Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melt

Introduction

When you’re craving a meal that’s both indulgent and surprisingly easy to put together, a Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melt delivers the best of both worlds. Imagine buttery, golden-brown biscuits baked to perfection, stuffed with a luscious filling of shrimp, crab, and gooey melted cheese. This recipe is a seafood lover’s dream, and it works beautifully as a party appetizer, a weeknight dinner, or a special treat for a weekend brunch. If you’re searching for something unique that balances comfort and luxury, this is your answer.

My recipe story

I first came up with this Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melt during a summer beach trip. After a long day of swimming and gathering fresh seafood from the local market, I wanted something quick but special. Regular sandwiches didn’t cut it—I needed something more indulgent. I spotted a can of refrigerated flaky biscuits in the cooler and decided to use them as the base. Mixing shrimp and crab together felt natural, and a little cheese brought everything together into a melty, seafood-packed creation. It became an instant hit with friends and family, and ever since then, it’s been one of my go-to recipes for entertaining.

Ingredient breakdown

The ingredients in this Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melt are simple yet perfectly balanced. The star players—shrimp and lump crab meat—bring the unmistakable taste of the ocean while staying light and tender. The shrimp adds a slight firmness, while the crab brings a sweet, delicate note. Together, they create a filling that feels both hearty and elegant.

The refrigerated flaky biscuits act as the perfect vessel. When baked, they puff up beautifully, giving you layers of buttery pastry that contrast with the creamy seafood filling. Add a generous handful of shredded cheese, and you have a melt-in-your-mouth texture with every bite. The cheese not only binds the shrimp and crab but also enhances the richness of the dish. Optional seasonings like garlic, green onions, or Old Bay seasoning can be included to add a flavor boost without overpowering the seafood.

Equipment you’ll need

• Baking sheet or muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon for mixing

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your biscuits bake evenly and rise properly. Preparing the oven in advance saves you time and helps create that golden-brown crust we all love.

Step 2: Prepare the seafood. Chop the cooked shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces and ensure your lump crab meat is free of shells. Place them together in a mixing bowl. This combination sets the foundation for the melt’s rich filling.

Step 3: Mix the filling. Add shredded cheese, a touch of mayonnaise or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess), and seasonings like garlic powder, green onion, or Old Bay. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. The mixture should hold together easily.

Step 4: Prepare the biscuits. Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and separate each one. Flatten them slightly with your hand or rolling pin. This creates enough space to hold the filling without bursting during baking.

Step 5: Assemble the melts. Spoon a generous portion of the seafood mixture onto the center of a flattened biscuit. Place another biscuit on top and seal the edges by pinching them together. Repeat until all biscuits are filled.

Step 6: Bake until golden. Place the assembled melts on a greased baking sheet or in a muffin tin. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown. The filling inside will be hot and cheesy.

Step 7: Serve warm. Let the melts cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burns. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh side salad.

Variations & substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe based on what you have in your kitchen. If crab meat isn’t available, use imitation crab or double the shrimp. For a smoky twist, mix in some cooked bacon bits or smoked gouda cheese. Like a bit of heat? Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling. You can even swap the biscuits for puff pastry sheets if you prefer a lighter, crispier texture.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Leftover Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them into a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. They can also be frozen: wrap each melt tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. For make-ahead convenience, assemble the melts, freeze unbaked, and bake directly from frozen—just add 5–7 minutes to the baking time.

Serving ideas & pairings

These melts shine as the star of the table, but they’re even better with the right sides and pairings. Serve them with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. They also pair beautifully with creamy coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty chowder. For dipping sauces, consider tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or a spicy remoulade. If you’re serving them at brunch, pair with mimosas or sparkling lemonade. At dinner, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is a fantastic match.

FAQ

Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, canned crab meat works well. Just drain it thoroughly before mixing to avoid excess liquid in the filling.

Do I need to cook the shrimp before using?
Yes, the shrimp should be pre-cooked. You can quickly sauté, boil, or steam them before chopping for the filling.

Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble.

What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses will work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe without biscuits?
Yes! Puff pastry, crescent roll dough, or even sandwich bread can be used as a substitute for biscuits.

Final thoughts

The Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melt is a versatile, flavorful, and fun recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a show-stopping dish. Whether you serve it as a party appetizer, a comforting dinner, or a weekend brunch centerpiece, it’s guaranteed to impress. With its golden flaky crust, creamy seafood filling, and customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how delightful and crowd-pleasing it can be!

Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melt

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Flaky, cheesy, and packed with seafood flavor, these biscuit melts are stuffed with shrimp and crab for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can refrigerated flaky biscuits (8 count)

• 3/4 cup cooked shrimp, chopped

• 3/4 cup lump crab meat

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or cream cheese

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or muffin tin.
2. In a bowl, combine shrimp, crab meat, cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, garlic powder, and Old Bay until well mixed.

3. Flatten each biscuit slightly and spoon a portion of the seafood mixture in the center.

4. Top with another flattened biscuit and pinch edges to seal tightly.
5. Place filled biscuits on the baking sheet, brush tops with melted butter, and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.

6. Let cool slightly before serving warm with dipping sauce or a fresh side salad.
   

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle a little Parmesan or garlic salt on top before baking. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American