If there is one seafood hack we live by, it's using Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits as a base for... well, everything. These Shrimp Crab Melts are our latest obsession. Max calls them "ocean burgers," but they are actually decadent biscuit sandwiches piled high with a creamy, cheesy seafood salad. Imagine a warm, garlic-buttery biscuit stuffed with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and melted cheese, all baked until bubbly and golden.
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Why You Will Love This Shrimp Crab Melts
You will love this recipe because it tastes like a fancy seaside appetizer but takes less than 20 minutes to make. The combination of the savory garlic-herb biscuit with the rich seafood mixture is pure comfort food. It’s versatile enough for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. Plus, as you can see in the photo, the filling stays creamy and luscious inside the flaky biscuit layers.
How To Make Shrimp Crab Melts
To get that mouthwatering look where the filling oozes out like a savory lava, we start by baking a batch of cheesy garlic biscuits (using a mix makes this super fast). We split them open and fill them with a luxurious mixture of shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, mayo, and herbs. We top the filling with a slice of melting cheese (like Havarti or Swiss), replace the biscuit top, and bake it again until the cheese melds everything together into a warm, gooey sandwich.
Shrimp Crab Melts Ingredients
The Base
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (prepare according to package with water, cheese, and butter)
- Alternative: 6 English muffins or croissants; split and toasted
The Seafood Salad Filling
- 1 cup cooked salad shrimp (the tiny ones work best)
- 1 cup lump crab meat (or imitation crab, chopped fine)
- 4 oz cream cheese; softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 stalk celery; finely diced (for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
The Cheesy Melt
- 6 slices Havarti, Swiss, or Provolone cheese (needs to melt well)
- 2 tablespoons butter; melted (for brushing tops)
Step by Step Method
Bake the Biscuits
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare and bake the biscuit mix according to the box instructions. Brush with the garlic herb butter provided.
- Let them cool slightly, then slice them in half horizontally.
Make the Seafood Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning until smooth.
- Fold in the shrimp, crab meat, diced celery, and herbs. Mix gently so you don't break up the crab chunks too much.
Assemble
- Place the bottom halves of the biscuits on a baking sheet.
- Scoop a generous amount of the creamy seafood mixture onto each bottom half.
- Place a slice of cheese over the seafood mixture.
- Place the top half of the biscuit back on to form a sandwich.
Melt
- Brush the tops with a little extra melted butter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the filling is warm and gooey.
Serve
- Serve immediately while hot.
MAX’S REACTION
"I call these Ocean Burgers! The bread is buttery and the inside is super creamy. I tried to pull it apart to see the shrimp hiding inside. It's messy but yummy!"
What Pairs Well With Shrimp Crab Melts
Since these are rich and creamy, they need something acidic or fresh on the side. A simple green salad with vinaigrette or some pickles cuts through the richness perfectly. For a cozy dinner, pair them with a bowl of tomato soup or finish the meal with our White Chocolate Mousse Tarts or some Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls for a sweet-salty contrast.
Shrimp Crab Melts Variations
Open Faced Shrimp Sandwich
If you prefer less bread, serve this as an Open faced shrimp sandwich. Toast slices of sourdough, pile the mixture on top, cover with cheese, and broil until bubbly.
Shrimp English Muffins
For a crunchier base, use Shrimp English muffins. The nooks and crannies hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
Spicy Kick
Add diced jalapeños to the seafood mixture or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy Shrimp melt.
Crab Toast
Spread the mixture onto small baguette slices for bite-sized Crab toast appetizers perfect for parties.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Mom Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature so it mixes smoothly with the mayo without leaving lumps.
Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
Make Ahead
You can mix the seafood salad filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake the biscuits fresh or reheat them before assembling.
Refrigerator Storage
These are best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored for 1 day. Reheat in the oven to crisp up the biscuit.
Reheating
Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. Do not microwave, or the biscuit will become rubbery and the seafood tough.
Top Tips for Best Shrimp Crab Melts
Drain your seafood well! If you use canned shrimp or wet crab meat, pat it dry with paper towels before mixing. Excess water will make your filling runny and your biscuit soggy. Also, don't skimp on the Old Bay—it's the flavor that ties everything together.
Shrimp Crab Melts Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and squeeze out any excess water. Chop them into bite-sized pieces if they are large.
Is imitation crab okay?
Absolutely. It's budget-friendly and tastes great in a creamy melt like this. Just chop it finely.
Can I freeze these?
We don't recommend freezing the assembled melts as the mayonnaise and cream cheese sauce tends to separate when thawed.
What are melt sea recipes?
Melt sea recipes generally refer to any seafood salad (tuna, shrimp, crab) topped with cheese and toasted. This recipe works with just shrimp or just crab too!
A Seafood Delight
These melts are a fun, easy way to enjoy seafood without a lot of fuss. They feel special but are simple enough for a weeknight. If you are looking for more fun finger foods or savory treats, check out our Chocolate Cupcakes for a classic dessert pairing.
Share your Shrimp Crab Melts! Tag us @HannahCooking with #SeafoodMelts; we’re dying to see your cheesy creations!
⭐️ Rate this Shrimp Crab Melts recipe and let us know what base you used!
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Shrimp Crab Melts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bake biscuits according to package directions. Cool slightly and slice in half.
- Mix cream cheese, mayo, seasonings, celery, shrimp, and crab in a bowl.
- Spoon mixture onto bottom biscuit halves. Top with a slice of cheese and the biscuit lid.
- Brush tops with melted butter. Bake at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve warm immediately.
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