Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with these decadent Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts. Flaky, golden biscuits cradle a rich, creamy seafood filling bursting with tender shrimp and sweet lump crab meat, perfectly seasoned and baked until gooey. This dish offers a sophisticated twist on a classic, making it ideal for a luxurious brunch or an impressive appetizer.
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
15-20 minutes
Total Time
40-45 minutes
Servings
Makes 8 melts
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- An incredibly rich and flavorful seafood experience packed into every bite.
- Perfectly balances tender shrimp, sweet crab, and savory cheese within a flaky biscuit.
- Surprisingly quick to prepare, making it suitable for both weeknights and entertaining.
- Customizable to your spice preference with a simple adjustment of Old Bay seasoning.
- A unique and impressive dish that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 450 grams (1 pound) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 225 grams (1 cup) lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
- 115 grams (1 cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 115 grams (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) mayonnaise
- 10 milliliters (2 teaspoons) Dijon mustard
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) Old Bay seasoning
- 2.5 milliliters (1/2 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 1.25 milliliters (1/4 teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 package (approximately 230-250 grams) refrigerated biscuit dough (containing 8 biscuits)
- 30 grams (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped shrimp, lump crab meat, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined and the filling is uniform in texture. Ensure the cream cheese is fully incorporated for a smooth, cohesive mixture.
- Carefully open the package of refrigerated biscuit dough. Gently separate each of the 8 biscuits from one another, taking care not to tear them.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface. Place one biscuit at a time on the floured surface and use a rolling pin or the palm of your hand to flatten each biscuit into a round disc, approximately 6-7 millimeters (1/4 inch) thick. Aim for a relatively even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
- Spoon a generous portion, about 2-3 tablespoons, of the prepared seafood filling onto the center of each flattened biscuit. Avoid overfilling, as this can make sealing difficult.
- Carefully fold one side of the biscuit over the filling, aligning the edges to create a half-moon shape. Firmly pinch the edges together all around the perimeter to seal the biscuit completely, ensuring no filling can escape during baking. You can use the tines of a fork to create a decorative crimped edge if desired.
- Arrange the filled and sealed biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2-3 centimeters (1 inch) of space between each one to allow for expansion during baking.
- Take the melted butter and use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops and sides of each biscuit. This step helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust and adds a subtle richness to the exterior.
- Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed, deeply golden brown on top and bottom, and the filling is bubbly and heated through. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the Shrimp Crab Biscuit Melts to cool slightly on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them. Just before serving, sprinkle generously with fresh, finely chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh aroma.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin (optional, but helpful)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened; this makes it much easier to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Do not overfill the biscuits. A generous but manageable amount ensures they seal properly and don't burst during baking.
- Pinch the edges of the biscuits firmly to create a tight seal. A loose seal can lead to filling oozing out.
- Keep an eye on the biscuits during the last few minutes of baking; they can go from golden to overcooked quickly.
- Let the melts cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be very hot, and a short rest allows it to set slightly.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of flavor, briefly sauté the chopped shrimp in a touch of butter with a pinch of garlic before adding it to the mixture; this deepens its inherent sweetness.
- If you want to elevate the presentation, brush the sealed biscuits with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) instead of just melted butter for a glossy, professional finish.
- Consider adding a tiny pinch of lemon zest to the seafood filling; its bright acidity can lift and enhance the overall seafood flavors beautifully without being overpowering.
Notes
- These melts are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently in an oven or air fryer.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seafood filling.
- You can prepare the seafood filling up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This cuts down on prep time just before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh biscuits instead of refrigerated dough?
Yes, you absolutely can! If using fresh, homemade biscuit dough, ensure it's rolled to about the same 6-7 millimeter (1/4 inch) thickness before filling and baking. Baking times might need slight adjustment.
What kind of crab meat is best for this recipe?
Lump crab meat is ideal for its substantial texture and sweet flavor. However, jumbo lump or even claw meat can be used, depending on your preference for texture and budget.
Can I freeze these biscuit melts?
While fresh is best, you can freeze unbaked, filled biscuits. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Per serving (estimated): Calories: 420, Protein: 25g, Fat: 28g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Cholesterol: 100mg, Sodium: 850mg, Carbohydrates: 20g, Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 3g.
Allergy Information
Contains shellfish (shrimp, crab), dairy (cheese, cream cheese, butter), wheat (biscuit dough), and soy (mayonnaise, depending on brand). For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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