Introduction: A Mouthwatering Seafood Mash-Up
When two seafood favorites—shrimp and crab—come together in a warm, cheesy, biscuit-filled embrace, magic happens. Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts are a savory blend of comfort food and coastal cuisine, combining flaky biscuits, seasoned shellfish, and creamy, melty cheese in each irresistible bite.
This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish and delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Whether you're planning a game-day snack, a weekend brunch treat, or a fun family dinner, these biscuit melts are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into this flavorful experience and uncover why these biscuit melts deserve a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, maximum flavor. You can whip this up in under half an hour.
- Versatile: Great for snacks, appetizers, lunch, or a full dinner spread.
- Packed with Protein: Shrimp and crab provide lean, delicious protein with natural seafood sweetness.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Adults and kids alike devour these biscuit melts.
- Perfect for Parties: Serve them at gatherings and watch them disappear fast.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts:
For the Biscuit Base
- 1 can refrigerated flaky layer biscuits (8-count)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
For the Seafood Filling
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- 1 cup lump crab meat, drained and checked for shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon diced green chiles (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Brushing
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of dried parsley (optional)
How to Make Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly flour your countertop for biscuit prep.
Step 2: Mix the Seafood Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, lump crab meat, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, lime juice, green chiles, and all the seasonings. Stir until smooth and well blended. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 3: Flatten the Biscuits
Open the can of biscuits and separate each one. On a floured surface, flatten each biscuit with your hands or a rolling pin until it’s about 4 inches in diameter. Make sure the dough remains thick enough to hold the filling.
Step 4: Fill and Seal
Spoon about 1½ to 2 tablespoons of seafood mixture into the center of each flattened biscuit. Fold the biscuit over to create a half-moon shape, then gently pinch the edges closed. You can crimp with a fork for extra sealing and decoration.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the filled biscuits on your prepared baking sheet. Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and parsley, then brush it over the tops of the biscuit melts. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for 3 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a dipping sauce or fresh garnish.
Serving Ideas and Toppings
Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts are great on their own, but you can enhance them even more:
Dip Options
- Creamy jalapeño ranch
- Spicy chipotle mayo
- Avocado-lime sauce
- Warm queso dip
Topping Suggestions
- Chopped green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Crumbled bacon
- Shredded lettuce for crunch
Pairing Recommendations
These biscuit melts pair well with a variety of side dishes and drinks. Here are a few delicious suggestions:
Side Dishes
- Tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar
- Roasted corn with chili-lime butter
- Crisp garden salad with citrus vinaigrette
- Cajun-style sweet potato fries
Beverage Pairings
- Sparkling lemonade
- Dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
- Light Mexican beer
- Iced tea with lemon and mint
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
To Prep Ahead
You can prepare the seafood mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. The biscuits should be filled and baked fresh for the best texture.
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the biscuits and may make them soggy.
Customization and Variations
There’s plenty of room to play with flavors in this recipe:
Cheese Variations
- Pepper jack for heat
- Monterey Jack for extra melt
- Smoked gouda for richness
Seafood Swaps
- Use canned salmon or tuna
- Substitute imitation crab if needed
- Add scallops or clams for more variety
Vegetarian Option
Skip the seafood and try a filling of black beans, corn, diced peppers, and seasoned cream cheese.
Spicy Version
Add jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the seafood mix.
Nutrition at a Glance (Per Biscuit Melt, approximate)
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
These values are estimates and may vary depending on your ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Perfect Occasions to Serve
Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts aren’t just for one type of event—they’re incredibly flexible:
- Game Day Snacks: Serve them hot with dipping sauces.
- Brunch Table Add-On: Add them beside eggs and fruit.
- Holiday Appetizers: Impress guests with these elegant, easy-to-eat bites.
- Seafood Night: Make them the star of a summer seafood dinner.
- Lunchbox Surprise: Kids love the cheesy, flaky texture and mild seafood taste.
Pro Kitchen Tips
- Use room-temperature cream cheese to make mixing easier.
- Pat the shrimp and crab dry before mixing to avoid a watery filling.
- Avoid overfilling the biscuits. A tablespoon or two is just right.
- Seal the edges well or your filling may leak during baking.
- Let the melts cool slightly before eating—they’re piping hot inside.
Final Thoughts: A Coastal Classic with a Twist
Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts offer all the flavors of a decadent seafood dip baked inside a tender, flaky biscuit. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with zesty, cheesy goodness. This recipe brings together the best of Southern-style comfort and coastal charm in one bite-sized wonder.