Chef Mitchell preparing Shrimp and Crab Biscuit Melts
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of creating Shrimp and Crab Biscuit Melts during a family gathering, where we needed something special to impress our guests. After several iterations, I perfected this recipe to highlight the sweet and savory flavors of the seafood. Each bite is a nod to my love for American coastal cuisine. It’s become a family favorite that brings everyone together around the table."

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience in American cuisine, specializing in seafood and appetizers. He has created more than a thousand recipes that celebrate the rich flavors of traditional and contemporary dishes. His culinary journey began in a top culinary school, where he developed a passion for elevating classic recipes.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Shrimp and Crab Biscuit Melts served on a plate

Why This Shrimp and Crab Biscuit Melts Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its combination of light, flaky biscuits and a rich, flavorful seafood filling. The use of fresh shrimp and crab ensures a burst of flavor in every bite. Additionally, the careful seasoning highlights the natural sweetness of the seafood, making it a crowd-pleaser. Each melt is easy to prepare, making this an accessible recipe for home cooks.

The technique of baking the biscuits allows for a perfectly golden exterior while keeping the inside tender. By making an indentation for the filling, we ensure that every biscuit melts in your mouth with a delightful blend of flavors. The result is a dish that not only looks appealing but also delivers an unforgettable taste experience.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use high-quality seafood and fresh ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the filling to maintain a nice texture. Additionally, if you want an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or lemon juice to the filling for a zesty kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the filling and biscuit dough in advance. Store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Assemble the melts just before baking to ensure they are fresh and warm when served. You can also freeze the assembled melts before baking for up to a month; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

If you can't find crab meat, you can use additional shrimp or substitute it with cooked lobster or even imitation crab. Just ensure that the substitute is well-seasoned to mimic the unique flavor that crab adds to the dish. Adjust the seasoning in the filling as needed to maintain balance.

The shrimp and crab biscuit melts are done when the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You can also check the internal temperature of the seafood filling, which should reach 145°F (63°C) for safety. Allowing them to cool slightly before serving will help the filling set.

Yes, you can freeze the assembled Shrimp and Crab Biscuit Melts. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to a month. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

These melts pair wonderfully with a light salad or a side of coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. You could also serve them with a tangy dipping sauce, such as a spicy remoulade or a lemon aioli, to complement the seafood flavors. For drinks, consider serving white wine or a light beer.

If stored in an airtight container, Shrimp and Crab Biscuit Melts will last in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Make sure to keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture before serving.

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and dough ahead of time. Keep the filling in the fridge for up to a day or freeze it for longer storage. Assemble the melts only when you're ready to bake to ensure they taste fresh and delicious.

To reheat Shrimp and Crab Biscuit Melts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the melts on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This will help maintain their crispiness.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The melts can turn out dry if overcooked or if the filling lacks moisture.

Solution: To remedy dryness, avoid overbaking and ensure the filling is creamy enough. You can add a bit more mayonnaise or sour cream to the filling to maintain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Sometimes, the biscuits may not achieve a crispy texture.

Solution: Make sure to bake them until they are golden brown and consider brushing with additional melted butter before baking for a richer flavor and crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The melts might become overcooked if baked too long.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, monitor the baking time closely and check for doneness a few minutes early. If they brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center remains cold or the filling is not hot enough, the melts may be undercooked.

Recovery: For recovery, return the melts to the oven and cover them with foil to prevent further browning. Bake until the center reaches the appropriate temperature.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The biscuits can sometimes burn on the outside while remaining unbaked inside.

Prevention: To prevent burning, adjust your oven temperature and position the baking sheet in the center of the oven. This ensures even cooking and reduces the risk of burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the filling tastes too sweet, add a bit of lemon juice or hot sauce to enhance the flavor.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, balance it with a bit of unsweetened yogurt or sour cream.

Bland: If the filling is bland, consider adding more seasoning, such as garlic powder or additional Old Bay seasoning for a flavor boost.

Fresh ingredients for Shrimp and Crab Biscuit Melts

Essential Ingredients for Shrimp and Crab Biscuit Melts

The key ingredients include fresh shrimp and crab meat, which provide a delightful ocean flavor. Biscuit mix serves as the base, giving a fluffy and buttery texture. Adding mayonnaise and sour cream ensures a rich and creamy filling. The seasonings, including Old Bay and garlic powder, elevate the dish, bringing forward the inherent flavors of the seafood.

Quality is essential: opt for fresh, wild-caught shrimp and lump crab meat for the best results. The freshness of the seafood significantly affects the overall taste. Using high-quality cheese will also enhance the creaminess and flavor profile of the melts, making them even more irresistible.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Shrimp: When choosing shrimp, look for firm, translucent flesh and a mild scent of the sea. Avoid shrimp with a strong fishy odor, indicating it's past its prime. Fresh shrimp can make a huge difference in flavor and texture.
  • Crab Meat: Opt for lump crab meat, as it has a sweeter taste and a better texture. When purchasing, check for any shell fragments and ensure it's from a reputable source for the best quality and flavor.
  • Biscuit Mix: Choose a high-quality biscuit mix for a light and fluffy texture. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also make your own from scratch using flour, baking powder, butter, and milk, but the mix is convenient and reliable.
Cooking process for Shrimp and Crab Biscuit Melts

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

This recipe involves a straightforward cooking method that even novice chefs can master. Start by preparing the biscuit dough, which provides a fluffy base for the rich seafood filling. The key is to ensure the filling is well-seasoned and mixed without overworking it, which helps maintain the texture.

Achieving perfectly baked melts requires careful attention to baking times. Keeping a close eye on the biscuits as they bake ensures they become golden brown while the filling gets hot. The combination of textures from the crispy outside and creamy inside is what makes these melts so delightful.

Key Technique for Perfect Shrimp and Crab Biscuit Melts

The most important technique for this recipe is ensuring that the biscuit dough is not overworked. Gently mixing the ingredients until just combined creates a light and fluffy biscuit. Additionally, creating a well in the center for the seafood filling allows for even baking and ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Shrimp and Crab Biscuit Melts

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
    Freshly squeezed
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
    For flavor
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    Adds depth
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    To season

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
    Fresh or frozen
  • 1 lb crab meat, picked over for shells
    Lump or claw meat
  • 2 cups biscuit mix
    Can use homemade
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    Or your favorite cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    Adds creaminess
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
    Enhances texture
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
    For freshness
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For seasoning
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
    Classic seafood seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    To taste
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
    For spice
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
    For brushing
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
    For garnish
  • 1 lemon, zested
    For flavor
  • Salt to taste
    For seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough

    In a large bowl, combine the biscuit mix with water according to package instructions to create the biscuit dough.

  3. Make the Seafood Filling

    In another bowl, mix the shrimp, crab meat, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and lemon zest until well combined.

  4. Form the Biscuits

    Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.

  5. Add the Filling

    Make a small indentation in each biscuit and spoon the seafood filling into the center.

  6. Brush with Butter

    Drizzle the melted butter over the filled biscuits and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

  7. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is heated through.

  8. Serve

    Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Shrimp and Crab Biscuit Melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them before baking. To keep the biscuits fresh, reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain their crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shrimp and Crab Biscuit Melts warm, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Pair them with a light salad or coleslaw. For a dipping sauce, consider a spicy remoulade or a tangy aioli to complement the seafood flavors.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding different seafood like lobster or scallops. You can also spice it up with jalapeños or substitute the cheddar cheese for a different variety like pepper jack. For a healthier twist, use whole wheat biscuit mix.