Florida Shrimp Pie

Ingredients

For the base:

• 1 frozen deep-dish pie crust (from 12 oz package)

• 1/2 cup chive-and-onion cream cheese spread

• 4 large eggs

• 12 oz frozen cooked medium shrimp, thawed, deveined, peeled, and coarsely chopped (tails removed)

• 1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese

Optional aromatics (for enhanced version):

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

• Zest of 1/2 lemon

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare oven and crust
Place a cookie sheet on the center oven rack and preheat to 375°F. Let pie crust thaw at room temperature for 10-20 minutes. Using a fork, prick the bottom and sides thoroughly to prevent air bubbles. Bake on the cookie sheet for 9-11 minutes until very light golden brown.

Step 2: Optional sautéing (for enhanced flavor)
If using aromatics, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Add chopped shrimp and Old Bay, cooking just until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make filling
In a medium bowl, beat the chive-and-onion cream cheese with a whisk or electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until mixture is smooth and well blended. Stir in the shrimp (either plain chopped shrimp or the sautéed mixture) and pepper Jack cheese.

Step 4: Assemble and bake
Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading evenly. Place on the cookie sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.

Step 5: Cool and serve
Let the pie stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to firm up for cleaner slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.