Florida Shrimp Pie

Ingredients

• 1 (9-inch) deep-dish pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (red or green, depending on preference)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or more, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a store-bought pie crust, place it in a pie dish and set aside. If you’re making your own crust, be sure it’s pre-baked according to the recipe instructions before proceeding with the filling.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue sautéing for another minute until fragrant. This will form the aromatic base for the filling.
3. Next, add the shrimp to the skillet, stirring in the Old Bay seasoning, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Be sure to avoid overcooking the shrimp, as it can cause them to become tough. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your creamy filling. Fold in the shrimp and vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more Old Bay, salt, or pepper if needed.