Delicious Shrimp Cheddar Pie for a Hearty Main Dish

I still remember the first time I made Shrimp Cheddar Pie. I was craving something comforting for dinner but also knew my family needed a healthy boost after a long week of school and activities. I found a recipe tucked away in a Facebook group featuring a seafood cheddar pie that promised simple ingredients and big flavors. I had my doubts—seafood in a pie sounded fancy and complicated! But as soon as that shrimp cheddar pie came out of the oven, bubbling and golden, my whole family was hooked. My kids were licking their plates clean (which, let’s be honest, is the true test), and hubby kept thanking me for making something so nourishing.

This shrimp cheddar pie wasn’t just a win in flavor but also a nutrition win for my busy kitchen. The shrimp brought lean protein to the table, the cheddar cheese supplied calcium and a comforting bite, and the crust offered wholesome carbs without being heavy or overwhelming. Plus, it was a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies and keep the dinnertime chaos under control without resorting to takeout. Over time, I’ve tweaked my shrimp cheddar pie to suit my family’s tastes and nutrition needs, adding a few kitchen shortcuts to save time.

If you’re a fellow busy mom juggling after-school chaos and searching for sanity-saving nutrition, this shrimp cheddar pie is a must-try. It’s a simple, family-friendly recipe that meets real nutrition needs and helps you feel proud at dinnertime. I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned about making this go-to seafood cheddar pie—a little creamy shrimp casserole disguised as a reassuring cheddar crust pie that everyone will love. So grab your apron, and let’s dive in together!

By the way, if you love this, you might enjoy my cheddar bay biscuit sausage balls recipe—it’s another fuss-free crowd-pleaser that supports family nutrition without extra hassle.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

For this shrimp cheddar pie, I keep ingredients straightforward because busy moms need nutrition without extra fuss! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work well)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (the cheddar is key for that savory cheddar crust pie flavor!)
  • 1 cup whole milk or unsweetened almond milk (adds creamy texture and moisture)
  • 3 large eggs (boosts protein for growing kids)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for the crust and binding)
  • ½ cup finely chopped onions (adds flavor and extra nutrients)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for that savory shrimp pie depth)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (healthy fats that keep things tasty)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, to give the shrimp cheese tart a little warmth)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

No worries if you don’t have fresh shrimp. Frozen shrimp are budget-friendly and just as nutritious. For the milk, using a dairy alternative like almond milk keeps the dish lighter if that’s your family’s preference!

Quick tip: You can find all these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store, often prepped and ready for grab-and-go convenience. To save time, I sometimes buy pre-chopped onions or use pre-minced garlic. It’s a small shortcut that adds up during mealtime madness!

For extra nutrients, my family loves it when I add a handful of fresh spinach or green peas into the mix—turning this savory shrimp pie into a sneakily nutritious seafood cheddar pie. This way, it feels like a creamy shrimp casserole packed with veggies but still looks like a simple shrimp cheese tart on the plate.

Top-down view of raw ingredients for shrimp cheddar pie including shrimp, cheddar cheese, eggs, onions, garlic, flour, and spices arranged on a marble surface

Shopping tip: Keeping a package of frozen shrimp and shredded cheddar in the freezer means you have the base for this shrimp cheddar pie anytime. No stress, no last-minute runs. Plus, this shrimp cheddar pie proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive!

If your family loves savory favorites, this recipe is a gateway to other simple snacks like the bacon cheddar cheese ball for occasional indulgence or a wholesome cheddar ranch cheeseball for get-togethers (both recipes are favorites in our house—check them out).

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, fellow nutrition-seekers, here’s how we whip up our delicious shrimp cheddar pie without any stress. I used to really struggle getting the crust just right on my first tries, but now I have some tricks that make it simpler.

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Get that heat going so your shrimp cheddar pie bakes evenly and develops a beautiful golden top.
  2. Prepare the shrimp: Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. No need to overthink this step, but dry shrimp helps the texture for our creamy shrimp casserole base.
  3. Saute onions and garlic: In your skillet, heat olive oil on medium. Toss in the chopped onions and garlic, sauteing until fragrant and soft—about 3 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation of your seafood cheddar pie.
  4. Mix wet ingredients: In a big bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. I like adding a pinch of paprika here for a subtle warmth.
  5. Add cheese and flour: Stir in shredded cheddar and flour slowly—this creates the base of the cheddar crust pie. The texture will be thick but creamy. You don’t want lumps; whisk well.
  6. Fold in shrimp and sauteed veggies: Add shrimp, onions, and garlic into the batter. This is where your shrimp cheddar pie starts to come alive. Don’t over-mix; you want shrimp pieces whole to enjoy their flavor.
  7. Pour into pie dish: Grease a 9-inch pie dish or casserole pan lightly with oil or nonstick spray. Transfer the mixture evenly; it should spread nicely.
  8. Bake: Pop your shrimp cheddar pie into the oven. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious pie usually takes about 35-40 minutes to bake. It’s perfect timing to prep tomorrow’s school lunch or tidy up.
  9. Check for doneness: Your shrimp cheddar pie should be golden brown on top and firm when gently pressed. The aroma will be a warm, cheesy invitation. Don’t worry if the pie jiggles slightly—it will set more as it cools.
  10. Rest: Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This step helps the pie hold together and makes serving easier for hungry kids.

I once forgot to add the paprika and missed that little kick, so don’t skip that! Also, if you’re pressed for time, you can prepare this savory shrimp pie mixture ahead and store it in the fridge overnight.

While your shrimp cheddar pie bakes, you might want to peek at another family-pleasing recipe like this Florida shrimp pie recipe with old bay seasoning for some flavor twists next time.

Or if you want a lighter seafood alternate, try this Cheesy Shrimp Spinach Filo Pie for a different take on creamy shrimp casseroles.

How We Love to Eat This!

Dinner around here is never boring when Shrimp Cheddar Pie hits the table. My kids devour this nutritious shrimp cheddar pie when I serve it with simple sides like steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad. It balances the creamy shrimp casserole richness with crisp, clean veggies.

For busy weeknights, I love pairing this shrimp cheese tart with roasted sweet potatoes—they add a natural sweetness and extra fiber. The whole family enjoys this combo, and I feel good knowing everyone’s getting a range of nutrients without me micromanaging.

Presentation-wise, slicing the shrimp cheddar pie into wedges and serving it warm with a sprinkle of chopped parsley makes it look inviting, especially for picky eaters. I also pop leftover pieces into my kids’ lunchboxes, which means no nutrition goes to waste.

We’ve done seasonal versions too! In the winter, I like stirring in kale for extra greens, and in summer, fresh corn kernels add a sweet crunch to this savory shrimp pie. For a friend gathering, this pie gets rave reviews—paired with one of my easy cheesy appetizers like the Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball.

If your kids or guests enjoy this dish, they might also love the seafood cobbler with cheddar bay biscuit topping—a cozy, comforting option similar in spirit to shrimp cheddar pie. All these recipes make offering nourishing food to the family much less stressful!

Close-up of a finished comforting shrimp cheddar pie with a golden crust and melted cheese

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q: Is this shrimp cheddar pie really nutritious enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely! Shrimp provides lean protein, essential omega-3 fats, and key minerals like iodine, which supports brain development. Combined with eggs, cheese, and optional veggies, this pie delivers a balanced bite that fuels their busy bodies and minds.

Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy shrimp cheddar pie?
A: I hear you! Sometimes kids are hesitant about seafood. Start by mixing smaller shrimp pieces into the pie or adding mild shredded cheese like mozzarella alongside cheddar. Presentation matters; cutting into fun shapes or sharing the cooking step can help encourage them to take a bite.

Q: Can I meal prep shrimp cheddar pie for busy weeks ahead?
A: Yes! You can prep the entire pie a day early and refrigerate it unbaked, then bake fresh on dinner day. Or bake it fully, then reheat leftovers—it tastes great warmed up. This crust and creamy shrimp casserole combo holds well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I swap out cheddar cheese for something else?
A: Cheddar gives that signature savory cheddar crust pie flavor, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. Just adjust salt levels if the cheese is stronger or milder.

Q: Is the crust gluten-free friendly?
A: The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can try gluten-free baking flour blends to make a gluten-free seafood cheddar pie. It might change texture slightly but keeps the hearty family appeal.

Q: How do I make this shrimp cheese tart less rich?
A: Swap whole milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk, and reduce cheese by a bit. Adding veggies like zucchini or spinach also lightens while upping nutrients.

Q: What sides pair well with this shrimp cheddar pie for balanced meals?
A: Think fiber and vitamins: steamed broccoli, fresh garden salad, roasted carrots, or even quinoa salad for added protein. If your family loves good nutrition and simple meals, these options fit perfectly alongside your creamy shrimp casserole.

For more crowd-pleasing savory recipes, check out my favorite cheddar bay biscuit sausage balls for easy appetizers or snacks your whole family will enjoy.

Final Thoughts:

This shrimp cheddar pie has become such a reliable dinnertime nutrition win in my family. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy enough to fit into our busy schedules. I love how it supports my kids’ health with lean shrimp protein, calcium-packed cheddar cheese, and flexible veggie add-ins. It’s like a creamy shrimp casserole turned into a cozy cheddar crust pie that satisfies everyone’s cravings and nutrition needs.

My Shrimp Cheddar Pie Nutrition Hacks:

  • Adding finely chopped spinach boosts fiber and folate without changing the flavor much.
  • Using frozen shrimp keeps the recipe budget-friendly and super convenient.
  • Swapping half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour gives more nutrients and texture.

We have a few family-tested tweaks too. My husband likes his shrimp cheddar pie with extra cheddar baked right on top for a sharp crust. My kids prefer it mild, so I skip the paprika and sneak in some veggies. My sister adds Old Bay seasoning for a more savory seafood cheddar pie twist—so fun!

Fellow moms, I encourage you to make this recipe your own shrimp cheese tart. Experiment with flavors, vegetables, and sides. Nutrition doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to nourish your family and feel doable. I hope this shrimp cheddar pie becomes part of your simple nutrition toolkit and brings another little victory to your nourishing chaos each week.

For more ideas blending flavor and family-friendly nutrition without stress, explore my recipes for the cheddar ranch cheeseball or these flavorful cheddar bay biscuit sausage balls. You’re not alone on this journey—we’re all balancing love, life, and healthy meals as best we can!

Ready to give this shrimp cheddar pie a try? I’d love to hear how it turns out and your own nutrition wins. Happy cooking, friend!

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Shrimp Cheddar Pie

Close-up of homemade Shrimp Cheddar Pie on white plate

Shrimp Cheddar Pie is a savory, cheesy pie combining tender shrimp with sharp cheddar in a flaky crust, perfect for a comforting dinner or special occasion.

  • Author: Juliette
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pie crust (9-inch, pre-made or homemade)
  • 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the cooked shrimp and Old Bay seasoning. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and milk until smooth.
  6. Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and spread the shrimp mixture evenly over the crust.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the shrimp layer.
  8. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the filling, making sure it is evenly distributed.
  9. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley if using.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
  11. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling; serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

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