These melts combine flaky, buttery biscuit bases with a rich filling of tender shrimp, sweet lump crab meat, and melted mozzarella cheese. Cream cheese and Old Bay seasoning add creaminess and a savory seafood kick, balanced by fresh chopped parsley. Baked until golden and brushed with butter, they make a cozy, satisfying treat perfect for gatherings or a quick snack. Variations include spicy jalapeños or vegetarian options, offering flexibility and flavor for all tastes.
Preparation is simple—flatten refrigerated biscuits, mix the filling ingredients, assemble, and bake for about 15 minutes. The result is a warm, gooey melt with a crispy exterior and luscious seafood center that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Pin It
Share
Send
Print
Jump to Recipe
Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Tue, 30 Dec 2025 20:01:11 GMT
A stack of shrimp crab melts on a plate.
Save
A stack of shrimp crab melts on a plate. | lilicooks.com
Shrimp Crab Melts make a cozy and satisfying snack that combines flaky, buttery biscuits with a creamy seafood filling. The shrimp and crab create a luxurious, protein-packed bite that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you want a quick after-work treat or something impressive for your next gathering, these melts are a perfect choice, offering comfort and flavor in every mouthful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Uses simple refrigerated flaky biscuits as a base for buttery flakiness
Combines shrimp and crab for a rich and protein-filled seafood experience
Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it a fast and satisfying snack
The gooey melted mozzarella and cream cheese create an irresistible creamy texture
I first made these melts on a chilly evening and was instantly hooked by how the seafood filling balanced perfectly with the biscuit crust. Now they’re my go-to when I want a snack that feels special but comes together quickly.
Ingredients
Refrigerated flaky biscuits: to create the perfect fluffy, golden crust choose a trusted brand for consistency
Cooked shrimp: chopped for a fresh and tender seafood flavor frozen works fine if thawed and cooked thoroughly
Lump crab meat: brings a touch of elegance and sweetness fresh is lovely but canned offers convenience without loss of taste
Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and adds gooey richness cheddar can be used if you prefer a sharper taste
Cream cheese: softens and binds the filling while adding luscious creaminess ricotta is a lighter alternative
Old Bay seasoning: delivers that signature seafood spice and bright flavor if unavailable a mix of paprika and celery salt works well
Fresh parsley: adds a pop of green freshness and bright aroma chives or dill are good substitutes
Butter: brushed on top creates a golden inviting finish olive oil can be used for a lighter touch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature helps the biscuits bake evenly and puff up nicely, developing a golden crust. Don’t rush this step — a properly preheated oven makes all the difference.
Prepare the Biscuits:
Take the refrigerated flaky biscuits and lay them out on a baking sheet. Press each biscuit down gently so they flatten a little but remain thick enough to hold the filling without breaking apart. A thinner biscuit cooks more evenly and showcases the filling beautifully.
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. Thoroughly mix everything until you get a creamy, cohesive mixture. This blend is the heart of your melts, bursting with savory seafood flavor.
Assemble the Melts:
Spoon a generous portion of filling onto half of the biscuits arranged on your baking sheet. Top each with one of the remaining biscuits, then pinch the edges lightly to seal in all that delicious filling. This keeps everything snug so the filling won’t ooze out while baking.
Bake to Perfection:
Brush melted butter over the tops of your assembled melts to give them a shiny, golden finish once baked. Place them in your preheated oven and bake for about 13 to 15 minutes. Watch carefully for a puffed and beautifully browned result with a mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen.
Serve and Enjoy:
Allow your Shrimp Crab Melts to rest for around two minutes after baking. This brief cool down helps the filling set a bit, making them easier and less messy to enjoy. Serve whole or slice in half for a pretty presentation and dig in.
A stack of shrimp crab melts on a plate.
Save
A stack of shrimp crab melts on a plate. | lilicooks.com
You Must Know
High in protein, packing a seafood punch that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful
Uses convenient ingredients like refrigerated biscuits and canned crab for quick prep
Freezes well if you want to make a batch ahead and reheat for an easy snack later
Fresh parsley not only brightens flavor but keeps the dish looking vibrant and inviting
I love the Old Bay seasoning in this recipe—it reminds me of summer crab boils with family, adding that bold, nostalgic kick. These melts bring back joyful memories of sharing food and laughter on cool nights.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to revive the crispness of the biscuit and warm the filling evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can soften the crust.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have seafood on hand, try swapping the shrimp and crab for sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a vegetarian version. You can also experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these melts with a simple fresh green salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of cocktail sauce or garlic aioli makes a great dip and brings extra zest. Add a few lemon wedges for brightness that complements the seafood perfectly.
Cultural Context
Seafood melts like this are a modern spin on classic crab cakes and seafood bakes that are popular in coastal American cuisine. The use of Old Bay seasoning ties it to Maryland-style crab traditions, known for bold and balanced flavors.
