Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie
A glorious dish that balances rich, savory flavors with a comforting texture, combining fresh shrimp with creamy cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Pie Filling
- 1 unbaked 9-inch unbaked 9-inch pastry shell
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon butter for sautéing
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients. Ensure your shrimp are peeled and deveined; this will save time when cooking.
- Chop your vegetables—onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic—into small pieces.
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic.
- Add the fresh shrimp to the skillet. Cook for around 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Drain any excess liquid.
Mixing and Assembling
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and milk until smooth.
- Add the eggs, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Blend until combined.
- Take your unbaked pastry shell and distribute the cooked shrimp and vegetable mix evenly across the bottom.
- Pour the custard mixture over the shrimp and veggies, making sure to cover everything.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
Cooling and Serving
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm, pairing it with a light salad or a side of fresh veggies.
Notes
To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pastry shell. For vegetarian options, substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or mushrooms.