Shrimp Crab Melts

Name: Shrimp Crab Melts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 biscuits
Cuisine: American Coastal
Ingredients: 1 package refrigerated flaky biscuits 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped 1 cup lump crab meat, canned or fresh 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 4 oz cream cheese, softened 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning 2 tbsp chopped parsley 2 tbsp melted butter

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Creamy, cheesy, buttery Shrimp Crab Melts baked inside golden flaky biscuits a coastal-inspired comfort food favorite.

By Emma & Ella FrostUpdated June 13, 2026

Recipe Rate

Shrimp Crab Melts on flaky biscuits with creamy seafood filling

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 25 min
Servings: 6 biscuits

This Shrimp Crab Melts recipe is a buttery, seafood-filled comfort meal layered inside golden flaky biscuits. Each bite balances creamy shrimp, tender crab, and melted cheese with the warmth of Old Bay seasoning the kind of cozy, savory flavor that turns an ordinary night into something special.

Perfect for quick dinners, brunches, or cozy gatherings.

The Story Behind These Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts

Growing up by the coast, weekends meant seafood feasts that filled the air with the smell of butter and the ocean breeze. My grandmother’s crab pies and shrimp dips always brought the family together, but one winter evening, she turned the filling into a biscuit sandwich. That single twist buttery layers around creamy shrimp and crab became our most-loved comfort dish.

These Shrimp Crab Melts carry that same spirit: rustic, coastal, and irresistibly homemade. It’s not fancy seafood dining; it’s family-style, easy, and heartwarming everything I love to create in my kitchen.

For another coastal bite that celebrates freshness, try our Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime Chili Sauce.

What Are Shrimp Crab Melts?

Shrimp Crab Melts are golden, baked biscuit sandwiches filled with a rich seafood mixture made from chopped shrimp, lump crab, cream cheese, and melted mozzarella. The buttery biscuits bake into flaky perfection, wrapping the creamy seafood center like a handheld pot pie.

They blend the comfort of home-style biscuits with the ocean’s freshness. Think of them as a savory, seafood spin on chicken biscuits only creamier, cheesier, and layered with flavor.

This version also nods to classic Southern flavors with Old Bay seasoning and fresh herbs, giving every bite a gentle kick that makes it impossible to eat just one.

If you enjoy these coastal flavors, you’ll love our Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon another rich seafood dish with melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Why You’ll Love These Shrimp & Crab Biscuit Melts

Simple and Fast: Ready in under 30 minutes using refrigerated biscuits.
Restaurant-Style Flavor: Buttery, cheesy, creamy, and seafood-rich.
Perfect Anytime Meal: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or party appetizers.
Customizable: Add spices, swap cheeses, or try a spicy aioli drizzle.
Crowd-Pleasing: They bake up beautifully golden and smell incredible.

There’s something deeply satisfying about cutting into a warm, flaky biscuit and watching melted cheese stretch over tender shrimp and crab. That cozy, savory aroma feels like home just the kind of recipe Emma & Ella’s kitchen was made for.

How to Make Shrimp Crab Melts

Quick Overview

These Shrimp Crab Melts come together in three main steps:

Prepare the biscuit base.
Mix the creamy seafood filling.
Assemble, butter, and bake until golden.

Everything bakes together in under 15 minutes, giving you an effortlessly gourmet flavor with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Component	Ingredients
Biscuit Base	1 package refrigerated flaky biscuits
Seafood Filling	1 cup cooked shrimp (chopped), 1 cup lump crab meat, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Topping	2 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Additions:

A pinch of garlic powder for aroma
Lemon zest for brightness
A dash of hot sauce for extra heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F for an even bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Separate and slightly flatten each refrigerated biscuit to create a broader surface for your filling.

Step 2: Mix the Seafood Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine chopped shrimp, lump crab, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, Old Bay, and parsley. Mix until creamy and evenly combined. The texture should be thick but spreadable.

For a flavor twist, you can fold in diced jalapeños or swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack.

Step 3: Assemble the Melts

Spoon generous portions of the seafood mixture onto half of your flattened biscuits. Top each with another biscuit and gently pinch the edges to seal the filling inside.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Brush the tops with melted butter, then bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden and puffed.

The butter helps create that crisp, glossy finish that complements the creamy interior.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the melts rest for about 2 minutes before serving this allows the filling to settle slightly for easier handling.

For a meal that mirrors this one’s heartiness, try pairing it with our Blackened Catfish, Shrimp & Sausage with Creamy Cheddar Grits.

What to Serve Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts With

These seafood melts are rich and buttery, so pairing them with something light balances the plate beautifully.

Fresh & Crisp Options

Citrus salad with arugula and orange segments
Coleslaw with apple and vinegar dressing
Steamed asparagus or broccoli with lemon

Comfort Pairings

Garlic butter corn on the cob
Creamy seafood soup
Oven-roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries

You can even create a “coastal comfort board” melts, pickles, lemon wedges, and dipping sauces for gatherings.

For a vibrant flavor pairing, these melts go wonderfully with Shrimp Fried Rice with Lamb Chops & Spicy Yum Yum Sauce.

Top Tips for Perfecting Shrimp & Crab Biscuit Melts

Drain the Seafood Well: Too much liquid can make the biscuits soggy. Pat shrimp and crab dry with paper towels before mixing.
Use Fresh Herbs: Parsley or dill adds brightness that cuts through the richness.
Keep Cream Cheese Soft: Room temperature cream cheese blends smoother.
Don’t Overbake: Golden tops are perfect; overbaking will dry out the seafood.
Let Them Rest: Just two minutes post-bake helps set the creamy filling.

If you love experimenting, this recipe also works beautifully with leftover lobster meat or even a mix of salmon flakes similar to our rustic Viral Cabbage Boil with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap each melt tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving it softens the biscuits.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble them up to 24 hours ahead and bake right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use imitation crab instead of lump crab?

Yes, imitation crab works well in these Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative. The texture is slightly softer but still flavorful.

Can I substitute other cheeses?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gouda melt beautifully. Each gives the biscuits a slightly different character from mild and creamy to sharp and smoky.

What’s the best way to serve these for a party?

Slice them in half and serve with toothpicks. Arrange on a platter with lemon wedges, parsley, and dipping sauces like garlic butter or aioli.

Can I make this recipe with canned seafood?

Yes, canned crab or shrimp can be used, but make sure to drain well and pat dry. Add extra seasoning or lemon zest to lift the flavor.

There’s a reason Shrimp Crab Melts have become one of Emma & Ella’s signature savory recipes they bring together everything comforting about homemade food: flaky biscuits, creamy seafood filling, and that buttery finish that melts in your mouth.

Hosting or feeding a crowd -- this one always earns its place.

For more creative seafood comfort food, follow us on Facebook or find visual inspiration on Pinterest.

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