Shrimp And Crab Biscuit Melts are a total home-run: buttery biscuits stuffed with a creamy mix of shrimp, lump crab, melty cheese, and just enough seasoning to make everyone ask for seconds. They’re fast, forgiving, and show-up-to-the-party impressive — which is everything a busy parent (or busy human) needs.
Ready? Let’s dive into why these little handhelds should be your next hosting hack, how to nail them every time, and a whole pile of tasty twists so you never get bored.
Quick intro: why these melts belong in your recipe rotation
You want quick. You want comfort. You want something that looks fancy but takes almost no brain power. Sound familiar? These Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts deliver all that.
They come together in about 25 minutes, use mostly pantry or fridge staples, and scale easily for a crowd. Plus, they pair perfectly with salads, fries, cocktail sauce — whatever mood you’re in. Think of them as flaky little pockets of seafood joy.
Why you’ll fall hard for these Shrimp And Crab Melts
- Speedy: From fridge-to-table in ~25 minutes.
- Crowd-pleasing: Mild, cheesy, and comforting — picky eaters rarely complain.
- Flexible: Use canned crab, frozen shrimp, or leftover seafood.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble earlier and bake when guests arrive.
Sound good? Of course it does.
The short story behind the recipe
This idea grew from classic seafood sandwiches and diner-style melts — but made simpler and snack-sized. I wanted something that felt a little upscale (lump crab! shrimp!) but would still be doable on a weeknight or for a hectic playdate snack. Insert refrigerated biscuit dough and boom: adult-level deliciousness in kid-friendly form.
Ingredients breakdown (what each part does)
- Refrigerated flaky biscuits — shortcut for buttery, layered pastry without fuss.
- Cooked shrimp — sweet, briny, fast. Chop small for easy bites.
- Lump crab meat — the luxury note; canned works great and makes life easier.
- Shredded mozzarella — gooey melt factor (swap cheddar for more bite).
- Cream cheese — gives silkiness and helps everything bind.
- Old Bay (or similar) — classic seafood seasoning; don’t skip it.
- Fresh parsley — bright counterpoint to the rich filling.
- Melted butter — brushed on top for shine and extra yum.
Want exact pantry amounts? Scroll to the recipe card at the end of the post — I made it printable.
How to make Shrimp & Crab Biscuit Melts — step-by-step (easy)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet.
- Flatten biscuits. Open the biscuit can and press each piece into a small round — about 1/4-inch thick — on the baking sheet. This creates a base and a top.
- Mix the filling. In a bowl, stir together chopped shrimp, lump crab meat, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Old Bay, chopped parsley, and a little black pepper. Aim for a spreadable but not soupy filling. Tip: drain crab and pat shrimp dry to avoid sogginess.
- Assemble. Spoon filling onto half the flattened biscuits; top with remaining rounds. Pinch edges well to seal.
- Butter top. Brush with melted butter for golden color and a richer bite.
- Bake 13–15 minutes. They should puff up and turn golden. Let rest 2 minutes before serving so the filling sets.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce for dipping (optional but delightful).
Bold tip: if your filling seems loose, chill 10 minutes so it firms before assembling.
Pro tips for perfect melts every time
- Drain the seafood well. Excess liquid = soggy biscuits. Pat crab and shrimp dry.
- Don’t overstuff. Filling should be tasty — not erupting out of seams.
- Seal edges thoroughly. Press and crimp so melts don’t leak while baking.
- Alternate cheeses for flair. Try smoked gouda, pepper jack, or a sharp cheddar mix.
- Brush butter right before baking. This gives the best golden finish.
- Make ahead: assemble and refrigerate; bake just before serving. Great for parties.
- To reheat: 350°F for 8–10 minutes keeps them flaky (microwaves make them soggy).
Pro tip: toss a few panko breadcrumbs on top for an irresistible crunch finish.
Easy variations (because variety is life)
- Spicy Shrimp Crab Melts: add diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Spinach & Cheddar: fold in cooked spinach and swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar.
- Crab Tots inspired: top with crushed tater tots for a playful Crab Tots twist. (Yep — it’s a thing.)
- Vegetarian version: use toasted mushrooms and artichoke in place of seafood.
- Gluten-free: use gluten-free biscuit dough or make a quick biscuit topping from gluten-free flour.
- Mini party bites: use a small cookie cutter to make appetizer-sized melts for grazing.
Want to go fancy? Fold in a touch of lemon zest and a drizzle of browned butter for a slightly gourmet finish.
What to serve with them (pairing ideas)
- Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Cocktail sauce, tartar, or garlic aioli for dipping.
- Roasted potatoes or simple fries.
- A chilled white wine or sparkling rosé pairs beautifully.
- For kid-friendly spreads: carrot sticks, apple slices, or sweet potato chips.
Serving idea: arrange on a wooden board with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce in a ramekin, and a sprinkle of parsley for a beautiful platter.
Make-ahead and storage tips
- Assemble ahead: You can build the melts up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and bake when guests arrive.
- Leftovers: store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Reheat well: oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for ~8–10 minutes restores crispness. Avoid microwaving unless you’re okay with soft biscuits.
- Freeze option: flash-freeze baked melts on a tray then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen, covered, at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Equipment you’ll actually use
- Baking sheet (lined with parchment)
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush for the butter (or just a spoon)
- Measuring spoons/cups
- Oven (obviously — but you could use an air fryer for small batches)
No fancy gadgets required — just straightforward kitchen tools.
FAQs (quick answers)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — thaw, pat dry, and cook briefly before chopping if they’re raw. Pre-cooked shrimp also work well.
Fresh crab or canned crab?
Both work. Canned lump crab is convenient and delicious; fresh adds extra sweetness when available.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan cheese that melts reasonably well. Texture will vary, but still tasty.
How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Drain seafood, limit wet mix add-ins (like too much mayo), and avoid overfilling.
Are these good for a big party?
Absolutely. Double or triple the batch — they disappear fast. They’re true Easy Party Entrees For A Crowd.
A few creative Crab Ideas Food to consider
If you like these melts, you’ll love riffing on other crab-forward snacks: crab-stuffed mushrooms, crab dip served warm in a bread bowl, or even crab and corn fritters. Keep a can of lump crab in the pantry and your snack game will be unstoppable.
Final thoughts — why you should make these tonight
These Shrimp And Crab Biscuit Melts marry comfort food nostalgia with a classy seafood twist. They’re quick enough for weeknights, pretty enough for company, and flexible enough to fit whatever’s in your fridge. Whether you’re chasing a busy evening meal solution or curating the perfect grazing spread, these melts check so many boxes:
- Simple prep
- Big flavor
- Crowd-friendly
- Totally customizable
So next time you’re juggling schedules and need something fast that feels thoughtful, whip these up. Honestly, who wouldn’t want a flaky, cheesy pouch of shrimp-and-crab heaven? Go on — make them. Your future self (and your hungry people) will thank you.
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Irresistible Shrimp And Crab Biscuit Melts — an Easy Party Entrees For A Crowd Winner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
Description
If warm, buttery biscuits stuffed with creamy, melty seafood goodness sound like your kind of comfort food (and how could they not?), these Shrimp Crab Melts are about to become your new obsession. They’re quick, indulgent, and ridiculously satisfying — the kind of snack that feels fancy but takes barely any effort.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated flaky biscuits (8 count)
- ¾ cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- ¾ cup lump crab meat
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then grab your flaky biscuits and gently press them down so they spread out a little. You’re creating the perfect base for all that rich, cheesy seafood filling.
Step 2: Mix That Dreamy Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, toss in the shrimp, crab, mozzarella, cream cheese, Old Bay, and parsley. Stir everything together until it looks creamy and well combined. It should smell like the ocean in the best possible way.
Step 3: Assemble the Melts
Scoop a spoonful of that luscious filling onto half of the flattened biscuits. Then, top each one with another biscuit to create little seafood “sandwiches.” Pinch the edges gently to seal them so the filling stays snug while baking.
Step 4: Golden Finish
Brush the tops of your biscuit melts with melted butter (because let’s be real — butter makes everything better). Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the tops are a gorgeous golden brown and your kitchen smells like a seaside bakery.
Step 5: Rest, Slice, & Devour
Let the melts cool for about two minutes before digging in — the filling will be piping hot. Then serve them whole for a hearty snack or slice them in half for easy sharing (though honestly, good luck sharing).
Notes
Pro tip: These Shrimp And Crab Biscuit Melts pair perfectly with a squeeze of lemon, a dollop of cocktail sauce, or even a light drizzle of garlic butter. And if you’re serving a crowd, go ahead and double the batch — they disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
