Delightful Florida Shrimp Pie with Creamy Cheese & Herbs

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever tasted a dish that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Florida? Florida Shrimp Pie with Creamy Cheese & Fresh Herbs is just that dish. This vibrant pie combines succulent shrimp, rich cheese, and aromatic herbs, creating a delightful medley of flavors that dances on your palate. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that invites you to savor the sunshine and warmth of coastal living.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, evoking memories of summer gatherings with family and friends. Picture this: laughter fills the air as we gather around the table, eager to enjoy this savory pie fresh out of the oven. The aroma wafts through the room, drawing everyone closer. Perfect for casual dinners or festive occasions, this dish promises to impress your guests with its delicious taste and stunning presentation. Get ready to indulge in a culinary journey that celebrates the essence of Florida!

Key Ingredients For Florida Shrimp Pie with Creamy Cheese & Fresh Herbs

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Shrimp: Use medium-sized, peeled shrimp for a tender bite; ensure they are fresh for optimal flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for a creamy texture; soften it before mixing.

• Ricotta Cheese: This adds lightness and moisture; choose whole milk ricotta for richer flavor.

• Fresh Herbs: A mix of parsley, dill, and chives brings brightness; use them finely chopped for even distribution.

• Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry makes preparation easy; keep it cold until you’re ready to bake.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances flavors; it adds a refreshing zing.

• Onion: Chopped onion provides depth; sauté until translucent before adding to the filling.

• Garlic: Minced garlic adds aromatic flavor; fresh cloves yield the best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Florida Shrimp Pie with Creamy Cheese & Fresh Herbs

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step : Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it with nonstick spray or butter.

Second Step : Sauté Aromatics

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute.

Third Step : Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and chopped fresh herbs. Stir in the sautéed mixture along with peeled shrimp. Season with salt and pepper.

Fourth Step : Assemble the Pie

Roll out your puff pastry on a floured surface. Transfer it to your prepared baking dish. Pour the shrimp filling into the center and fold over any excess pastry edges.

Fifth Step : Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent over-browning.

Serve hot from the oven for an unforgettable meal that delights everyone at your table!

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Fresh Is Best: Always choose fresh shrimp for superior flavor and texture in your pie.

• Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like tarragon or basil for unique flavors.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance; just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.

By following these steps and tips, you will create an amazing Florida Shrimp Pie with Creamy Cheese & Fresh Herbs that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy every bite!

Preparation Steps

To create the perfect Florida Shrimp Pie with Creamy Cheese & Fresh Herbs, follow these detailed preparation steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pie crust bakes evenly and achieves a golden brown color.

2. Start by preparing the pie crust. You can either use a pre-made crust or make your own from scratch. If you’re making it from scratch, blend flour, salt, and cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water gradually until the dough forms.

3. Roll out the dough and fit it into a pie pan. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.

4. Bake the crust for about 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Allow it to cool slightly while preparing the filling.

5. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

6. Incorporate fresh shrimp into the skillet, cooking them until they turn pink, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

7. Remove the skillet from heat, and stir in cream cheese until melted and combined smoothly.

8. Mix in fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, and dill for added flavor before pouring this mixture into the prepared pie crust.

9. Beat eggs in a separate bowl and season with salt and pepper. Pour this egg mixture over the shrimp filling in the pie crust.

10. Bake your Florida Shrimp Pie for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set and lightly browned on top.

Serving Suggestions

This Florida Shrimp Pie with Creamy Cheese & Fresh Herbs is delightful when served fresh out of the oven, but you can enhance your dining experience with these serving suggestions:

• Fresh Salad: Pairing your pie with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette adds brightness to its rich flavors.

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for an indulgent touch that complements the creamy filling beautifully.

• Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay can elevate this dish’s overall enjoyment.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers of this delicious Florida Shrimp Pie with Creamy Cheese & Fresh Herbs, proper storage is essential for maintaining its quality:

1. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before storing it.

2. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to protect them from freezer burn if freezing.

3. The pie can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two months.

4. When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for best results.

Variations

There are several tasty variations you can try with this Florida Shrimp Pie with Creamy Cheese & Fresh Herbs:

1. Replace shrimp with crab meat or lobster for a luxurious twist on this classic dish.

2. For those who prefer vegetarian options, substitute seafood with sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers while keeping all other ingredients intact.

3. Experiment by adding spices such as Old Bay seasoning or smoked paprika to enhance flavor profiles according to your preference.

4. For a spicy kick, include diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into your filling mixture for extra heat!

FAQs

What type of shrimp should I use for Florida Shrimp Pie?

When making Florida Shrimp Pie with Creamy Cheese & Fresh Herbs, opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined for convenience. Look for shrimp labeled as “wild-caught” if available, as they tend to have superior flavor compared to farmed varieties. Medium-sized shrimp work well because they provide a balance between texture and taste without overpowering other ingredients in your pie.

Can I make Florida Shrimp Pie ahead of time?

Yes! Preparing Florida Shrimp Pie ahead of time is not only possible but also convenient for busy schedules! You can assemble everything beforehand—prepare your crust, cook shrimp and combine it with cheeses—then cover tightly and refrigerate before baking it later on when you’re ready to serve dinner or entertain guests!

Is it possible to freeze Florida Shrimp Pie?

Definitely! Freezing is an excellent option if you want extra servings of your delicious Florida Shrimp Pie with Creamy Cheese & Fresh Herbs on hand during busy days! After baking, let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil; this will keep both moisture levels intact while preventing freezer burn!

What herbs work best in Florida Shrimp Pie?

Fresh herbs are essential components that elevate flavors throughout any dish! For optimal taste within your scrumptious Florida Shrimp Pie recipe consider using parsley, chives, dill, or even basil depending upon personal preference; each herb contributes unique characteristics while complementing creamy cheese beautifully!