If you’ve ever dreamed of a creamy, savory pie packed with juicy Florida shrimp and wrapped in a flaky golden crust—this is it. Florida Shrimp Pie brings the sunshine straight to your plate. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for brunches, holiday spreads, or just a cozy seafood dinner. The first time I made this, I served it with a crisp salad and a cold drink on the patio—pure bliss. With just a few steps, you’ll be baking up a pie that’s part comfort food, part coastal indulgence, and 100% delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Florida Shrimp Pie

Florida Shrimp Pie is more than just a meal—it’s a Southern-inspired celebration of flavor and ease. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Packed with Flavor: Juicy Gulf shrimp, bold spices, creamy cheese, and fresh veggies bring each bite to life.
Beginner-Friendly: You’ll use pantry staples and easy steps that anyone can follow.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a showstopper for potlucks, family dinners, or even brunch.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it ahead, bake later—no stress!

The Story Behind Florida Shrimp Pie

What makes Florida Shrimp Pie such a beloved Southern classic? Let’s take a quick look:

Born from Gulf Coast Bounty: With shrimp so abundant in Florida waters, coastal cooks created savory pies to showcase them.
Southern Comfort Meets Seafood: Like chicken pot pie’s coastal cousin, it blends hearty and creamy elements with seafood flair.
Potluck Favorite: Found at Florida family gatherings, this pie is often passed down through generations.
Fusion of Flavors: From Old Bay seasoning to Dijon mustard and lemon zest, it blends Southern and coastal spices beautifully.

Key Ingredients in Florida Shrimp Pie

Florida Shrimp: The star—tender, sweet, and rich in coastal flavor.
Onion, Celery & Red Bell Pepper: The classic “trinity” of Southern cooking, giving depth and color.
Old Bay & Spices: Adds savory warmth with just the right hint of heat.
Cream, Milk & Cheese: Creates a silky, cheesy base that holds the filling together.
Dijon & Lemon Zest: For a tangy kick that brightens the entire pie.
Pie Crust & Panko Topping: Buttery crust plus a crunchy topping makes this irresistibly textured.

How to Make Florida Shrimp Pie

Follow These Steps for the Perfect Florida Shrimp Pie

Prep the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out a pie crust into a 9-inch pan. Crimp the edges, prick the bottom with a fork, brush with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water), and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and seasonings, stirring for another minute.
Cook the Shrimp: Stir in the chopped shrimp. Cook just until pink—about 2–3 minutes. Remove the mixture and set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, sprinkle in flour. Whisk constantly. Slowly pour in heavy cream and milk, whisking until the sauce thickens. Stir in Dijon, lemon zest, and cheeses until smooth.
Combine Filling: Return the shrimp and veggie mixture to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Remove from heat.
Fill the Pie: Spoon the shrimp mixture into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
Add the Crunch: In a small bowl, mix panko, melted butter, grated Parmesan, and parsley. Sprinkle this topping over the pie.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Florida Shrimp Pie Tips and Twists

Make the most of your Florida Shrimp Pie with these helpful pointers:

5 Tips for Success:

Don’t skip pre-baking the crust—it prevents a soggy bottom.
Pat shrimp dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Stir continuously while making the cream sauce to prevent lumps.
Grate your own cheese for smoother melting.
Let the pie rest before slicing—it holds together better.

3 Tasty Variations:

Extra Heat: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top.
Cheddar Swap: Try smoked gouda for a deeper, smoky bite.
Veggie Boost: Add corn kernels or spinach for color and sweetness.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Keep your Florida Shrimp Pie delicious with these simple tips:

Storage: Wrap leftover slices in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Bake slices at 325°F for 10–15 minutes to keep the crust crisp and filling hot.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the pie (without baking), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Bake just before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Florida Shrimp Pie

Here’s how to turn your Florida Shrimp Pie into a full meal:

Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy side to contrast the richness of the pie.
Roasted Vegetables: Think carrots, asparagus, or zucchini for a warm, rustic pairing.
Cucumber Tomato Salad: Bright and fresh—balances the hearty filling.
Chilled Lemonade or Sweet Tea: Keep it light and Southern.
Fresh Fruit Platter: Pineapple, berries, or citrus work great for a refreshing finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry to prevent excess liquid in the filling.

Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Increase cayenne or add chopped fresh chilies for more kick.

What type of pie crust works best?
A traditional buttery crust—store-bought or homemade—is ideal for flakiness.

Is this gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use a gluten-free crust and substitute GF flour and panko.

Can I use other seafood?
Yes! Scallops, crab meat, or even a seafood mix would work well.

Enjoy Your Florida Shrimp Pie

Whether you’re channeling summer in the middle of winter or planning a coastal-themed dinner, Florida Shrimp Pie delivers creamy comfort and bold flavor every time. You’ll love how easy it is to make—and how impressive it looks on the table. So grab your skillet, get those shrimp ready, and serve up a slice of sunshine tonight. Your family and tastebuds will thank you!

Explore More Recipes to Pair with Florida Shrimp Pie

Looking for more ideas to round out your meal? Try these coastal-inspired recipes:

Cucumber Tomato Salad – A crisp, refreshing side that pairs beautifully with seafood dishes.
Grilled Chicken Wraps – Perfect for serving alongside or saving for lunch the next day.
Strawberry Cream Cake – A light and fruity dessert to finish your meal on a sweet note.
Grilled Corn on the Cob – Smoky and sweet, this classic side highlights the Southern roots of shrimp pie.
Simple Avocado Toast with Egg – Serve this for brunch alongside your pie for a satisfying meal.

Florida Shrimp Pie with Creamy Cheese & Crunchy Topping

This Florida Shrimp Pie is a warm, comforting dish filled with juicy shrimp, sautéed veggies, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked into a golden crust. Easy enough for beginners, but impressive enough for any occasion!

Course Dinner

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword cheesy shrimp pie, creamy seafood pie, Florida shrimp pie, shrimp dinner, Southern seafood pie

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Servings 6 servings

Calories 420kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 pre-made pie crust or homemade
1 large egg
1 tbsp water

For the Filling:

1 lb large Florida shrimp peeled, deveined, chopped
2 tbsp butter
½ cup onion finely chopped
½ cup celery finely chopped
½ cup red bell pepper finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp lemon zest
½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimp edges, prick bottom with fork, and brush with egg wash. Bake for 10 minutes.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and seasonings. Cook 1 more minute.
Stir in chopped shrimp. Cook 2–3 minutes until pink. Remove mixture from skillet.
In same skillet, whisk in flour. Slowly add cream and milk, whisking until thickened. Stir in Dijon, lemon zest, and both cheeses until smooth.
Return shrimp mixture to skillet and stir to combine.
Pour filling into pre-baked crust and smooth out evenly.
Mix panko, butter, Parmesan, and parsley. Sprinkle over top of pie.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let cool 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best crust, pre-bake it to prevent sogginess. Want a twist? Swap cheddar with smoked gouda for a deeper flavor. Florida Shrimp Pie adapts beautifully!

Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 28g
Fat: 26g
Carbs: 21g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 620mg