Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts bring together golden flaky biscuits and a creamy, garlic-kissed shrimp and lump crab filling brightened with lemon and Old Bay, all topped with gooey cheddar. This quick, beginner-friendly recipe transforms everyday ingredients into an impressive lunch or party snack that’s ready in under an hour. Each bite delivers flaky texture, zesty seafood flavor, and melty cheese—guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake up a seafood sensation that you’ll want to share (or keep all to yourself)!
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these irresistible Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts:
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated biscuit dough: Provides a quick and flaky base that crisps up beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For sautéing garlic and adding richness to the filling.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant, savory kick when cooked in butter.
- 8 ounces cooked shrimp, chopped: Tender protein that pairs perfectly with lump crab.
- 4 ounces lump crab meat, flaked: Delivers sweet, delicate seafood flavor and tender texture.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Binds the filling and adds creamy richness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the filling with a fresh citrus zing.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: Injects classic seafood spices and a hint of heat.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection atop each biscuit melt.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and herbal freshness.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors in the filling.
- Pepper to taste: Adds subtle heat and depth.
How To Make Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts
It’s amazing how these few steps turn pantry staples into a standout seafood snack. From baking the biscuits to cooking the flavorful shrimp-crab filling, each stage builds layers of taste and texture. Gather your ingredients, warm up the oven, and follow along for a hands-on, yet straightforward cooking adventure.
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is centered for even heat distribution.
2. Arrange the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each, then bake for 12–15 minutes until they’re puffed up and golden.
3. Remove the biscuits and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the filling.
4. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the chopped shrimp, flaked crab meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning; cook, stirring gently, until the mixture is heated through and evenly combined.
6. Fold in the fresh parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Split each biscuit in half horizontally, place the bottom halves back on the baking sheet, and spoon the shrimp-crab filling evenly over them.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, then bake for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Top each melt with the reserved biscuit halves, press gently to adhere, and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
These Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts are a party on a plate, but here are a few ways to elevate the experience even further—and ensure your guests are raving:
- Lemon-Dressed Arugula Salad: Toss fresh arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and shaved Parmesan for a peppery, citrusy side.
- Tangy Coleslaw: A creamy slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a splash of apple cider vinegar adds crunchy contrast to the cheesy melts.
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.
- Spicy Cocktail Sauce: Combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce for an extra zesty dip.
Tips For Perfect Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts
Nailing these biscuit melts is all about timing and keeping everything crisp and flavorful. Whether you’re a home cook or just starting out, these friendly pointers will help you serve up perfection every single time.
- Use refrigerated biscuits for a quick and flaky base that saves time and bakes up golden.
- Old Bay seasoning adds a signature seafood flavor—don’t skip it or the filling will taste flat.
- Use lump crab meat to ensure tender, meaty bites and a satisfying texture.
- Serve immediately after melting the cheese so the biscuits stay crisp and the filling is piping hot.
How To Store It
Leftover Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts can still taste amazing if stored correctly. Follow these simple tips to keep them fresh and ready for a quick reheat without sacrificing texture.
- Refrigerate: Cool the melts to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place melts on a baking sheet, and heat for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
- Freeze: Wrap each melt individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Avoid microwaving: This will steam the biscuits and make them soggy—opt for oven reheating to maintain crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts:
- Q: How long does it take to prepare and cook the Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts?
A: Preparing the filling and splitting biscuits takes about 15 minutes, baking the biscuits initially takes 12–15 minutes, cooking the seafood mixture requires 5–7 minutes, and melting the cheese adds another 5–7 minutes. In total you’ll spend approximately 35–45 minutes from start to finish.
- Q: Can I use frozen shrimp or frozen crab meat instead of pre-cooked seafood?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and crab meat as long as they’re fully thawed and patted dry first. Sauté the shrimp until just opaque and heated through, then add the crab meat. Proceed with the recipe steps to ensure the filling is hot and well combined before assembling the melts.
- Q: What are good substitutes for refrigerated biscuit dough?
A: You can swap in homemade biscuit dough rolled into eight rounds, store-bought crescent roll dough, or even split-top dinner rolls. Just adjust initial baking time until they’re golden before adding the seafood mixture and cheese.
- Q: How can I adjust the flavor if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
A: Combine ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon celery salt, and a pinch of dried thyme and black pepper to mimic Old Bay’s profile. Taste and adjust the spice level to suit your preference before stirring into the filling.
- Q: What’s the best way to keep the biscuits crisp when assembling the melts?
A: After baking the biscuits, let them cool for a minute and then return the bottom halves to the warm baking sheet to dry out slightly. Spoon on the filling quickly and finish under the oven’s broiler or at 350°F so the cheese melts without steaming the biscuits soft.
- Q: How should I store leftovers and reheat them?
A: Place cooled melts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes, or until heated through and the biscuits regain crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the biscuits soggy.
- Q: What side dishes or garnishes pair well with Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts?
A: A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, tangy coleslaw, or roasted vegetable medley complements the rich seafood flavors. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
What Makes This Special
These Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts stand out thanks to the harmonious blend of flaky biscuits, sweet seafood, and melted cheddar—every single bite offers crunchy, creamy, and zesty notes. They’re simple enough for weeknight cooking but special enough to serve at gatherings. The garlic, lemon, and Old Bay seasoning elevate these melts into a flavor-packed treat that feels both homey and indulgent. Print this page, save it for later, and let me know in the comments how yours turned out or if you have any fun twists of your own!
Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts
Description
Crisp biscuit halves crowned with a creamy blend of garlic-kissed shrimp and lump crab, bright lemon, and Old Bay, then topped with melting cheddar for a crunchy, cheesy seafood bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F.
-
Arrange biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
-
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F while you prepare the filling.
-
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
-
Stir in shrimp, crab meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice and Old Bay seasoning; cook until heated through.
-
Stir in fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Split each biscuit in half, place bottom halves on the baking sheet, and spoon shrimp-crab mixture evenly over them.
-
Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
-
Top with biscuit halves, press gently, and serve warm.
Note
- Refrigerated biscuits provide a quick and flaky base.
- Old Bay seasoning adds classic seafood flavor.
- Use lump crab meat for the best texture.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness and crispness.
