Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping party appetizer that’s equal parts comfort food and coastal delight, look no further than these Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts. Imagine pillowy biscuits piled high with succulent shrimp, tender crab, melty cheese, and a zesty, creamy topping — each bite is a little taste of the ocean with a twist you won’t soon forget. Perfect for gatherings or a fun family dinner, these melts are as easy to make as they are irresistible. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to shake up your snack game, Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts easily become the highlight of any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to unforgettable Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts lies in the simplicity of high-quality ingredients. Each component adds something unique, whether it’s richness, creaminess, crunch, or that irresistibly melty texture that makes this dish an instant favorite. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Biscuit dough (1 can, 16 oz): Flaky, tender biscuits serve as the perfect vehicle for soaking up all those amazing seafood flavors.
- Cooked shrimp (1/2 pound, peeled, deveined, chopped): Sweet, briny shrimp give these melts their unmistakable seaside flair while offering just the right bite.
- Lump crab meat (1/2 cup): Picked over for shells, this adds luxurious texture and that signature buttery flavor you’ll crave.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully and adds sharp, savory depth to the topping.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup): Ensures a creamy melt and balances the sharper cheddar with a mild milky finish.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Offers tang and brings all the seafood and cheese flavors together in smooth harmony — Greek yogurt works as a lighter swap!
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and a creamy backdrop that makes the topping ultra-luscious.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the whole mix and keeps things fresh, never heavy.
- Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon): That classic seafood spice blend infuses every bite with coastal nostalgia.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to add warmth and depth.
- Red bell pepper (1/4 cup, diced): Pops of sweetness and color create visual and textural interest.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): These bring crunch, a hint of oniony bite, and vibrant green color.
- Jalapeño (1 small, optional, finely chopped): For those who love a little heat, this adds a zingy kick that’s totally customizable.
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish): Finishes the melts with herbal freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts
Step 1: Prep the Biscuits
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet so your biscuit melts slide off without sticking. Pop open your can of biscuit dough — one of life’s small victories — and arrange each biscuit on the tray. Use your fingers to gently flatten each round to about 4 inches wide. This ensures there’s plenty of surface area for that tantalizing seafood topping. The biscuits will rise and puff in the oven, so don’t squash them too thin; just enough so they’ll hold everything you pile on top!
Step 2: Make the Seafood Topping
The heart of every Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melt is that irresistible seafood topping. In a medium mixing bowl, add your chopped shrimp, lump crab meat, both cheeses, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, red bell pepper, green onions, and jalapeño if you’re daring. Give everything a good stir until it’s well combined. This step is where the magic happens — creamy, cheesy, briny, tangy, and just a bit spicy, all coming together in one glorious mixture!
Step 3: Assemble and Top
Using a spoon or small scoop, generously dollop the seafood mixture over each flattened biscuit round. Gently spread the topping out to the edges for maximum coverage. Don’t be afraid to pile it on — the biscuit will hold up beautifully in the oven. This is the moment to revel in how delicious these look even before they’re baked, with flecks of red and green peeking through the creamy, cheesy mix.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and let the Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them — you’re looking for biscuits that are puffed and beautifully golden, with cheese bubbling at the edges and a tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen. Once baked, remove them from the oven and get ready for the finishing touch!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh cilantro over the top of your biscuit melts while they’re still warm. The fresh herbs add a lovely color contrast and a burst of brightness. Serve immediately — the contrast of gooey cheese, hot seafood, and flaky biscuit is pure bliss. Get ready for instant smiles all around the table!
How to Serve Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts
Garnishes
Garnishes add that final flourish to Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts. A scattering of chopped cilantro is classic and brings a touch of freshness. If you love a little zing, add extra sliced green onions or even a squeeze of lime juice just before serving for extra brightness. For bold color, a few extra diced red bell peppers scattered across the top look festive, especially for parties. And if you enjoy a kick, thin slices of jalapeño make a punchy (and pretty) topper.
Side Dishes
Serving Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts as an appetizer? They’re fantastic alongside a crisp green salad dressed in citrus vinaigrette or a chilled cucumber salad to keep things refreshing. If you want to make this dish a small-plate meal, consider pairing it with a zesty corn and black bean salad, coleslaw with a hint of lime, or even classic oven-roasted potato wedges for heartier appetites. They’re also great on a brunch spread next to fruit salad and fresh-squeezed juice.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts is half the fun! For parties, you can bake them in mini muffin tins for bite-sized melts that make perfect finger food. Arrange the finished melts on a wooden board with bowls of salsa, guacamole, or extra sour cream for dipping. For an elegant dinner starter, serve each melt on a bed of mixed greens with a few pickled onions and a dusting of smoked paprika for color. However you serve them, these biscuit melts are guaranteed to be the prettiest thing on your table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let your Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The biscuits will soften a bit, but the flavors will be just as delightful, and a quick reheat brings everything back to life.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze your biscuit melts. Arrange the cooled melts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, there’s no need to thaw overnight—simply bake from frozen as directed in the next section!
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover or frozen Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot throughout and cheese is melty again. For a quick fix, you can microwave individual melts in 30-second bursts, but the biscuit will be softer than when oven-reheated. Enjoy them hot for maximum flavor and best texture!
FAQs
Can I use canned crab or imitation crab for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh lump crab adds luxury, canned crab works perfectly for Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts, and imitation crab is a budget-friendly substitute. Just make sure to drain canned crab well and check for any shells.
Can I make the seafood topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the seafood mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble on fresh biscuit rounds and proceed as directed.
How can I make these less spicy for kids or sensitive guests?
Omit the jalapeño entirely or use only a small amount of finely diced green bell pepper for gentle flavor and color without the heat. Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts are super versatile and can be adjusted to everyone’s taste.
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes! Look for gluten-free biscuit dough or make your own using a gluten-free baking mix. All other ingredients for Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts are naturally gluten-free, making this a great treat for everyone.
Can I use other types of seafood?
Definitely. Chopped cooked lobster or even flaky cooked white fish make wonderful substitutions or additions to Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts. Make it your own by using your favorite seafood blends!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a cozy seafood treat, Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Their unique blend of cheesy, creamy, and savory seafood goodness is bound to win over every guest. Don’t wait for a special occasion — gather your ingredients and let these biscuit melts become your new signature dish!
Print
Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuit melts 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts are a delightful fusion of seafood flavors on a crispy biscuit base, perfect for any gathering or as a savory snack. The combination of shrimp, crab, and gooey cheese makes these biscuit melts a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Biscuit Base:
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
Seafood Topping:
- 1/2 pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, chopped)
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1 small jalapeño (optional, finely chopped)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Prepare the biscuit base: Flatten each biscuit on the sheet to form a 4-inch round.
- Make the seafood topping: In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp, crab, cheeses, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, seasonings, bell pepper, green onions, and jalapeño. Mix well.
- Assemble and bake: Spoon the seafood mixture onto each biscuit round, bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Use pre-cooked seafood to save time, and adjust jalapeño based on heat preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit melt
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
