Florida Shrimp Pie

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Florida Shrimp Pie

The Florida Shrimp Pie with chive and onion cream cheese, eggs, and shredded pepper jack cheese is a regional fusion dish that likely evolved from a combination of Southern comfort food traditions and Florida’s coastal seafood influences.

Origins and Influences:

  1. Florida Seafood Tradition:
    Florida has long been known for its abundant seafood, especially shrimp harvested from the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Shrimp features prominently in many Florida dishes, from shrimp and grits to Cuban-inspired seafood casseroles.
  2. Southern and Coastal Pies:
    Savory seafood pies (like crab pie or shrimp quiche) have deep roots in Southern coastal cuisine. These pies often blend eggs, cream or cheese, and shellfish in a baked crust, similar in form to quiche but with regional flair.
  3. Cream Cheese & Pepper Jack Twist:
    The use of chive and onion cream cheeseadds a creamy tang that reflects more modern, pantry-friendly ingredients.
    Pepper Jack cheese, with its heat and meltability, speaks to Tex-Mex and Southern fusion trends, increasingly popular in Florida cuisine thanks to cultural diversity and spice-forward palates.
  4. Comfort Food Meets Brunch Trend:
    The combination of eggs, seafood, and cheese in a pie format also ties into the American brunch scene, where rich, protein-packed dishes like breakfast casseroles and seafood quiches are common.

Summary:

The Florida Shrimp Pie with chive and onion cream cheese, eggs, and pepper jack cheese is a modern Southern fusion that likely developed as a creative brunch or potluck dish. It blends Floridian seafood roots, Southern savory pies, and modern convenience ingredients to create a comforting, bold-flavored meal that’s both familiar and unique.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (9-inch) deep-dish pie crust, pre-baked
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 lb raw Florida shrimp, peeled, deveined, chopped
  • 4 oz chive & onion cream cheese spread(softened)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup half-and-halfor milk
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1/4 tsp Old Bay seasoning(optional)
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsleyor chives (for garnish)

 Instructions:

  1. Preheat ovento 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sauté vegetables & shrimp:
    • In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
    • Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until soft (3–4 minutes).
    • Add shrimp and cook just until pink (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Make the filling:
    • In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, and softened chive & onion cream cheese spread until smooth.
    • Stir in cooked shrimp and veggies, pepper jack cheese, Old Bay, sea salt, and pepper.
  4. Assemble pie:
    • Pour the mixture into the pre-baked pie crust.
    • Spread evenly and tap gently to settle.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and top is golden.
    • Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
  6. Garnishwith chopped parsley or chives and serve warm.

 Serving Ideas:

  • Pair with a citrusy side salad or roasted asparagus.
  • For a brunch twist, serve with grits or hash browns.

Thank you for trying this recipe. Please let me know how you liked it. If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a look at other recipes on my fast, simple and good seafood page. 

Florida Shrimp Pie