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.
