Why These Shrimp Crab Melts Are the Ultimate Comfort Snack
There’s something irresistible about seafood and cheese baked together in golden, flaky pastry. These Shrimp Crab Melts are a coastal-inspired twist on classic stuffed biscuits — buttery on the outside, creamy and savory inside, and so satisfying you’ll want to make them again and again.
I first made these on a weekend when I had leftover shrimp and crab from a seafood dinner, and they turned out even better than I expected. The smell alone — that buttery, cheesy, slightly ocean-salty aroma — fills the kitchen with warmth. They make a perfect snack, appetizer, or even a light lunch paired with a crisp salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need for That Perfect Melt-in-the-Mouth Filling
The beauty of this recipe is that it uses easy-to-find ingredients but still delivers that “restaurant-quality” flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated flaky biscuits (8 count)
- ¾ cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- ¾ cup lump crab meat
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
The mix of shrimp and crab gives you sweetness and depth, while the cream cheese ties everything together with a luscious, creamy texture. The mozzarella melts beautifully, giving you that gooey pull when you bite into one.
Preparing the Filling – Creamy, Savory, and Full of Seafood Goodness
Start by chopping your cooked shrimp into small pieces — just enough so every bite gets a bit of seafood. Add them to a mixing bowl along with the lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Old Bay seasoning, and parsley.
Stir until everything comes together into a rich, creamy mixture. You’ll notice it’s thick enough to spoon easily without running — that’s exactly the consistency you want.
If you taste the filling (and I always do), you’ll get a perfect blend of salty, creamy, and slightly herby flavors. Feel free to adjust the seasoning — a little more Old Bay for spice, or a touch of lemon zest for brightness.
Shaping and Filling the Biscuits – A Little Messy, Totally Worth It
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take each refrigerated biscuit and flatten it gently with your fingers or a rolling pin — just enough to make room for the filling.
Spoon about a tablespoon of the seafood mixture onto half of the flattened biscuits. Then place the remaining biscuits on top, gently pressing the edges to seal them. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly shaped — that rustic look is part of their charm.
You can crimp the edges lightly with a fork to help seal the filling and give them a neat, bakery-style finish.
Baking to Golden Perfection – Crispy Outside, Creamy Inside
Brush the tops of the sealed biscuits with melted butter. This gives them that golden sheen and helps the tops crisp up beautifully in the oven. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
As they bake, the aroma of butter, seafood, and cheese fills the kitchen — it’s the kind of smell that makes everyone wander in asking, “What’s in the oven?”
Once they’re done, let them rest for about 2 minutes before serving. The filling will be molten-hot right out of the oven, and giving them a short rest helps everything set just slightly while staying warm and creamy inside.
Serving Suggestions – From Party Snacks to Cozy Meals
These Shrimp Crab Melts are wonderfully versatile. Serve them warm as an appetizer for gatherings or enjoy them as a light meal with a side salad or coleslaw.
They pair beautifully with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or even a simple squeeze of lemon juice. If you want to dress them up, drizzle a touch of melted butter and sprinkle with extra parsley before serving.
I sometimes slice them in half to show off that creamy, cheesy seafood filling — it always gets a few “wow” reactions at the table.
Storage and Reheating Tips – Keeping Them Fresh and Crispy
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible — it can make the biscuits a bit soggy.
You can also prepare them ahead of time — just assemble and refrigerate before baking. Pop them in the oven when ready to serve for freshly baked flavor anytime.
Flavor Variations – Mix It Up with Your Own Twist
Once you’ve made these once, you’ll find it’s easy to customize them. Try adding a pinch of cayenne or paprika to the filling for a little heat, or mix in shredded cheddar for a sharper flavor.
If you’re not a fan of crab, substitute it with extra shrimp, chopped scallops, or even canned tuna for a quick alternative. The recipe is flexible, forgiving, and always delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned crab instead of fresh?
Yes, absolutely. Just make sure to drain it well so the filling doesn’t get watery.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — you can assemble the melts, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze before baking on a tray until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes to the bake time.
What can I serve with Shrimp Crab Melts?
They go perfectly with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple bowl of tomato soup.
Can I use a different cheese?
Definitely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even provolone work great — mozzarella just gives that stretchy, melty texture everyone loves.
These Shrimp Crab Melts are the kind of recipe that turns a few simple ingredients into something special. Golden, buttery, and full of flavor, they’re everything you want in a warm, homemade comfort snack — easy to make, easy to love, and hard to forget once you’ve tasted them.
