If you’re craving a decadent bite that’s both comforting and impressively easy to put together, then you have to try these Shrimp Crab Melts: Easy Comfort Snack Recipe. Imagine tender flaky biscuits filled with a luscious blend of shrimp, crab, and creamy cheese, all seasoned with a hint of Old Bay and fresh parsley. This recipe is perfect for quick snacks, casual gatherings, or when you just want a little indulgence that feels special without any fuss. Every melt is a delicious little package of seafood delight that’s bound to become your new go-to comfort snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Shrimp Crab Melts lies in how simple ingredients combine to create a mouthwatering flavor explosion. Each ingredient plays a vital role—flaky biscuits bring a tender crunch, creamy cheeses add richness, and fresh seafood provides that irresistible ocean charm.
- 8 refrigerated flaky biscuits: These form the perfect buttery, flaky base that holds all the filling together.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brushing this on top ensures a gorgeous golden crust with added flavor.
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped: Provides tender, sweet pieces bursting with texture.
- 1 cup lump crab meat: Adds delicate, succulent seafood flavor that makes each bite feel special.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Gives the filling its creamy, luscious consistency.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: Brings that classic seasoning blend which perfectly complements seafood.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and a pop of color, balancing out the richness.
How to Make Shrimp Crab Melts: Easy Comfort Snack Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven for Perfect Biscuit Baking
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure your biscuits bake evenly. This temperature lets the biscuits puff up just right, giving you that irresistibly flaky and golden crust we all love.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Bases
Place the refrigerated flaky biscuits on a baking sheet and gently flatten each one. This simple step increases their surface area and thins the biscuit a bit so you get a perfect base for your filling without it being too bulky.
Step 3: Mix the Seafood Filling
In a bowl, toss together your chopped shrimp, lump crab meat, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and freshly chopped parsley. Mix until everything is combined into a creamy, flavorful filling that promises a bite packed with savory goodness.
Step 4: Stuff and Seal the Melts
Spoon enough of the seafood mixture onto half of your flattened biscuits. Top with the remaining biscuits and press the edges firmly together to seal the filling inside. This ensures none of that delicious mixture escapes while baking.
Step 5: Brush with Butter and Bake
Brush the tops of your assembled melts with melted butter for that glossy, golden finish. Pop them into the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown, signaling they’re ready to come out.
Step 6: Rest and Enjoy
Once baked, let your shrimp crab melts rest for about 2 minutes. This short wait lets the filling firm up slightly, making them easier to slice and even more enjoyable to eat piping hot, whole, or halved.
How to Serve Shrimp Crab Melts: Easy Comfort Snack Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or a dash of paprika on top for a vibrant color pop and a fresh herbal note that highlights the seafood inside.
Side Dishes
Pair these melts with a crisp green salad or some buttery roasted vegetables to balance their richness and make for a well-rounded snack or light meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice the melts into halves or thirds and arrange them on a decorative platter with lemon wedges. You can also serve them alongside a tangy aioli or cocktail sauce for dipping, adding excitement for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, perfect for enjoying a quick snack the next day without losing any of that delicious flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the unbaked assembled melts on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month, so you always have an easy comfort snack ready to bake when hunger strikes.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness and warm the filling thoroughly, avoiding microwaves to keep that flaky biscuit texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh shrimp and crab meat instead of cooked?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and cool the seafood fully before mixing, to keep the filling safe and delicious.
What if I don’t have refrigerated biscuits?
You can make your own biscuit dough or use pre-made dough that you trust. The key is the flaky texture, so any buttery biscuit dough should work wonderfully.
Can I substitute other cheeses for mozzarella?
Yes! Cheeses like Monterey Jack or even a mild cheddar can add different flavor notes, but mozzarella’s melt and mild taste perfectly complement seafood.
Is Old Bay seasoning essential?
While Old Bay adds that classic seafood spice, you can swap in other seafood seasonings or a pinch of smoked paprika and cayenne for your own twist.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Try a gluten-free flaky biscuit dough in place of the regular biscuits. Just be mindful of other ingredient labels to keep everything gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly irresistible about these Shrimp Crab Melts: Easy Comfort Snack Recipe. They’re an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Whether you’re serving them for a quick bite, at a party, or just treating yourself, these melts bring a warm, seafood-savored hug that satisfies every time. Give them a try—you might just find your newest comfort snack obsession.
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Shrimp Crab Melts: Easy Comfort Snack Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 melts
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Shrimp Crab Melts are a delightful and easy comfort snack featuring flaky biscuit sandwiches filled with a creamy mixture of cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, mozzarella, and cream cheese seasoned with Old Bay and fresh parsley. These melts bake to golden perfection, making for a warm, savory treat perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Biscuits
- 8 refrigerated flaky biscuits
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Filling
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the biscuits bake evenly and puff up to achieve a flaky texture.
- Prepare Biscuits: On a baking sheet, slightly flatten each refrigerated flaky biscuit to enlarge the surface area and create a thinner base that will hold the filling well.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, shredded mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
- Assemble Melts: Spoon the seafood mixture onto half of the flattened biscuits. Top each with the remaining biscuits and press edges firmly together to seal in the filling and create a sandwich.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of the assembled melts with melted butter to ensure a golden and appealing finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and puffed up.
- Rest and Serve: Let the melts rest for about 2 minutes after baking to allow the filling to stabilize. Serve warm, either whole or halved, as a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
- Be sure to soften the cream cheese beforehand for easy mixing.
- Old Bay seasoning can be adjusted to taste or substituted with your favorite seafood seasoning.
- These melts are best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- To make prep faster, use pre-cooked shrimp from your local market.
