Introduction
Transform humble shrimp into a restaurant-quality Florida Shrimp Pie in a fraction of the time! This recipe is your secret weapon for a weeknight dinner that tastes like a weekend indulgence. Busy schedules? No problem! This pie is designed for speed and simplicity without sacrificing flavor.
Why This Works
This Florida Shrimp Pie delivers incredible flavor in record time. The creamy filling, bursting with succulent shrimp and a hint of Old Bay seasoning, is perfectly complemented by a buttery, flaky crust. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to master, even for beginner bakers.
Key Ingredients
- 🦐 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 🧅 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
- 🧀 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 🥚 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🥧 1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unfold one pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie plate.
2️⃣ In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and Old Bay seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, eggs, and parsley.
5️⃣ Stir the shrimp mixture into the cream mixture. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
6️⃣ Top with the second pie crust, crimping the edges to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
7️⃣ Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
8️⃣ Let cool slightly before serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the shrimp mixture.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley instead.
- Use pre-made pie crusts to save even more time.
Heat Control
Maintaining medium heat for the shrimp and onion prevents burning and ensures the shrimp cooks through evenly without becoming tough. The oven temperature of 375°F (190°C) bakes the pie perfectly, resulting in a golden-brown crust and a creamy, set filling. Don’t overbake!
Crunch Factor
The flaky, buttery pie crust provides a delightful contrast to the creamy shrimp filling. The slight crunch of the crust enhances the overall eating experience.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheddar and Gruyère cheese.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use leftover cooked shrimp to speed up the process even further!
Storage Tips
Store leftover Florida Shrimp Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This pie makes a wonderful gift! Present it in a decorative pie carrier or wrap it in a pretty kitchen towel. A handwritten recipe card adds a personal touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Shrimp Pie: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling.
🌟 Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pie: Stir in 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes along with the shrimp.
🌟 Mediterranean Shrimp Pie: Add crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to the filling.
🌟 Southwest Shrimp Pie: Incorporate diced jalapenos, corn, and a sprinkle of cumin into the mixture.
Troubleshooting
- Soggy bottom crust: Make sure the bottom crust is fully baked. You might need to bake it for a few minutes before adding the filling.
- Overcooked shrimp: Reduce the cooking time for the shrimp if they start to look tough.
- Runny filling: Bake for a longer period to allow the filling to set completely.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- Can I make this pie ahead of time? You can assemble the pie ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
- What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can try half-and-half or whole milk, but the filling might be slightly less rich.
- Can I freeze this pie? It’s best to enjoy this pie freshly baked. Freezing might affect the texture of the crust.
Conclusion
This Florida Shrimp Pie is a true weeknight winner! Its incredible flavor and speed of preparation make it a perfect meal for busy cooks. Give it a try and share your delicious creations with us at [link to Ratemyrecipes]! Enjoy!
30-Minute Florida Shrimp Pie: Weeknight Winner
A quick and delicious shrimp pie that captures the flavors of Florida, perfect for a weeknight family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375u00b0F.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sautu00e9 onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
- Add shrimp and corn to the skillet, cooking until shrimp turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the shrimp mixture evenly in the pie crust, then pour the cream mixture over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the pie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the shrimp mixture before baking.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.