
Introduction to Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie
Welcome to one of my favorite culinary adventures—the Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie! If you’re a busy mom or a professional on the go, this dish is your new best friend. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a delightful way to bring a taste of coastal charm to your kitchen. Imagine a creamy, savory filling bursting with fresh shrimp and melted cheddar, all nestled in a flaky crust. Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself on a hectic weeknight, this pie will quickly become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie
This Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie is a culinary gem that shines in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Not only does it cater to seafood lovers, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Seriously, this pie is perfect for any occasion, from a relaxed family dinner to a lively gathering with friends. You’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie
Let’s gather our ingredients for this delightful dish! Each component adds its own unique flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unbaked pastry shell: This forms the perfect flaky base for our pie.
- Fresh shrimp: Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This is the star ingredient! Seafood lovers will appreciate the tenderness and flavor it brings.
- Butter: A little fat helps sauté our vegetables and adds richness to the filling.
- Onion: Finely chopped onions infuse a sweet aroma while cooking, elevating the pie.
- Green bell pepper: This veggie not only adds color but a crisp texture to balance the creamy custard.
- Celery: It gives an extra crunch and depth of flavor, enhancing each bite.
- Garlic: Minced garlic lends a savory punch that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.
- Mayonnaise: It creates a luscious custard when mixed with other wet ingredients.
- Milk: Used for smoothness and creaminess in the custard filling.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding the filling and contributing to a fluffy texture.
- Lemon juice: A splash of acidity to brighten flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a dash adds depth and umami, making the pie truly scrumptious.
- Salt and pepper: These staple seasonings amplify the dish’s flavors.
- Cayenne pepper: A pinch of spice elevates the taste without overwhelming it.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: The gooey, cheesy topping that melts beautifully over the pie.
For the specific quantities, you can find them listed at the bottom of this article, where they’re ready for printing!
How to Make Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key in ensuring our pie becomes perfectly golden and crispy on the outside. While the oven heats up, grab your unbaked pastry shell and place it on a baking sheet. This makes transferring our pie in and out of the oven a breeze. Trust me; no one wants a wobbly, hot pie landing on the floor!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these colorful veggies until they’re soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making everyone’s mouth water! Just keep stirring to avoid any browning; we want them perfectly tender.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Now, it’s time to introduce our star player: the shrimp! Toss in the peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet. Cook them for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn pink and opaque. Be cautious of overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery! Once cooked, remove from heat and drain any excess liquid. We want all that deliciousness to stay in the pie, not running down the sides!
Step 4: Make the Custard Mixture
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise and ½ cup of milk until smooth. Next, add two large eggs, a tablespoon of lemon juice, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for a flavor kick! Blend everything until well combined. This creamy custard is what makes our Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie so delightful!
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Distribute your sautéed shrimp and cooked vegetables evenly over the pastry shell. Pour your luscious custard mixture over the top, ensuring it covers everything beautifully. Finally, sprinkle a generous cup of shredded Cheddar cheese on top. The cheese will melt into a beautiful, gooey finish as it bakes, turning our pie into a cheesy seafood paradise!
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on the pie, and look for a golden-brown top. Once it’s bubbling and set, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing; this helps everything set nicely. Trust me, this brief waiting period will have your guests excitedly anticipating that first bite!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your shrimp are fresh for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip on draining the shrimp to avoid a watery pie.
- Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added brightness.
- Let the pie rest before serving to enhance flavors and improve texture.
- This dish is superb for leftovers—just reheat gently to preserve the creamy filling!

Equipment Needed
- 9-inch pie dish: You can also use a tart pan if you prefer a fluted edge.
- Large skillet: A frying pan works just as well for sautéing your vegetables.
- Mixing bowl: A standard bowl or even a measuring cup will suffice for whisking.
- Whisk: A fork can be a handy alternative for mixing the custard.
- Baking sheet: You can place the pie dish directly on the oven rack if needed.
Variations of Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the custard for a spicy twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a delightful vegetarian pie.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or cilantro for an aromatic flavor boost.
- Cheese Swap: Try using different cheese varieties such as Pepper Jack or Gruyère for unique tastes.
- Creamy Spin: Incorporate a dollop of cream cheese in the custard for extra richness and creaminess.
Serving Suggestions for Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie
- Pair with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for freshness.
- Serve alongside roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans for a vibrant plate.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc to complement the seafood flavors.
- Garnish each slice with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
FAQs about Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work well, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking. This will help keep the pie from becoming watery.
Is Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use a gluten-free pie crust, this dish can easily fit into a gluten-free diet. Just check the labels when purchasing your pastry shell.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the creamy texture of the filling.
Can I make Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pie a day in advance. Just bake it before serving for the best results. A make-ahead pie is perfect for busy days!
What sides pair well with this seafood pie?
This pie is fantastic with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. Feel free to add a light drink, like sparkling water or a refreshing white wine, to elevate your meal!
Final Thoughts
Making Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie brings a wave of culinary joy right into your home. The combination of fresh shrimp and creamy Cheddar creates an unforgettable taste experience that’s comforting yet sophisticated. This pie not only satisfies seafood cravings, but it also warms the hearts of your family and friends during every gathering. Plus, the ease of preparation allows busy lives to enjoy a touch of gourmet. So, whether it’s a leisurely weekend or a busy weeknight, this delightful dish is your ticket to a memorable meal that’s sure to impress!
Print
Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and savory pie made with fresh shrimp, vegetables, and a creamy cheddar custard filling, perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pastry shell
- 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
- 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
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place unbaked pastry shell onto a baking sheet.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are soft and translucent.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and drain excess liquid.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and milk until smooth. Incorporate eggs, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Blend until well combined.
- Distribute shrimp and cooked vegetables evenly over the pastry shell. Pour custard mixture over the filling.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese across the top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until filling is set and top is golden brown.
- Remove pie from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding your favorite herbs to the vegetable mixture.
- This pie can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg





