Shrimp Crab Melts

There’s something magical about melty seafood snacks — the kind that combine the richness of crab and shrimp with gooey cheese and flaky, golden biscuits. Shrimp Crab Melts bring all those elements together in one bite-sized, handheld comfort food that’s perfect for cozy afternoons, casual get-togethers, or lazy weekend lunches.

Imagine buttery biscuits stuffed with a creamy, cheesy seafood filling — shrimp, crab, mozzarella, and cream cheese all baked until warm and golden. These little melts deliver all the satisfaction of a seafood bake, without the effort or cleanup. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a late-night snack, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.

This recipe strikes that rare balance between indulgent and easy. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques — just a can of flaky biscuits, a few pantry staples, and 25 minutes. Let’s dive into what makes this melt so irresistible.

The Story Behind Shrimp Crab Melts

Shrimp Crab Melts are inspired by the beloved seafood sandwiches found in seaside cafes and diners — where creamy crab and shrimp fillings are served on buttery rolls or English muffins, often topped with melted cheese. This recipe takes that nostalgic idea and gives it a shortcut twist by using refrigerated flaky biscuits as the base.

Biscuits add the perfect tender, flaky texture to cradle the creamy seafood mixture. Once baked, they puff beautifully, creating little pockets of melty, seafood-filled comfort. It’s a modern spin on a coastal classic — accessible, fuss-free, and absolutely delicious.

Best Occasions to Serve Shrimp Crab Melts

• Game Day Snacks: Crowd-pleasing finger food that disappears fast.
• Afternoon Appetizer: Serve with a fresh salad or soup for a light yet satisfying meal.
• Family Movie Nights: Perfect handheld comfort food.
• Weekend Brunch: Pair with fruit or eggs for a luxurious twist.
• Holiday Parties: A warm, cheesy seafood bite that feels fancy without the work.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes — perfect for busy days.
• Cheesy and Melty: The blend of mozzarella and cream cheese gives the ideal creamy-gooey combo.
• Seafood Lovers’ Dream: A delicious way to enjoy shrimp and crab together.
• Crowd-Friendly: Makes eight biscuit melts — great for sharing.
• Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or extra cheese to suit your taste.
• Comfort Food Made Simple: All the flavor of a seafood bake, without a sink full of dishes.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make these irresistible Shrimp Crab Melts.

Main Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated flaky biscuits (8 count)
  Your shortcut to buttery, golden perfection. Use any brand of refrigerated biscuits.
• ¾ cup cooked shrimp, chopped
  Fresh or frozen shrimp works — just cook and chop into bite-size pieces.
• ¾ cup lump crab meat
  The star ingredient! Opt for real lump crab for sweetness and texture.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  Melts beautifully and binds the filling together.
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  Adds creaminess and a touch of tang to the filling.
• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  Brings that unmistakable seafood spice and warmth.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  For brightness and color.
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
  Helps the biscuits bake up golden and fragrant.

Recipe Details

• Yield: 4 servings (8 biscuit melts)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Dietary Type: Seafood

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl – for combining filling ingredients.
• Baking sheet – lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
• Spoon or scoop – for adding filling to biscuits.
• Pastry brush – to brush butter over the tops.
• Oven – preheated to 375°F (190°C).
• Cooling rack – optional, for resting baked melts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Separate the refrigerated biscuits and flatten each one slightly using your fingers or the back of a spoon. This creates a wider surface for holding the filling.

2. Make the Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine chopped shrimp, lump crab, mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh parsley. Stir until everything is evenly coated and the mixture forms a creamy, cheesy seafood blend.

3. Assemble the Melts

Place half of the flattened biscuits on the baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the seafood mixture onto the center of each biscuit, leaving a small border around the edges.

Top each with a second flattened biscuit. Gently pinch the edges to seal, then press lightly to form a compact, even shape. The seal keeps the filling inside while baking.

4. Brush and Bake

Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter — this helps them bake up golden and flavorful.

Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits are puffed. The cheese should be melted and slightly bubbly inside.

5. Rest and Serve

Allow the melts to rest for 2 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly so it doesn’t spill out when you bite into them.

Serve whole or sliced in half for sharing. They’re best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is perfectly gooey.

Tips & Variations

• Use Imitation Crab if Needed: While real crab tastes best, imitation crab works in a pinch.
• Add Heat: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño for spice.
• Switch Up the Cheese: Try Monterey Jack or cheddar for a stronger flavor.
• Make It Garlicky: Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder to the filling.
• Add Vegetables: Finely chopped bell peppers or spinach add color and freshness.
• Mini Appetizer Version: Cut biscuits in half before filling for bite-sized party snacks.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free refrigerated biscuits or homemade dough.

Flavor Profile

The flavor of Shrimp Crab Melts can be described as creamy, buttery, and subtly oceanic — rich without being heavy. The shrimp adds sweetness, the crab provides delicate texture, and the cheeses bring everything together into one cohesive, melty bite.

The flaky biscuits act as the perfect buttery vessel, giving each melt a comforting, savory crust that balances the soft, cheesy interior.

Nutritional Overview (Per Melt)

• Calories: ~370
• Protein: ~20g
• Carbohydrates: varies by biscuit brand (approx. 20–25g)
• Fat: varies (approx. 20g)
• Sugar: 0g
• Fiber: 0–1g
• Cholesterol: moderate
• Dietary Notes: Contains shellfish, dairy, and gluten. Adaptable to gluten-free if using alternative biscuits.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead:
Prepare the seafood filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, assemble the melts fresh and pop them into the oven.

Refrigerate:
Store any leftover melts in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat:
Warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave individual melts for 30–40 seconds until heated through.

Freezing:
You can freeze unbaked melts for up to 1 month. Arrange them on a baking tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes. Choose high-quality lump crab packed in water for the best flavor and texture.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Definitely. Just make sure they’re chopped and patted dry to prevent soggy filling.

How do I prevent the biscuits from bursting open?
Avoid overfilling. Leave a small border around the edges and press lightly to seal.

Can I prepare these the night before?
Yes! Assemble them, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.

Can I air fry Shrimp Crab Melts?
Absolutely. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or until golden.

Can I substitute another seasoning for Old Bay?
Try Cajun seasoning or lemon pepper for a different twist.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
1	Preheat oven & prepare biscuits	5 min
2	Mix filling	5 min
3	Assemble melts	5 min
4	Bake	13–15 min
5	Cool & serve	2 min
Total Time	25 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette for contrast.
• Pair with a bowl of tomato or seafood bisque for a cozy meal.
• For brunch, add scrambled eggs and fruit for a coastal-inspired spread.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for color.

For presentation, arrange melts on a wooden board lined with parchment paper. Add lemon wedges for brightness and a rustic touch.

Recipe Variations

1. Cajun Shrimp Crab Melts: Add Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
2. Garlic-Herb Melts: Mix minced garlic, thyme, and a touch of dill into the seafood blend.
3. Cheesy Jalapeño Melts: Stir in diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a spicy, Tex-Mex twist.
4. Crab-Only Melts: Skip the shrimp and double the crab for an all-crab indulgence.
5. Shrimp-Only Melts: Use only shrimp and toss with lemon zest for brightness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Shrimp

Shrimp is quick-cooking and naturally sweet, making it perfect for these melts. Use small or medium cooked shrimp — peeled, deveined, and chopped. To store, keep them refrigerated and use within two days of cooking.

Crab

Lump crab meat adds a flaky, delicate texture and luxurious taste. When selecting crab, look for fresh lump or claw meat that’s moist but not watery. Store sealed in the fridge and consume within 48 hours for best flavor.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use room-temperature cream cheese so it blends easily with other ingredients.
• Don’t overbake. Once golden, remove immediately — overbaking can dry the biscuits.
• Seal edges gently. Too much pressure can make the dough tough.
• Let them rest briefly after baking — this helps the filling firm up.
• Double the batch. These melts reheat beautifully, so make extras to enjoy later.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer (Unbaked): Freeze for up to 1 month, bake straight from frozen.
• Freezer (Baked): Cool completely before freezing. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Do Not Refreeze: Once thawed, the seafood texture may change.

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~370
Protein	~20g
Fat	~20g
Saturated Fat	varies
Carbohydrates	~20–25g
Fiber	0–1g
Sugar	0g
Sodium	moderate
Cholesterol	moderate
Dietary Notes	Contains shellfish, dairy, gluten (adaptable to gluten-free)

Expanded Conclusion

Shrimp Crab Melts are everything comfort food should be — warm, melty, and full of flavor, yet simple enough to make any day of the week. They’re the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing, your family gather around the oven, and your taste buds instantly happy.

With just a handful of ingredients and 25 minutes, you get the perfect fusion of cheesy, buttery, seafood-filled goodness that feels both special and familiar. Serve them at parties, as a quick lunch, or when you need an effortless but impressive snack.

Once you make them, you’ll realize why these Shrimp & Crab Biscuit Melts earn a permanent spot in your go-to comfort food lineup. They’re the perfect bite for anyone who believes great flavor shouldn’t be complicated.

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