Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This golden-baked dish combines succulent Gulf shrimp, sautéed onions, peppers, and celery in a flaky pastry shell. A creamy custard enhanced with lemon, Worcestershire, and a blend of seasonings binds the filling, while shredded Cheddar cheese melts to a bubbly, golden top. Serve warm, paired with a green salad and a crisp white wine to evoke the sunshine flavors of Florida. This savory pie can be made ahead, and leftovers reheat beautifully—ideal for gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal. For best results, use the freshest shrimp available and enjoy with friends and family.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Wed, 30 Jul 2025 23:01:23 GMT
A slice of a Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie. Save
A slice of a Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie. | lilicooks.com

Lush fresh shrimp meet crisp vegetables and gooey Cheddar in a flaky pastry, making Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie a celebration of the state’s coastal flavors and comfort-food nostalgia. This pie quickly became my go-to for gatherings since one slice shows off both Southern hospitality and a sense of sunny indulgence.

The first time I made this pie was for a poolside family lunch. It disappeared before I could get seconds and from then on it became the centerpiece of our big gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Unbaked 9 inch pastry shell: gives the pie a tender buttery base look for one with no cracks or dryness
  • Fresh shrimp peeled and deveined: delivers the sea-sweet flavor that sets this pie apart Gulf shrimp work beautifully for authenticity
  • Butter: adds richness and helps sweat the vegetables use real butter for best depth
  • Onion finely chopped: brings sweetness and aroma choose firm ones with dry skins
  • Green bell pepper and celery: give color crunch and subtle flavor always check for crispness
  • Garlic: infuses punchy complexity pick plump tight cloves
  • Mayonnaise and milk: create silky custard opt for high quality or homemade mayo for creaminess
  • Large eggs: help set the filling and enrich every bite fresh eggs give the most lift
  • Lemon juice: brightens the seafood and balances richness freshly squeezed makes a difference
  • Worcestershire sauce: deepens the umami undertones look for brands with anchovy for full flavor
  • Salt black pepper and cayenne pepper: round out the seasoning grind your pepper fresh for best taste
  • Shredded Cheddar cheese: forms a golden bubbling crown choose sharp Cheddar and shred fresh for best melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Base:
Place the unbaked pastry shell on a baking sheet the shell forms the base and the sheet helps catch any drips
Prepare the Vegetable Shrimp Mix:
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat add onion bell pepper celery and garlic stir and cook slowly for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant then add shrimp cook until just pink and opaque do not overcook or shrimp gets rubbery drain off any liquid
Mix the Custard:
Whisk mayonnaise and milk in a bowl until creamy then add eggs lemon juice Worcestershire sauce salt pepper and cayenne whisk again until well blended this keeps the filling light and holds it together
Fill the Shell:
Spoon the cooked shrimp and vegetables evenly into the pastry shell make sure ingredients distribute throughout so every slice has a balance of shrimp and veggies
Add the Custard and Cheese:
Pour custard mixture carefully over the filling tilting the pie if needed for even coverage sprinkle shredded Cheddar over the top coating the whole surface this bakes into a golden bubbly layer
Bake and Rest:
Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit check around 30 minutes filling should puff slightly and turn golden the center must be set let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting to help the filling firm up
A slice of a Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie. Save
A slice of a Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie. | lilicooks.com

Every time I make this my favorite part is watching the cheese bubble up golden on top I always think of my grandma’s kitchen in Jacksonville with that salty ocean air and a house full of laughter

Storage Tips

Let the pie cool to room temperature before covering and storing slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator It is delicious for up to three days Reheat in a low oven to keep the pastry crisp

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or a hint of smoked Gouda for more interest If you have scallions or red bell pepper use for color Just make sure to keep shrimp as the star

Serving Suggestions

Pair a warm slice with crisp green salad and a glass of citrusy white wine or serve for brunch with roasted potatoes and fruit I like a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon at the table for extra brightness

A slice of a Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie. Save
A slice of a Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie. | lilicooks.com

Cultural Historical Context

This pie evolved from vintage shrimp casseroles common across Southern coasts It mixes old school quiche technique with an exuberant Florida touch using Gulf shrimp and Cajun spices Every region brings its own flair but this version is pure Sunshine State comfort

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen shrimp may be used. Thaw and drain well before cooking to avoid excess liquid in the filling.

→ What other cheeses work well in this dish?

Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of semi-hard cheeses add a delicious twist to the classic Cheddar topping.

→ How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Bake the pie on a preheated baking sheet and ensure cooked vegetables and shrimp are well drained before assembling.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble and bake, then reheat in a moderate oven before serving to revive flakiness and flavor.

→ Is there a way to add more spice?

Stir in a splash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of extra cayenne to the filling for added heat.

→ What sides pair well with this savory pie?

A crisp green salad and chilled white wine provide a perfect, balanced meal alongside this seafood main dish.

Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie

Juicy shrimp, fresh vegetables, and Cheddar in a golden pastry for a vibrant Florida-style savory pie.

Preparation Time
30 min
Cooking Time
45 min
Overall Time
75 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves (One 9-inch pie)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Crust

01 1 unbaked 9-inch pastry shell

→ Seafood

02 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

03 1 tablespoon butter
04 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
05 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
06 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
07 1 clove garlic, minced

→ Custard Filling

08 1/2 cup mayonnaise
09 1/2 cup milk
10 2 large eggs
11 1 tablespoon lemon juice
12 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
13 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
15 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

→ Topping

16 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place unbaked pastry shell onto a baking sheet.

Step 02

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.

Step 03

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.

Step 04

Distribute shrimp and cooked vegetables evenly over the pastry shell. Pour custard mixture over the filling. Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese across the top.

Step 05

Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until filling is set and top is golden brown.

Step 06

Remove pie from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

  1. This dish can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
  2. For enhanced flavor, a splash of hot sauce can be added to the filling.
  3. A blend of cheeses may be used in place of Cheddar for a more complex flavor.
  4. Serve with a green salad and chilled white wine for a balanced meal.
  5. Fresh Gulf shrimp provide the most authentic Florida taste.

Required Tools

  • 9-inch pastry shell pan
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheese)
  • Contains egg

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 16 g