Easy Shrimp Crab Melts

These Easy Shrimp Crab Melts combine flaky, buttery biscuits with a creamy, savory mixture of tender shrimp, sweet lump crab meat, and melted mozzarella. The addition of cream cheese and Old Bay seasoning enriches the filling with a smooth texture and a signature seafood kick, while fresh parsley brightens the dish. Baked to a golden finish and brushed with butter, these melts make a cozy, delightful snack or appetizer perfect for sharing or quick indulgence.

I first tried these melts on a chilly evening and was hooked by how well the seafood filling complemented the buttery biscuit. Now they are my easy go-to when I want a snack that feels special without fuss.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated flaky biscuits: Refrigerated flaky biscuits create the perfect fluffy and golden base choose a trusted brand for consistency
• Cooked shrimp: Cooked shrimp chopped for fresh flavor frozen shrimp is fine if thawed and cooked properly
• Lump crab meat: Lump crab meat adds sweetness and a touch of elegance fresh is ideal but canned works well for convenience
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese melts smoothly for gooey richness cheddar can be used if you prefer more sharpness
• Cream cheese: Cream cheese softens and binds the filling with creamy texture ricotta is a lighter alternative if preferred
• Old Bay seasoning: Old Bay seasoning gives a bright and savory seafood spice paprika with celery salt can substitute if unavailable
• Fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of green color and fresh aroma chives or dill make great alternatives
• Butter: Butter brushed on top creates a beautiful golden finish olive oil can be used for a lighter option

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures the biscuits bake evenly, puff up nicely, and develop a golden crust. Take your time to preheat fully because this step is crucial to perfect baking.

Prepare the Biscuits:

Place the refrigerated biscuits on a baking sheet and gently press down each one so they flatten a little without becoming too thin. This helps them cook evenly and provides a sturdy vessel for the filling while still showcasing the biscuit’s flakiness.

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. Mix everything thoroughly until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the flavorful heart of your melts.

Assemble the Melts:

Spoon a generous amount of filling onto half of the biscuits arranged on your baking sheet. Place the remaining biscuits on top and pinch the edges lightly to seal the filling inside. Sealing keeps the filling secure and prevents it from oozing during baking.

Bake to Perfection:

Brush melted butter over the tops of your assembled melts to create a golden, inviting crust. Bake in your preheated oven for about 13 to 15 minutes, watching carefully as they puff up and turn beautifully browned. The kitchen will fill with a mouthwatering aroma.

Serve and Enjoy:

Let the Shrimp Crab Melts rest for about two minutes after baking. This resting time allows the filling to settle, making the melts easier to handle and less messy to eat. Serve them whole or cut in half for a lovely presentation and dig in.

Old Bay seasoning is a standout in this recipe, bringing to mind joyful family crab boils with its classic bold flavor. These melts always remind me of cozy evenings filled with good food and laughter shared around the table.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to retain the biscuit’s crisp texture and warm the filling evenly. Avoid microwaving as it tends to soften the crust excessively.

Ingredient Substitutions

If seafood is not on hand, consider swapping shrimp and crab for sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers to create a vegetarian option. You can also try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack to vary the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the melts alongside a fresh green salad drizzled with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Cocktail sauce or garlic aioli make excellent dips that add an extra layer of flavor. Lemon wedges bring brightness and enhance the seafood notes beautifully.

These Easy Shrimp Crab Melts are quick to assemble and impressive to serve. Enjoy them warm with a squeeze of lemon and your favorite dip.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can frozen shrimp be used?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well if fully thawed and cooked before mixing to ensure the best texture and flavor.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Allow melts to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a crispy finish.

→ What makes Old Bay seasoning special here?

Old Bay seasoning adds a distinctive seafood spice blend that enhances the natural flavors of shrimp and crab with a savory kick.

→ Can I substitute the cheese?

Mozzarella melts smoothly, but sharper cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack can be used for a bolder flavor profile.

→ How can I prevent soggy filling?

Ensure shrimp and crab are well-drained and patted dry before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Pair melts with a fresh green salad, tangy cocktail sauce, or lemon wedges to balance the rich flavors.