Easy Shrimp Crab Melts

Shrimp Crab Melts make a cozy and satisfying snack that combines flaky, buttery biscuits with a creamy seafood filling. The shrimp and crab create a luxurious, protein-packed bite that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you want a quick after-work treat or something impressive for your next gathering, these melts are a perfect choice, offering comfort and flavor in every mouthful.

I first made these melts on a chilly evening and was instantly hooked by how the seafood filling balanced perfectly with the biscuit crust. Now they’re my go-to when I want a snack that feels special but comes together quickly.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated flaky biscuits: to create the perfect fluffy, golden crust choose a trusted brand for consistency
• Cooked shrimp: chopped for a fresh and tender seafood flavor frozen works fine if thawed and cooked thoroughly
• Lump crab meat: brings a touch of elegance and sweetness fresh is lovely but canned offers convenience without loss of taste
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and adds gooey richness cheddar can be used if you prefer a sharper taste
• Cream cheese: softens and binds the filling while adding luscious creaminess ricotta is a lighter alternative
• Old Bay seasoning: delivers that signature seafood spice and bright flavor if unavailable a mix of paprika and celery salt works well
• Fresh parsley: adds a pop of green freshness and bright aroma chives or dill are good substitutes
• Butter: brushed on top creates a golden inviting finish olive oil can be used for a lighter touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature helps the biscuits bake evenly and puff up nicely, developing a golden crust. Don’t rush this step — a properly preheated oven makes all the difference.

Prepare the Biscuits:

Take the refrigerated flaky biscuits and lay them out on a baking sheet. Press each biscuit down gently so they flatten a little but remain thick enough to hold the filling without breaking apart. A thinner biscuit cooks more evenly and showcases the filling beautifully.

Make the Filling:

In a mixing bowl, combine chopped cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped fresh parsley. Thoroughly mix everything until you get a creamy, cohesive mixture. This blend is the heart of your melts, bursting with savory seafood flavor.

Assemble the Melts:

Spoon a generous portion of filling onto half of the biscuits arranged on your baking sheet. Top each with one of the remaining biscuits, then pinch the edges lightly to seal in all that delicious filling. This keeps everything snug so the filling won’t ooze out while baking.

Bake to Perfection:

Brush melted butter over the tops of your assembled melts to give them a shiny, golden finish once baked. Place them in your preheated oven and bake for about 13 to 15 minutes. Watch carefully for a puffed and beautifully browned result with a mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen.

Serve and Enjoy:

Allow your Shrimp Crab Melts to rest for around two minutes after baking. This brief cool down helps the filling set a bit, making them easier and less messy to enjoy. Serve whole or slice in half for a pretty presentation and dig in.

Save

I love the Old Bay seasoning in this recipe—it reminds me of summer crab boils with family, adding that bold, nostalgic kick. These melts bring back joyful memories of sharing food and laughter on cool nights.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to revive the crispness of the biscuit and warm the filling evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can soften the crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have seafood on hand, try swapping the shrimp and crab for sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a vegetarian version. You can also experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these melts with a simple fresh green salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of cocktail sauce or garlic aioli makes a great dip and brings extra zest. Add a few lemon wedges for brightness that complements the seafood perfectly.

Cultural Context

Seafood melts like this are a modern spin on classic crab cakes and seafood bakes that are popular in coastal American cuisine. The use of Old Bay seasoning ties it to Maryland-style crab traditions, known for bold and balanced flavors.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can frozen shrimp be used?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw completely and cook before mixing into the filling for the best texture and flavor.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Allow the melts to cool fully, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven until heated through.

→ What makes Old Bay seasoning special here?

Old Bay adds a classic seafood blend of spices that enhances the natural flavors of shrimp and crab, giving the melts a distinctive savory kick.

→ Can I substitute the cheese?

Certainly! Mozzarella offers a mild melt, but sharper cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack can add zest and creaminess to the filling.

→ Any tips for preventing soggy filling?

Ensure shrimp and crab are well-drained before mixing. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture which can make the filling soggy.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

These melts pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, zesty cocktail sauce, or lemon wedges to complement their rich flavors.