If you’re ready to indulge in a mouthwatering treat that combines creamy seafood goodness with flaky, golden biscuits, then you’re going to love this Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe. It’s an irresistible blend of tender shrimp and lump crab meat mixed with cheeses and spices, all baked inside buttery biscuit rounds. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal, these melts deliver comforting flavors with a fun, crunchy twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one adds a special touch—whether it’s the creamy texture of the cheeses, the bright pop of jalapeños, or the savory herbs and spices that bring everything to life.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count): These form the crisp, buttery shell that perfectly holds the filling.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Melts into garlic for a rich, aromatic base that enhances the seafood.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds bold, fragrant flavor that wakes up the taste buds.
- Small cooked shrimp (1/2 cup, chopped): Provides tender seafood sweetness, perfectly balanced in every bite.
- Lump crab meat (1/2 cup, drained): The star ingredient offering delicate texture and ocean-fresh flavors.
- Cream cheese (1/2 cup, softened): Gives a luscious, creamy richness that binds the filling together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds tangy smoothness, balancing the richness.
- Diced tomatoes (1/4 cup, optional): Bring a fresh, vibrant color and subtle acidity.
- Diced jalapeños (2 tablespoons, optional): Introduce a zesty heat for those who love a little kick.
- Old Bay seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses that classic seafood spice that’s instantly familiar and loved.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warmth and depth.
- Chopped green onions (1 tablespoon, for garnish): Provide a refreshing, mild onion crunch that brightens each bite.
How to Make Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your melts bake evenly and won’t stick, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Seafood
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the minced garlic. Cook just until it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds, careful not to let it burn. Stir in the chopped shrimp and crab meat and cook for about 2 minutes to warm everything through and marry the flavors. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Seafood Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp and crab with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, and optional diced tomatoes and jalapeños. Season with Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is beautifully creamy and evenly coated with spices.
Step 4: Assemble the Biscuit Melts
Separate the biscuit dough into individual rounds, then flatten each gently to about 4 inches in diameter. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the seafood mixture onto the center of half of the biscuit rounds. Top with the remaining rounds and pinch the edges tightly to seal, creating stuffed melts. Press down lightly to flatten slightly, ensuring they bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Perfect
Arrange the stuffed biscuit melts on your prepared baking sheet, keeping space between them. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the biscuits turn a lovely golden brown and the filling is hot and melty.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, let your melts cool just a bit—enough to avoid burning your mouth but still enjoy them warm. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for freshness and serve with extra sour cream or salsa if you like a little more tang or spice.
How to Serve Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a crisp, fresh contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully. For a burst of color and extra zing, try a dollop of sour cream or a side of your favorite salsa—both complement the creamy seafood filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
These melts pair wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or even some seasoned potato wedges. The key is to balance the rich, cheesy biscuit melts with fresh or crunchy textures that keep every bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange your Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe on a platter garnished with vibrant herbs and sliced jalapeños. You can serve them alongside mini dipping bowls of spicy aioli, remoulade, or cocktail sauce, turning this casual snack into an impressive centerpiece sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their flaky texture and flavorful filling without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked Shimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe assembled on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep the biscuit exterior flaky instead of soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh seafood instead of canned crab meat?
Absolutely! Fresh lump crab meat adds a wonderful texture and flavor. Just make sure it’s well-drained and picked over for shell pieces before mixing into the filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Yes, including diced jalapeños is one easy way to add heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with a spicy salsa for an extra kick.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another seafood?
You can swap shrimp for cooked lobster chunks, scallops, or even crab only if you prefer. Just be sure the seafood is cooked and chopped into small pieces for easy filling.
What can I serve these melts with for a full meal?
Pair them with a leafy green salad, grilled vegetables, or a bowl of hearty soup. This keeps the meal balanced and lets the melts stay the star of your table.
Are there vegetarian alternatives to try?
While this recipe shines with seafood, you might experiment with chopped mushrooms or seasoned jackfruit for a vegetarian twist. Using similar seasonings and cream cheese helps keep the flavors comforting and creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a bite that’s loaded with delicious seafood flavors wrapped in tender, buttery biscuits, the Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a fabulous blend of textures and tastes that feels fancy but comes together so simply. I promise once you try it, you’ll be smitten and eager to make it again and again for family, friends, or even just a special treat for yourself.
Print
Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts are an irresistibly delicious appetizer featuring a creamy seafood filling of shrimp, crab, and cheeses, all stuffed inside flaky biscuit dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfectly balanced with a hint of heat from jalapeños and zesty Old Bay seasoning, these melts are a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
Biscuit Dough
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seafood Filling
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup small cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons diced jalapeños (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Seafood Mixture: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant for about 30 seconds. Stir in the chopped shrimp and crab meat, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Combine Filling: Transfer the cooked seafood to a mixing bowl. Add cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined into a creamy filling.
- Prepare Biscuit Dough: Separate the biscuit dough into individual biscuits and flatten each one into a 4-inch round shape using your hands or a rolling pin.
- Assemble Melts: Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the seafood filling onto the center of half of the biscuit rounds. Top each filled round with another biscuit round and pinch the edges together firmly to seal the filling inside. Slightly press down on each to flatten them into melts.
- Bake: Place the assembled biscuit melts onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the melts to cool slightly after baking. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve warm, optionally with extra sour cream or salsa for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- You can use fresh or canned crab meat, but make sure it is well drained if using canned.
- To make this dish ahead, assemble the biscuit melts and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Serve with a side of sour cream or salsa for added flavor and dipping options.
- These melts are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven but can be reheated gently in an oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
