
4. Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days).

Why Chilling Matters: This relaxes the gluten, making the crust easier to roll out and preventing shrinkage during baking.

2. Make the Shrimp Filling

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring to a gentle simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in the shrimp, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, lemon juice, and parsley. Cook just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes—do not overcook!).
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove from heat.

Key Tip: The filling should be thick but still pourable. If it’s too runny, let it simmer another minute or two. If too thick, add a splash of broth.

3. Assemble & Bake the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one chilled dough disc on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer it to the dish, trimming any excess edges.
3. Pour the shrimp filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
4. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal, then cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
5. (Optional) For a golden finish, brush the top crust with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water).
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Doneness Check: If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Avoid a Soggy Bottom Crust – If skipping the blind-bake step, place the pie dish on a preheated baking sheet to help crisp the bottom.
Shrimp Texture Matters – Undercook them slightly when prepping the filling since they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Thickening the Filling – If it’s too thin after cooking, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and stir it in.
Storage Solutions – Let the pie cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture.

Variations & Customizations

🌿 Herb Lover’s Version – Add 1 tbsp fresh dill or tarragon for a brighter flavor.
🌶 Spicy Kick – Stir in ½ tsp cayenne or a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers.
🍋 Extra Citrusy – Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the filling for a zesty punch.
🧀 Cheesy Twist – Sprinkle ½ cup grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar into the filling.

Serving & Presentation Ideas

• Pair with: A crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or garlic butter rice.
• Garnish: Extra chopped parsley, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of paprika.
• For a Brunch Twist – Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a light cucumber salad.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
• Freezer: Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Make-Ahead: Prep the filling and crust separately 1 day ahead, then assemble and bake when ready.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Thaw them in the fridge overnight, then pat dry to remove excess moisture before cooking.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux and a GF pie crust.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from shrinking?
A: Chill the dough thoroughly, avoid stretching it when placing in the dish, and dock the bottom with a fork before blind baking.

Final Thoughts

This Florida Shrimp Pie is a showstopper—creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a comforting dish, this recipe delivers. The combination of tender shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and a flaky crust makes it a dish worth savoring.

Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments! 🍤🥧 And if you loved this recipe, be sure to explore other Southern-inspired dishes like crawfish étouffée or she-crab soup for more coastal flavors. Happy cooking!