If you crave a savory, comforting dish that bursts with the fresh flavors of the coast, then you absolutely must try this Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe. It’s a brilliant blend of sweet, tender shrimp combined with sharp Cheddar cheese and a medley of aromatic vegetables, all encased in a flaky pastry shell. Every bite delivers a wonderful balance of creaminess, zest, and just the right amount of spice that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. This pie is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a soulful, satisfying way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe shines because of its straightforward, yet vibrant ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role: fresh shrimp for a succulent seafood base, crisp vegetables for texture and flavor, and a creamy, cheesy custard that binds everything into a delicious whole.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pastry shell: Provides a buttery, flaky foundation that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the recipe, bringing a sweet, briny flavor and tender bite.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For sautéing the vegetables and enriching the overall taste.
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and subtle crunch to the filling.
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped: Brightens the mixture with fresh, slightly grassy notes.
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped: Offers a crisp texture and mild earthiness.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses the pie with a warm, aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates a rich, velvety custard base that keeps the pie wonderfully moist.
- 1/2 cup milk: Balances the creaminess while lightening the custard mixture.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for setting the custard and holding everything together.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and a hint of tang to lift the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides a subtle savory complexity and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For gentle warmth and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: A touch of heat that excites without overpowering.
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, tangy topping that’s impossible to resist.
How to Make Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry and Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key for achieving a crisp, golden crust. Place the unbaked pastry shell onto a baking sheet, ready for the flavorful filling that awaits.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté these together until they become soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and setting the flavor base for the pie.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet with the softened vegetables. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, just a few minutes will do. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; you want them tender and juicy. When done, remove the skillet from heat and carefully drain any excess liquid to avoid sogginess in your pie.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and milk, whisking until smooth. Gradually add the eggs, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix until the custard is velvety and perfectly seasoned to complement the shrimp and veggies.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Evenly spread the shrimp and vegetable mixture into the prepared pastry shell. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the filling, making sure it seeps into every nook and cranny. Finally, sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese on top, promising a golden, melty finish when baked.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set
Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is fully set, no longer jiggly, and the cheese on top has turned a beautiful shade of golden brown with some irresistibly crispy edges.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This extra wait allows the filling to firm up further and makes serving a breeze without losing any of the luscious custard.
How to Serve Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of green and fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich pie. A thin wedge of lemon on the side can also be delightful for guests who want a little extra citrus zing.
Side Dishes
Pair this pie with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness and acidity of the salad perfectly balance the creamy, cheesy richness of the pie. Roasted vegetables or a simple fruit salad also complement this dish nicely, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the pie on a rustic wooden board surrounded by bowls of dipping sauces like tartar or a spicy aioli. You can also slice the pie into miniature portions for a charming appetizer platter that invites everyone to indulge in this Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you the perfect quick second serving the next day without losing its delicious flavor or texture.
Freezing
This pie freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be kept frozen for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the crust crispy and filling creamy. Avoid microwaving as it may make the crust soggy and the texture less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your pie. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen works well when used properly.
Is this pie suitable for a gluten-free diet?
The classic version uses a traditional pastry shell, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free pie crust available in stores or homemade to make the recipe gluten-free.
Can I make this pie ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can prepare the pie up to the assembly step and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just cover it tightly so it doesn’t dry out, and bake as directed when ready.
What kind of cheese can I use if I don’t have Cheddar?
Sharp Cheddar is recommended for its flavor and melting qualities, but Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a mild mozzarella can be good substitutes depending on your taste preference.
How spicy is the Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe?
The cayenne pepper adds a gentle heat that enhances the other flavors without overpowering the dish. If you prefer milder pies, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Final Thoughts
Ready to impress your friends or treat yourself? This Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe is a treasure worth making again and again. Its perfect harmony of fresh shrimp, creamy custard, and sharp Cheddar offers that cozy, indulgent feeling everyone loves. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bring a slice of Florida’s delicious coastal flair to your table—you won’t regret it!
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Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie is a savory and indulgent dish featuring fresh shrimp cooked with aromatic vegetables, combined with a creamy custard mixture, and baked in a flaky pastry shell topped with melted sharp Cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner or special occasion, this pie balances rich seafood flavors with a tangy and slightly spicy custard.
Ingredients
Pie Shell
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pastry shell
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Custard Mixture
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Topping
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the unbaked 9-inch pastry shell onto a baking sheet to prepare for filling.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are done. Remove the skillet from heat and drain any excess liquid to prevent sogginess in the pie.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and milk until smooth. Then add the eggs, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Blend all ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful custard base.
- Assemble Pie: Evenly distribute the cooked shrimp and sautéed vegetable mixture over the unbaked pastry shell. Pour the custard mixture evenly on top of the shrimp and vegetables. Finally, sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly across the surface of the pie filling.
- Bake: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Bake until the custard filling is fully set and the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes to set properly. Slice into portions and serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Fresh shrimp can be substituted with frozen shrimp if thawed properly.
- For a spicier pie, increase the cayenne pepper slightly.
- Be sure to drain excess liquid after cooking shrimp to keep the crust from becoming soggy.
- Use a sharp Cheddar cheese for more pronounced flavor.
- The pie can be served with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
