Easy Shrimp Pie: A Taste of Coastal Comfort

My grandmother, Nana Bess, wasn’t known for fancy food. Her kitchen was a haven of simple, satisfying dishes, and among them, her “Seafood Surprise” pie held a special place. It wasn’t fancy, but that’s what made it perfect. I remember the flaky crust, the creamy filling, and the tiny pink shrimp peeking through, each bite a comforting reminder of her warmth. This recipe is my tribute to Nana Bess, a simplified version inspired by her Seafood Surprise that I developed one evening while looking for a quick and delicious way to use leftover cooked shrimp. It’s easy, it’s comforting, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 1 pie
• Dietary Type: Pescatarian

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups cooked shrimp, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ¼ cup green onions or ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
• ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 3 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• ½ cup buttermilk baking mix (such as Bisquick)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie plate
• Blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and a beautifully golden crust.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the first five ingredients: the diced cooked shrimp, frozen peas, chopped green onions (or chives), shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and cubed cream cheese. Mix gently to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Transfer this mixture to a 9-inch pie plate, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
4. In a blender, combine the remaining five ingredients: buttermilk baking mix, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps. This creates the creamy base for the pie.
5. Carefully pour the blended mixture over the shrimp and vegetable mixture in the pie plate, ensuring that it evenly covers all the ingredients.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the pie; if it comes out clean, the pie is ready. The center may jiggle slightly, but it should not be liquid.
7. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set further and prevents it from being too runny.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook the shrimp before adding it to the pie. Since it’s already cooked, you’re just heating it through in the oven. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
• For a richer flavor, try using half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk. This will make the filling even more decadent.
• If you don’t have buttermilk baking mix on hand, you can make your own. Simply combine flour, baking powder, salt, and a touch of sugar. There are numerous recipes online for a DIY version.
• If the crust starts to brown too quickly during baking, you can loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil. This will prevent it from burning while allowing the filling to cook through.
• To prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy, you can blind bake a store-bought pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the shrimp mixture.
• Consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little kick. This adds a pleasant warmth that complements the seafood.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Easy Shrimp Pie is delicious served warm or at room temperature. For an elegant presentation, garnish each slice with a sprig of fresh dill or parsley. It pairs well with a simple green salad, a side of roasted asparagus, or a bowl of creamy tomato soup.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave or bake the entire pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. It is not recommended to freeze the pie as the texture of the filling may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	320 kcal	16%
Total Fat	18g	28%
Saturated Fat	9g	45%
Cholesterol	150mg	50%
Sodium	650mg	27%
Total Carbohydrate	20g	7%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	4g	–
Protein	20g	40%

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Crustless Option: For a lighter version, skip the pie plate and bake the mixture in a greased baking dish. This creates a delicious shrimp casserole.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan.
• Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté them slightly before adding them to the pie to release excess moisture.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free buttermilk baking mix or make your own gluten-free pie crust.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with almond milk or soy milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
• Seafood Swap: Use crabmeat or lobster instead of shrimp for a more luxurious pie.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat it dry before adding it to the pie.

Q: Can I use fresh shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?
A: Yes, but you will need to cook the shrimp before adding it to the pie. Simply sauté it until it turns pink and opaque.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have a blender?
A: You can whisk the ingredients together in a bowl until smooth, but it may take a little more effort to get rid of any lumps.

Q: Can I freeze this pie?
A: While technically possible, freezing is not recommended as the texture of the filling may change upon thawing and become watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh or reheated from the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Shrimp Pie is more than just a recipe; it’s a slice of comfort, a taste of home, and a nod to the simple joys of cooking. I encourage you to give it a try, put your own spin on it, and share it with the people you love. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this pie is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version. I’d love to hear what you think, so please leave a comment and let me know how it turns out! Pair it with a crisp glass of white wine for the perfect meal.