There is something deeply satisfying about warm, buttery biscuits stuffed with creamy seafood filling and baked until golden and bubbling. Shrimp & Crab Biscuit Melts combine tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a rich, savory sauce, all tucked inside fluffy biscuits and finished with melted cheese. It is the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and comforting at the same time.
I first made these on a rainy weekend when I was craving something cozy but slightly elevated. The combination of seafood and biscuits felt unexpected, yet it worked beautifully. The shrimp stays juicy, the crab adds delicate sweetness, and the creamy filling binds everything together perfectly. Whether served as a hearty appetizer, brunch centerpiece, or casual dinner, these melts always impress without requiring complicated techniques. They are simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Shrimp & Crab Biscuit Melts deliver bold seafood flavor with minimal effort. The creamy filling balances richness and freshness, while the biscuit base makes them comforting and approachable. They are easy enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. You can prepare the filling ahead of time, making assembly quick and stress-free. Best of all, they bake in under 20 minutes, giving you a warm, bubbly, golden dish with very little hands-on cooking time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Shrimp
Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well for this recipe. Choose medium shrimp, peeled and deveined. Chop them into bite-sized pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the filling and cook quickly without becoming rubbery.
Crab Meat
Lump crab meat provides sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture. Be sure to gently check for any shell fragments. I prefer lump crab for texture, but claw meat works too if you want a stronger seafood taste.
Refrigerated Biscuit Dough
Store-bought biscuit dough keeps this recipe simple and convenient. Buttery-style biscuits create the best flavor and structure to hold the creamy filling without becoming soggy.
Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese forms the rich, creamy base of the filling. It adds body and helps bind the shrimp and crab together beautifully.
Mayonnaise
A small amount of mayonnaise enhances creaminess and adds subtle tang. It keeps the mixture smooth and prevents the filling from drying out during baking.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella melts smoothly and creates that irresistible golden top. You can also mix in a bit of Monterey Jack for extra richness.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic provides depth and savory warmth that complements the seafood without overpowering it.
Green Onions
Thinly sliced green onions add freshness and a mild onion flavor that balances the richness of the filling.
Old Bay Seasoning
This classic seafood seasoning adds warmth, saltiness, and subtle spice. It pairs naturally with shrimp and crab.
Lemon Juice
A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the entire filling and enhances the sweetness of the seafood.
Salt and Black Pepper
Season to taste to bring all the flavors together.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
If using raw shrimp, cook them briefly in a skillet over medium heat for about 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and chop into small pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. Stir in minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Fold in the chopped shrimp, crab meat, sliced green onions, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the crab too much.
Separate the biscuit dough and flatten each biscuit slightly using your hands. Create a small well in the center of each biscuit and spoon a generous amount of seafood filling into the middle. Carefully bring the edges up slightly to cradle the filling while leaving the top exposed.
Place the filled biscuits onto the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over each biscuit melt.
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Equipment needed : Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 biscuit melts and serves 4 people generously.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 18 minutes
Total time: 38 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover biscuit melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the biscuits soft instead of crisp. For longer storage, freeze the baked melts individually wrapped for up to one month, then reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best aspects of Shrimp & Crab Biscuit Melts is how adaptable they are. You can easily adjust flavors and ingredients based on what you have available or your personal preferences.
For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or finely diced jalapeños to the filling. A pinch of cayenne pepper also works beautifully if you enjoy gentle heat.
If you prefer a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise. I tried this variation once, and it still produced a creamy texture with slightly less richness.
You can also experiment with different cheeses. Sharp cheddar adds boldness, while Gruyère brings a nutty depth. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking creates an extra golden crust.
For added texture, mix in finely diced red bell peppers or celery for subtle crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can enhance freshness and color.
If you want to transform this into a full meal, serve the biscuit melts alongside a crisp green salad or a light tomato soup. They also work wonderfully as party appetizers when made slightly smaller using mini biscuit dough.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving (2 biscuit melts):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
These melts are high in protein thanks to the seafood and cheese. They are not low-fat, but they can be adjusted slightly by using reduced-fat cream cheese and light mayonnaise.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, canned crab meat works well. Drain it thoroughly and gently pick through it to remove any shell pieces before mixing.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Absolutely. You can prepare the seafood filling up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it until ready to assemble and bake.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Yes, homemade biscuit dough will work beautifully and may provide even better flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy?
Avoid overfilling and ensure the shrimp is not watery before mixing. Baking at the proper temperature also helps maintain structure.
Can I freeze them before baking?
It is better to freeze them after baking for best texture. Raw seafood filling may release moisture during freezing.
What can I serve with these melts?
They pair well with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or a light soup for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Shrimp & Crab Biscuit Melts are a rich, comforting seafood dish that brings together buttery biscuits and creamy, flavorful filling in every bite. They are easy to prepare, flexible enough to customize, and perfect for casual dinners or special gatherings. Once you try them, they may quickly become a favorite addition to your seafood recipe collection.
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