Imagine a warm, sunny day in Florida, with the salty breeze gently blowing through the palm trees. It’s the kind of day that calls for a delicious and comforting dish like Florida Shrimp Pie. This recipe has been a staple in my family for years, bringing together the flavors of the sea with a buttery crust that melts in your mouth. Let me share with you the secrets to creating this mouthwatering dish that will transport you to the sunny shores of Florida with each bite.
Why You’ll Love This
I make this shrimp pie when I want to impress guests with a taste of coastal cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen. My family goes crazy for this dish because the combination of fresh shrimp, creamy sauce, and flaky crust creates a harmony of flavors that is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or cut into smaller portions for a delightful appetizer.
When making Florida Shrimp Pie, I sometimes opt for a mix of shrimp and crab meat for a more indulgent seafood experience. Feel free to experiment with different seafood combinations to suit your taste preferences. Additionally, using store-bought pie crust is a convenient option if you’re short on time, although nothing beats the flavor of a homemade crust.
Ingredients
For the filling, you’ll need fresh shrimp, butter, garlic, cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. I always recommend using locally sourced shrimp for the freshest flavor. As for the crust, a traditional buttery pie crust works wonderfully, but you can also try a flakier puff pastry for a different texture.
Directions
To start, sauté the shrimp in garlic-infused butter until they are pink and cooked through. Then, mix in the cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings to create a rich and savory filling. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. This is where I usually sneak a taste to adjust the seasonings if needed!
Don’t worry if the pie looks a bit lumpy at first – as it bakes, the flavors will meld together beautifully, creating a decadent seafood pie that is sure to impress. Serve the Florida Shrimp Pie hot out of the oven for the best experience, and watch as your guests savor every bite.
Notes
Through trial and error, I’ve found that letting the pie rest for a few minutes after baking allows the flavors to intensify, so resist the temptation to cut into it right away. While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.
Variations
One experiment that didn’t quite work out for me was adding jalapeños for a spicy kick – the heat overpowered the delicate flavors of the seafood. However, incorporating a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or dill can enhance the overall taste profile of the pie. Feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to your liking!
So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and embark on a culinary journey to the sunny shores of Florida with this delightful Shrimp Pie recipe. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a taste of the sea, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Florida Shrimp Pie
A mouthwatering seafood pie that combines fresh shrimp, creamy sauce, and a buttery crust, creating a delightful harmony of flavors reminiscent of sunny Florida shores.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a skillet, sauté the shrimp in garlic-infused butter until pink and cooked through.
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Add cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring until well combined.
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Pour the shrimp mixture into the prepared pie crust.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to intensify.
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Serve hot and enjoy the taste of Florida in every bite!