Florida Shrimp Pie

This coastal-inspired pie combines succulent shrimp and creamy cheese in a golden, flaky crust that's both impressive and surprisingly simple to make. Each slice delivers the perfect balance of savory cream cheese, tangy pepper jack, and sweet tender shrimp that will transport you straight to a Florida seaside café. Versatile enough for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this pie strikes that elusive balance between comfort food and elegant entertaining.

I discovered this recipe years ago during a beach vacation in Florida when a local restaurant served something similar. After coming home, I tried recreating it for a dinner party and was amazed by how simple it was to prepare yet how elegant it looked on the table. My guests were completely impressed, thinking I'd spent hours in the kitchen when in reality, it came together in just minutes of active preparation. Now it's my secret weapon recipe for nights when I want to serve something special without the stress.

Perfect Ingredients for Florida Shrimp Pie

• Frozen deep dish pie crust: The foundation that saves tremendous time while still providing that buttery, flaky texture; look for all-butter varieties for the best flavor
• Chive-and-onion cream cheese spread: Adds incredible flavor depth without needing additional herbs or seasoning; let it soften at room temperature for the smoothest filling
• Large eggs: They create the perfect custard-like texture that holds everything together; room temperature eggs incorporate more easily
• Cooked shrimp: The star ingredient that brings sweet, tender bites throughout the pie; medium-sized shrimp (41-50 count) work best for even distribution
• Pepper Jack cheese: Provides a subtle warmth and beautifully gooey texture; freshly shredded melts much better than pre-packaged varieties
• Fresh chives: Optional for garnish, but they add a bright pop of color and fresh flavor that elevates the presentation

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I've found that splurging on good quality shrimp makes a noticeable difference in the final result. Look for wild-caught varieties when possible, and if using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your pie.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1:

Prepare your oven properly – Place a cookie sheet on the middle rack of your oven and preheat to 375°F. This setup serves two important purposes: it catches any potential overflow and helps the bottom crust bake evenly without becoming soggy. Allow the oven to fully preheat, which typically takes 15-20 minutes, ensuring consistent baking temperature.

Step 2:

Pre-bake the crust for the perfect texture – Remove the frozen pie crust from its packaging and let it thaw at room temperature for 10-20 minutes until slightly softened. Using a fork, prick the bottom and sides of the crust in several places to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking. Place the crust on the preheated cookie sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes, just until it begins to turn a light golden color. This crucial step creates a barrier that prevents the filling from making the crust soggy.

Step 3:

Prepare the creamy filling – While the crust pre-bakes, place 8 ounces of chive-and-onion cream cheese spread in a medium bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then beat with an electric mixer or wooden spoon until completely smooth and fluffy. This ensures your filling will be silky and lump-free. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and pourable.

Step 4:

Incorporate the star ingredients – Chop 1 pound of cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they're well-drained to prevent excess moisture. Gently fold the shrimp and 1 cup of shredded pepper Jack cheese into the cream cheese mixture, distributing them evenly throughout. This folding technique preserves the texture of the shrimp while ensuring every bite will contain the perfect balance of ingredients.

Step 5:

Assemble and bake with precision – Pour the filling mixture into the par-baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Carefully transfer to the oven (still on the cookie sheet) and bake for 30-35 minutes. You'll know it's done when the center is just set but still has a slight jiggle, and the top has turned a beautiful golden color. Avoid overbaking, which can make the filling rubbery.

Step 6:

Rest for the perfect texture – Allow the pie to stand for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial as it allows the filling to set properly, making for cleaner, more beautiful slices. During this time, the residual heat will finish cooking the center while the proteins firm up slightly.

Step 7:

Serve with thoughtful presentation – For a dinner entrée, cut the pie into generous wedges and serve alongside a crisp green salad. For appetizers, slice into smaller wedges or squares. A light garnish of fresh snipped chives adds a pop of color and freshness that elevates the final presentation.

Step 8:

Store leftovers properly – Cover any remaining pie tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain the crisp crust. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.

The Perfect Make-Ahead Dish

One of my favorite things about this Florida Shrimp Pie is how well it works for entertaining. I can prepare it completely the day before, refrigerate overnight, and then simply reheat it before guests arrive. The flavors actually meld and improve with a little time, making this a stress-free option when you want to impress without being tied to the kitchen.

The first time I served this at a holiday gathering, people assumed I'd ordered it from a specialty shop. The combination of the flaky crust, creamy filling, and tender shrimp creates such an impressive presentation that no one believes how simple it is to make. It's become my signature dish for baby showers, holiday brunches, and dinner parties.

A Versatile Recipe for Any Occasion

What makes this shrimp pie truly special is its versatility. For an elegant dinner, I serve large wedges alongside a simple salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The bright acidity of the salad provides the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy pie.

For cocktail parties, I cut the pie into small squares and serve it at room temperature as finger food. Guests can mingle and enjoy without needing to sit down with a fork and knife. I've even prepared this in mini pie tins for individual servings at more formal seated dinners.

My neighbor, who claims to dislike seafood, tried this pie at a block party without knowing what was in it. After devouring two slices, she asked for the recipe and was shocked to learn it contained shrimp. The creamy cheese filling mellows the seafood flavor just enough to win over even reluctant seafood eaters.

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I'll never forget serving this pie at my daughter's graduation party. In the chaos of hosting thirty people, I'd forgotten to prepare a main dish until the last minute. This shrimp pie saved the day - I had all the ingredients on hand, and it came together in minutes. As guests raved about the 'gourmet seafood pie,' no one suspected it was my emergency backup plan! That's the beauty of keeping simple, impressive recipes in your back pocket for those moments when you need a little kitchen magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Yes! If using fresh shrimp, make sure they're cooked first. Simply poach them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque, then cool, chop, and proceed with the recipe as written. Fresh shrimp may add even more flavor to your pie.

→ What can I substitute for chive-and-onion cream cheese?

If you can't find chive-and-onion cream cheese spread, use regular cream cheese and add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh chives and 1 tablespoon of grated onion or onion powder. You could also try other flavored cream cheese spreads like herb or garlic.

→ Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pie completely and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Alternatively, bake it ahead and reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

→ What side dishes pair well with Florida Shrimp Pie?

A light green salad with vinaigrette dressing pairs perfectly with this rich pie. Other good accompaniments include steamed asparagus, roasted tomatoes, or a citrusy coleslaw. For a more substantial meal, serve with rice pilaf or roasted potatoes.

→ Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, but it's best to freeze before baking. Prepare the pie through assembly, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Pre-baked pies can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.