Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts are a coastal-inspired treat that turns flaky, golden biscuits into handheld seafood delights. Butter-brushed tops give way to a creamy blend of diced shrimp, lump crab meat, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, all spiced with Old Bay and garlic. Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch or craving a comforting snack, these melts deliver irresistible flavor in every bite—give them a try and watch them disappear!
Key Ingredients
Get ready to assemble these melts with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh seafood. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture.
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, diced: Provides sweet, tender bites of seafood that complement the creamy base.
- 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells: Adds delicate, flaky crab flavor and a luxurious texture.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Creates a rich and creamy binder that melds the seafood together.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds moisture and tang while keeping the mixture smooth.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a sharp, tangy kick to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses depth and umami for a savory boost.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: Delivers that classic coastal spice blend to awaken your taste buds.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory notes with gentle garlic undertones.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Gives a touch of heat for those who like it spicy.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Offers fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to golden perfection, adding sharp, gooey goodness.
- 4 large biscuits, baked and split in half: Serve as a flaky base that holds all the creamy seafood.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted: Brushed on tops for a golden finish and extra richness.
How To Make Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts
This easy, beginner-friendly recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, combining creamy seafood filling with ready-made biscuits before baking until bubbly and golden. You’ll learn how to mix, assemble, and bake these melts to perfection, ensuring each biscuit half is loaded with flavor and texture.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and a golden finish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced shrimp, lump crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
3. Gently fold in the chopped green onions until they’re evenly distributed, adding bursts of fresh onion flavor.
4. Add 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the seafood mixture, stirring until it’s well incorporated and creamy.
5. Place the split biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops with melted butter for that irresistible golden shine.
6. Spoon the shrimp and crab mixture generously over each biscuit half, spreading it evenly with the back of the spoon for uniform coverage.
7. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each biscuit to ensure gooey, cheesy tops.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the biscuit edges turn lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving so the filling sets slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts shine in casual gatherings or family lunches. Here are some tasty ways to elevate your presentation and complement the rich seafood flavors:
- Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Serve alongside tangy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch and contrast of textures.
- Offer fresh lemon wedges on the side so guests can squeeze bright citrus over each melt.
- Pour a glass of chilled white wine or crisp rosé to balance the creamy seafood and bring out the Old Bay notes.
Tips For Perfect Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts
Give your melts a gourmet touch with these friendly tips that make prep and assembly a breeze.
- This recipe is a great way to use leftover seafood, reducing waste and layering in extra flavor.
- You can substitute the shrimp with lobster or scallops for an indulgent twist that still bakes beautifully.
- For an added kick, include a dash of your favorite hot sauce or increase the cayenne pepper to taste.
- These melts can be prepared in advance—assemble them on the baking sheet, cover, and bake when guests arrive.
- Serve with a side salad or light soup to transform these biscuits into a complete and balanced meal.
How To Store It
Whether you have leftovers or want to prep ahead, proper storage keeps your melts tasting fresh and delicious.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until the cheese bubbles again.
- Freeze assembled but unbaked melts by placing them on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Store filling separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours; bring to room temperature before adding cheese and baking.
- Avoid soggy bottoms by baking on parchment or a preheated baking sheet to promote crisp edges and golden results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s clear up a few common questions so you can bake with confidence!
- Can I prepare the seafood mixture in advance?
Yes. Combine the shrimp, crab, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and green onions up through step 3. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, bring the mixture to room temperature, stir in half of the cheddar, then assemble and bake as instructed.
- What type of biscuits work best for these melts?
Large flaky biscuits, whether homemade or store-bought, work well. If you use thicker biscuits, you may need to extend the baking time by a few minutes to ensure the centers are heated through. For a quicker option, dinner-roll-sized biscuits can be used, but adjust portions and bake time accordingly.
- How can I prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy?
Ensure the biscuits are fully baked and golden before topping. Lightly brushing with melted butter seals the surface. Also, drain any excess liquid from the seafood mixture before spooning it onto the biscuits. Baking on parchment helps crisp the bottoms without absorbing moisture.
- How do I adjust the spice level?
For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper to ½ teaspoon or stir in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. To keep it milder, omit the cayenne and substitute ½ teaspoon of sweet paprika or smoked paprika for flavor without the kick.
- What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled melts in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F, arrange the melts on a baking sheet, and bake for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again.
- Can I freeze the assembled but unbaked melts?
Yes. Place the topped biscuits on a parchment-lined sheet pan in the freezer until firm. Transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the biscuits are golden.
- What can I serve alongside these Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts?
They pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, lemon wedges, or a side of cocktail sauce for dipping, creating a well-rounded meal.
What Makes This Special
These Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts are the ultimate comfort-meets-coast recipe, thanks to flaky biscuits loaded with creamy seafood and sharp cheddar. They’re playful enough for parties, yet simple enough for a cozy lunch. The combo of Old Bay, garlic, and bright green onions makes each bite pop, while the buttery tops keep things golden and indulgent. Print this page, stash it in your recipe box, and let the melting begin! Feel free to leave questions or share your feedback if you give these flaky delights a whirl.
Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts
Description
Flaky, butter-brushed biscuits cradle a creamy blend of shrimp, lump crab, and cheddar, spiced with Old Bay and garlic. Baked until golden and bubbly, these savory melts add a coastal twist to any gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced shrimp, lump crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
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Gently fold in the chopped green onions until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Add 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the seafood mixture, stirring until well incorporated.
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Place the split biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter to give them a golden finish.
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Spoon the shrimp and crab mixture generously over each biscuit half, spreading it evenly.
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Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the seafood mixture on each biscuit.
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Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the biscuits are lightly golden.
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Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Note
- This recipe is a great way to use leftover seafood.
- You can substitute the shrimp with lobster or scallops for a different twist.
- For an added kick, include a dash of hot sauce in the mixture.
- These melts can also be prepared in advance and baked when ready to serve for parties or gatherings.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
