If you’re craving a dish that feels like a celebration of fresh flavors and comforting textures, I can’t recommend this Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe enough. It’s a delightful savory pie bursting with tender, succulent Florida shrimp and sharp cheddar cheese, all encased in a flaky crust that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or looking for an impressive yet easy dinner, this pie brings a cozy, coastal charm straight to your table, with every bite offering a creamy, cheesy, and slightly zesty experience that will have everyone wanting seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe lies in its simplicity, showcasing high-quality, fresh ingredients that perfectly balance each other. Every ingredient plays a vital role, from the juicy shrimp adding a touch of the sea, to the cheddar cheese lending that rich, tangy flavor and beautiful color.
- 1 pound fresh Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined: Use fresh shrimp for the sweetest, most tender bite that makes this pie exceptional.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings depth and melts wonderfully to create that creamy, melty texture.
- 1 pre-made pie crust: Saves time and adds a buttery, flaky base to hold all those savory treasures.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and helps bind the filling into a silky custard.
- 3 large eggs: Essential for structure and that perfect quiche-like consistency.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and little pops of color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth and aromatic depth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors perfectly.
How to Make Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pie bakes evenly, allowing the crust to become golden and crisp while the filling sets beautifully.
Step 2: Whisk Cream and Eggs
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and eggs until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This mixture forms the luscious custard base of your pie, delivering a silky texture with every bite.
Step 3: Mix in Seasonings and Onions
Add the chopped green onions, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper into the cream and eggs. The green onions bring a subtle crunch and sharpness, while the garlic powder offers a mild but fragrant backdrop to the rich filling.
Step 4: Fold in Shrimp and Cheese
Gently fold the peeled Florida shrimp and shredded cheddar cheese into your custard mixture. The shrimp lend a fresh seafood sweetness that balances perfectly with the sharp, creamy cheese, creating a harmony of flavors that defines this Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe.
Step 5: Pour into Pie Crust
Carefully pour the combined filling into your pre-made pie crust, making sure it spreads evenly. The crust acts as the perfect vessel, crisping up nicely against the creamy interior for an unbeatable contrast in textures.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pie is set in the middle and the top is golden brown. This baking time allows all the flavors to meld together while the crust becomes irresistibly flaky.
Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once baked, let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period helps everything to set, making it easier to serve beautiful, clean slices without the filling spreading.
How to Serve Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the warm pie. A few lemon wedges on the side add a zesty brightness that complements the rich shrimp and cheddar filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or some steamed asparagus for a vibrant, healthy contrast. For heartier meals, consider serving with roasted potatoes or a chilled cucumber salad to keep things light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making individual mini pies using muffin tins for charming appetizers or brunch bites. Another fun idea is to add a swirl of spicy aioli or a drizzle of tangy hot sauce on top right before serving to give it a gourmet edge that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Refrain from keeping it out too long at room temperature to maintain food safety and freshness.
Freezing
While this pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze unbaked pie for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready, bake directly from frozen by adding extra baking time to ensure the filling cooks through.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the pie soggy.
Is this pie spicy?
The traditional Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling if you like some heat.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
While sharp cheddar is recommended for its flavor and melting qualities, you can substitute with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different but delicious twist.
Is this pie gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses a pre-made pie crust which typically contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust or make one from scratch with gluten-free flour.
How long does the pie stay fresh after baking?
Once baked, the pie is best eaten within 2 to 3 days if refrigerated properly to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe is destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of coastal charm and comfort food, easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests. Give it a try, and let the creamy, cheesy, shrimp-filled pie bring a sunny slice of Florida right to your table.
Print
Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie is a savory, creamy delight featuring fresh Florida shrimp, sharp cheddar cheese, and a luscious custard filling all baked in a flaky pre-made pie crust. Perfect for a flavorful brunch or dinner, this pie balances the rich taste of seafood with creamy cheese and aromatic green onions, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound fresh Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pie evenly.
- Whisk Cream and Eggs: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming the custard base for the pie.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the chopped green onions, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to infuse the filling with aromatic flavors.
- Combine Shrimp and Cheese: Carefully fold the peeled and deveined shrimp along with the shredded cheddar cheese into the custard mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the shrimp.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the shrimp and cheese mixture into the pre-made pie crust, spreading it out evenly to fill the shell.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown, indicating the pie is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes for easier slicing, then serve warm to enjoy the full flavors.
Notes
- Make sure shrimp are completely peeled and deveined for best texture.
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before cutting to prevent it from falling apart.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, though the custard may be less rich.
- Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne can enhance the flavor with a subtle heat.
- Ensure the pie crust is fully thawed if using frozen pre-made crust for an even bake.
