If you’re looking for a comforting seafood recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests, these Shrimp & Crab Biscuit Melts are the perfect choice. Flaky golden biscuits are filled with a creamy mixture of tender shrimp, sweet lump crab meat, savory cheeses, and flavorful seasonings before being baked until bubbly and delicious.
Every bite delivers buttery biscuit layers, rich seafood filling, gooey melted cheese, and just the right amount of herbs and spices. They’re ideal as a hearty lunch, casual dinner, game day appetizer, or brunch centerpiece. Best of all, they’re ready in under an hour and use simple ingredients that are easy to find.
Whether served with a fresh salad, a bowl of soup, or roasted vegetables, these seafood biscuit melts are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Shrimp & Crab Biscuit Melts
These biscuit melts combine classic comfort food with restaurant-quality seafood flavor.
Rich and Creamy
The creamy seafood filling stays moist and flavorful inside the flaky biscuits.
Quick and Easy
Using refrigerated biscuit dough saves time without sacrificing taste.
Perfect for Entertaining
These handheld melts are ideal for parties, brunches, potlucks, and family dinners.
Loaded with Seafood
Every bite contains juicy shrimp and sweet lump crab meat.
Customizable
Add your favorite cheeses, herbs, or vegetables to make the recipe your own.
Ingredients
For the Biscuit Melts
- 1 can (16 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
- 8 ounces medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 8 ounces lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Melted butter
- Old Bay seasoning
- Cracked black pepper
- Lemon wedges
Kitchen Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Pastry brush
How to Make Shrimp & Crab Biscuit Melts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped shrimp.
Cook for about 2–3 minutes until just pink.
Stir in the lemon juice.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl combine:
- Cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
- Green onions
- Parsley
- Old Bay seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Black pepper
Mix until creamy.
Fold in the cooked shrimp and lump crab meat gently to avoid breaking up the crab.
Step 4: Prepare the Biscuits
Separate the biscuit dough.
Flatten each biscuit into a circle about 5 inches wide.
Step 5: Fill the Biscuits
Place 2–3 tablespoons of seafood filling in the center of each biscuit.
Fold the dough over the filling.
Pinch the edges tightly to seal.
Arrange seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 16–20 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown.
The filling should be hot and bubbly.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Brush the tops with melted butter.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a light dusting of Old Bay seasoning if desired.
Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges.
Tips for the Best Seafood Biscuit Melts
Use Fresh Seafood
Fresh shrimp and high-quality lump crab meat provide the sweetest flavor and best texture.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Cook the shrimp only until pink, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Seal the Dough Well
Press the edges firmly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
Let the Filling Cool Slightly
A slightly cooled filling is easier to work with and helps keep the biscuit dough intact.
Flavor Variations
Cajun Style
Add:
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Diced jalapeños
- Pepper Jack cheese
Spinach Seafood Melts
Mix chopped cooked spinach into the filling.
Bacon Version
Fold in crispy chopped bacon for a smoky twist.
Garlic Herb
Add roasted garlic and extra fresh herbs such as dill or chives.
Spicy Seafood
Mix in hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced pickled jalapeños.
What to Serve with Shrimp & Crab Biscuit Melts
These biscuit melts pair wonderfully with:
- Caesar salad
- Garden salad
- Coleslaw
- Tomato soup
- Seafood chowder
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
- Garlic green beans
- Corn on the cob
- Potato wedges
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze baked biscuit melts for up to 2 months.
Wrap each individually before freezing.
Reheating Instructions
Oven
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until heated through.
Air Fryer
Reheat at 350°F for 4–6 minutes to restore the crisp exterior.
Microwave
Heat for 45–60 seconds, though the biscuits will be softer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Wet Crab Meat
Drain the crab well to avoid a watery filling.
Overfilling the Biscuits
Too much filling can cause the dough to burst while baking.
Underseasoning
Seafood benefits from bold but balanced seasoning. Taste the filling before assembling if using pre-cooked seafood.
Baking on an Unlined Pan
Parchment paper makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking.
Opening the Biscuits Too Thin
Flatten them just enough to hold the filling without tearing.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per biscuit melt:
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Expert Tips
- Use refrigerated biscuits that are cold for easier handling.
- Pat shrimp and crab meat dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
- Fold the crab in gently to keep the lumps intact.
- Chill the filling for 15 minutes if it becomes too soft to work with.
- Brush the biscuits with garlic butter immediately after baking for extra flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you enjoy a little heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon just before serving.
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Make a double batch and freeze extras for quick lunches.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and melty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes. Canned crab meat works well, but drain it thoroughly and choose a high-quality variety for the best flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and cook as directed before adding them to the filling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the biscuit melts, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a minute or two to the baking time if cooking them straight from the refrigerator.
What cheese works best?
A combination of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan creates a creamy, flavorful filling with excellent meltability.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Yes. Homemade biscuit dough works beautifully and adds an extra homemade touch.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Avoid overfilling the biscuits and pinch the seams tightly. Placing the sealed side down on the baking sheet also helps keep the filling inside.
Can I add vegetables?
Certainly. Finely diced bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or sautéed onions make delicious additions. Cook and drain them first to remove excess moisture.
Are these good for parties?
Yes. Their handheld size makes them perfect for appetizers, game-day spreads, brunch buffets, or holiday gatherings.
Final Thoughts
These Shrimp & Crab Biscuit Melts combine flaky, buttery biscuits with a rich, cheesy seafood filling for a comforting dish that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether served as a satisfying dinner, a hearty appetizer, or part of a festive brunch, they’re sure to impress with their golden crust, creamy center, and irresistible blend of shrimp and crab. One batch is rarely enough, so consider making extra—they tend to disappear quickly!