If you are craving a delightful, savory dish that celebrates the bounty of fresh seafood and rich cheese, the Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe is a must-try for any home cook. This pie combines tender Florida shrimp with sharp cheddar cheese inside a flaky crust, resulting in a comforting and elegant meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a subtle zest from green onions and garlic. Dive into this delicious creation and discover why the Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe quickly becomes a cherished favorite in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the pie irresistible. From juicy shrimp to sharp cheddar, each element is simple but essential to the overall success of the dish.
- 1 pound fresh Florida shrimp: peeled and deveined, these bring a sweet, briny flavor that’s the star of the pie.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: adds sharpness and creaminess, melting perfectly into the custard filling.
- 1 pre-made pie crust: a convenient base that becomes golden and flaky in the oven.
- 1 cup heavy cream: gives richness and smooth texture to the custard.
- 3 large eggs: bind the filling together while providing structure and silkiness.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions: bring fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: infuses a subtle depth and savory aroma without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the pie evenly, allowing the filling to set without overcooking the shrimp or browning the crust too quickly.
Step 2: Mix the Custard Base
In a sizable mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and eggs until fully combined. This blend creates the rich, silky custard that will envelop the shrimp and cheese, giving the pie its luxurious texture.
Step 3: Season with Aromatics
Add the chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into your custard mixture. These simple seasonings brighten and deepen the flavors, ensuring every bite is flavorful and balanced.
Step 4: Incorporate Shrimp and Cheese
Gently fold in the fresh Florida shrimp and shredded cheddar cheese. Take care to evenly distribute them so the pie achieves perfect bites of shrimp and melty cheese throughout.
Step 5: Assemble in the Pie Crust
Pour the shrimp and cheddar custard mixture into the pre-made pie crust, filling it almost to the top. The crust will hold all the delicious ingredients, creating a crisp, golden vessel for the filling.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the pie on the oven’s middle rack and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a custard that’s set and a top that’s a tempting golden brown, signaling it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the filling firm up and makes serving neater and easier.
How to Serve Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra green onions on top adds a burst of color and freshness to this savory pie, complementing the shrimp and cheddar beautifully.
Side Dishes
Light and crisp green salads, roasted seasonal vegetables, or even a tangy coleslaw make perfect companions, balancing the richness of the Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe with refreshing contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual mini pies using ramekins for a charming party appetizer, or accompany slices with a dollop of lemon-infused sour cream to add zing and creaminess in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the pie has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
The Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe freezes well. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftover pie slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method preserves the crust’s crispness and heats the filling evenly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh Florida shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp can work if fresh isn’t available, but be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat dry to avoid excess moisture that might affect the pie’s texture.
What type of cheddar cheese is best for this pie?
A sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese offers the best flavor contrast with the shrimp, providing a nice punch without overpowering the dish.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Absolutely! While a pre-made crust is convenient, a homemade pie crust can add a personalized touch and extra flakiness that pairs wonderfully with the filling.
Is this pie suitable for a brunch menu?
Definitely. The Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe is elegant yet simple, making it a fantastic centerpiece for a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and mimosas.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with milk?
For best results, stick to heavy cream as it gives the pie its rich, creamy texture. Using milk may result in a thinner filling that doesn’t set as well.
Final Thoughts
This Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe has all the heartwarming comfort of a classic savory pie with a luxurious seafood twist. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but is easy enough to whip up any night of the week. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a treasured recipe you’ll want to revisit time and time again.
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
Enjoy a savory Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie that combines succulent fresh shrimp with rich cheddar cheese and a creamy custard filling, all baked in a flaky pre-made pie crust. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for gatherings or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound fresh Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
Produce
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Other
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the pie.
- Mix Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and eggs until well combined, creating a smooth custard base.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor into the custard mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold in the fresh shrimp and shredded cheddar cheese carefully, ensuring an even distribution without overmixing.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Pour the custard and shrimp mixture into the pre-made pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes after baking before slicing and serving to enhance the flavors and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the pre-made pie crust with a homemade pastry crust for a more personalized touch.
- Ensure shrimp are fresh or properly thawed if using frozen for the best taste and texture.
- Watch the baking time closely after 30 minutes to avoid overcooking or burning the top.
- Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- This pie pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
