
I turned this Florida shrimp pie into my go-to for fancy gatherings because I wanted something that wowed a crowd but didn’t leave me frazzled in the kitchen. Sweet Gulf shrimp mixed into a thick, dreamy sauce with a kick of Old Bay gives you rich, cozy vibes—like getting a big warm hug from Florida itself. I got hooked on these flavors after trying something similar at a little seafood shack in Key West, so I set out to make it at home and nailed it.
My Louisiana-born mother-in-law, who’s a seafood whiz, was floored when I made this for Easter. She kept asking for the how-to and said it outdid the best pies she grew up eating. Considering her kitchen skills, that made me seriously proud.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Panko crust topper: Gives you that crunchy, golden bite everyone loves
- Parmesan and white cheddar: Two kinds of cheese for lots of flavor
- Heavy cream and milk sauce: Super smooth and not overly thick
- Old Bay dash: Coastal magic in a shaker
- Pie crust (store-bought is awesome): Quick and easy, saves loads of time
- Onion, celery, bell pepper trio: That classic Southern veggie base
- Fresh Gulf shrimp: The showstopper that elevates everything

How To Pull It All Together
- Get the crust ready
- Turn on your oven to 375°F. Press your pie crust into a 9-inch pan, do a simple crimp around the edge, poke holes on the base with a fork, brush on some beaten egg, and bake for 10 minutes so it’s just turning golden. You don’t want soggy pie bottoms!
- Start the filling
- Grab a big skillet, melt some butter, then toss in chopped bell pepper, celery, and onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they’re getting soft, then add garlic, all your spices—think Old Bay, a pinch of cayenne for heat, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper—and cook another minute till it all smells fantastic.
- Shrimp action
- Stir in your chopped shrimp with the veggies and let them go just 2–3 minutes until they look pink. Don’t let them go too long since they’ll finish up in the oven. Take the pan off the heat and set aside.
- Mix up the sauce
- In the same pan, sprinkle in your flour, stir it around, then slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Keep whisking while you pour so you avoid weird lumps. Keep at it until the sauce thickens, then mix in both cheeses, a scoop of Dijon, and lots of lemon zest so it’s silky and tangy.
- Assemble and bake
- Add the shrimp and veggies back into your creamy sauce, stir until it’s all blended. Scoop this into your pre-baked pie shell and spread it out. Mix panko with melted butter, more Parmesan, and some chopped parsley, then scatter that over the top. Bake about 25–30 minutes till you see golden topping and bubbly filling.
Trust me, if you cook shrimp too much at the start they end up chewy and tough in the finished pie. I just barely cook them before baking, so they stay juicy and perfect.
Serving Suggestions That Shine
This dish totally plays the star at any get-together and it’s awesome alongside a simple green salad or roasted asparagus. The creamy, rich filling tastes so much better with something light and crisp. A chilled white wine or a cold beer really brings out those coastal flavors.
Easy Ways To Switch It Up
Change the spice level by playing with the cayenne, or toss in some scallops or crab to make it loaded with seafood. Sometimes I chop in fresh herbs like thyme or dill for an extra kick. Swap out cheddar for gruyere if you want it to taste even fancier.
Plan Ahead, Stress Less
This is a dream for get-togethers because you can make and chill it ahead, just add 10–15 minutes to the baking time from cold. It actually gets tastier after sitting, so it’s perfect for hosting.

This Florida shrimp pie is my go-to for turning any meal into a celebration. Sweet shrimp, creamy sauce, and a crisp crust blend into something that just feels special, but cozy too. It’s the perfect thing for showing off a little and boosting your host confidence, all without breaking a sweat.
Recipe FAQs
- → Is frozen shrimp okay to use instead of fresh?
- Absolutely! Just defrost them fully and pat dry to get rid of extra water before cooking.
- → What gives this dish its Florida twist?
- The flavors of Gulf shrimp, bright lemon zest, and Old Bay seasoning combine to give it that signature Florida coastal taste.
- → Can I prep this pie the day before?
- Yes, you can assemble it and chill in the fridge for up to a day. Add another 5-10 minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.
- → How do I keep the crust from turning soggy?
- Pop the crust in the oven for 10 minutes before filling, and make sure the shrimp mix isn't overly liquid before adding it.
- → What sides match well with this pie?
- It pairs nicely with a crisp salad, light coleslaw, or roasted veggies. These lighter sides balance the richness of the pie perfectly.