Delicious Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe

Welcome to a slice of coastal Florida comfort with our irresistible Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie recipe. This savory pie encapsulates the essence of Gulf Coast cuisine, where fresh shrimp and sharp cheddar cheese blend together in perfect harmony. Imagine a flaky pastry crust enveloping tender shrimp, gooey cheese, and a hint of the sea in every bite.

Crafted from cherished family gatherings and lazy summer evenings, this Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie is a true crowd-pleaser. The buttery crust, zesty lemon juice, and flavorful custard create a symphony of flavors that will transport you to seaside memories with each forkful. Whether it’s a special brunch or a cozy lunch, this pie is sure to steal the spotlight on your table.

Indulge in the taste of the coast with this show-stopping pie that brings together the best of Florida’s flavors. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or roasted asparagus for a delightful contrast, and watch as this dish becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen. So, gather your loved ones, share a slice of this delectable pie, and let the warmth of the Florida sun infuse your mealtime with joy and flavor.

Quick Benefits

• Showstopper dish for brunch or special lunch
• Captures the classic flavors of Gulf Coast kitchens
• Creamy, sliceable custard texture with a hint of the sea
• Versatile – use fresh or frozen shrimp, and swap cheeses or peppers to suit your taste

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe Recipe

• Authentic Coastal Flavor: This recipe captures the essence of coastal Florida cooking, perfect for seafood lovers or those craving a taste of the sea.
• Family Favorite: A dish that has become a cherished classic, ideal for special occasions or casual family dinners.
• Bright and Zesty: The addition of fresh lemon juice adds a zing that cuts through the richness of the cheese and shrimp, creating a vibrant flavor profile.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Can be made with fresh or frozen shrimp and allows for ingredient substitutions based on personal preferences or availability.
• Showstopper Dish: A visually appealing and delicious pie that makes a striking centerpiece for brunch or lunch gatherings.
• Easy to Store and Reheat: Leftovers can be conveniently stored in the fridge and reheated without compromising the quality of the dish.
• Perfect Texture: The custard-like filling ensures a creamy yet sliceable consistency, making every bite a delightful experience.
• Customizable Heat Level: The cayenne pepper provides a mild heat that can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, adding a touch of spice to the dish.
• Classic Cheese Blend: While Cheddar is the traditional choice, the recipe offers options for using Monterey Jack or Swiss for a different flavor profile.

Ingredients for Delicious Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe

Crust

• 1 unbaked 23 cm pastry shell

Seafood

• 450 g fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 60 ml onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 60 ml celery, finely chopped
• 60 ml green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 15 ml unsalted butter

Custard Filling

• 15 ml lemon juice
• 1.25 ml ground black pepper
• 120 ml whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 120 ml mayonnaise
• 5 ml Worcestershire sauce
• 1.25 ml cayenne pepper
• 2.5 ml salt

Topping

• 100 g Cheddar cheese, shredded

Pro Tips for Delicious Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe

For the Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie, using fresh medium to large shrimp will give you the best juicy and tender texture. Pre-cooked shrimp can also be used, just add them right before baking to prevent them from becoming rubbery.

When making the custard mixture with mayo, eggs, and milk, don’t worry – it bakes into a creamy yet sliceable consistency. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Swiss for a milder flavor profile compared to the classic sharp Cheddar. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking to control the level of heat in the pie. Enjoy serving this showstopper pie with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a delicious contrast and balance in flavors.

How to Make Delicious Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pastry Shell

Preheat oven to 220°C and place the unbaked pastry shell on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic; sauté until vegetables are soft. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Drain excess liquid before removing from heat.

Step 3: Create Custard Mixture

Combine mayonnaise, milk, eggs, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble Pie

Evenly distribute sautéed shrimp and vegetables over the pastry shell. Pour custard mixture over filling and sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Take out of the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have enjoyed your delicious Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie, store any leftovers by wrapping it well and placing it in the fridge. The pie can be stored this way for up to three days. When you are ready to reheat the pie, cover it with foil and warm it in a low oven to keep the crust crisp and prevent the eggs from overcooking. Alternatively, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave, being careful not to overcook them.

If fresh shrimp are not available, frozen shrimp can be used as a substitute. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Swiss for a milder flavor profile. You can also swap green bell pepper for a sweet red pepper for added color and sweetness. Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie is a versatile dish that can be served for brunch or a special lunch, pairing well with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus for contrast, and a fresh fruit salad to balance out the richness of the pie.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh shrimp is not available, you can use frozen shrimp as a suitable substitute. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the pie. Pre-cooked shrimp can also be used, but add them to the pie just before baking to avoid overcooking and becoming rubbery.

For a different flavor profile, consider substituting the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese. These cheeses will provide a milder taste compared to the sharp Cheddar but will still melt beautifully in the pie. Additionally, if you don’t have green bell pepper on hand, you can swap it out for a sweet red pepper for a pop of color and a touch of sweetness in the filling. These substitutions can tailor the pie to your personal preferences while still maintaining its delicious essence.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try pairing slices of the Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie with a zesty mango salsa on the side. The sweetness of the mango and the spiciness of the salsa will complement the savory flavors of the pie beautifully, creating a delicious Floridian fusion experience on your plate.

Another fun idea is to garnish each slice of the pie with a drizzle of sriracha aioli and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. The creamy and slightly spicy aioli adds a kick to the dish, while the herbaceous cilantro brightens up the flavors. This presentation will elevate the pie to a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your guests.

FAQs for Delicious Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie Recipe

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp in this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but add them just before baking to avoid overcooking.

Is the egg and mayo custard in this pie sliceable?

Yes, the egg and mayo custard bakes to a creamy yet sliceable consistency.

What other cheese options can I use besides Cheddar?

Sharp Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or Swiss work for a milder flavor.

How spicy is this pie with the cayenne pepper?

It has mild heat from cayenne, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie brings a taste of coastal comfort to your table, whether you’re by the ocean or miles away. The savory blend of fresh shrimp, tangy Cheddar, and flaky pastry is sure to become a family favorite for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to make this delightful pie and share the warmth of coastal flavors with your loved ones today!

So, what are you waiting for? Whip up this Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie and let its delicious flavors transport you to a sunny seaside retreat. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a special lunch treat, this pie is sure to impress with its unique blend of ingredients. Enjoy the taste of Florida in every bite of this delectable dish – Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie!