Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe
There is something irresistibly delightful about the Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe that combines flaky buttery biscuits with succulent seafood and melty cheese for a snack that feels both indulgent and comforting. This dish is a perfect marriage of coastal flavors and casual fun, delivering a burst of zest and creaminess in every bite. Whether you’re entertaining friends or craving a special treat, these seafood nacho melts are sure to become a beloved favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun in this Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the flaky biscuit base to the creamy seafood filling and the melty cheese that crowns it all, creating a harmony of textures and flavors.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits): The flaky foundation that’s quick and easy to shape into cozy cups.
- Cooked shrimp (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds a tender, briny bite that pairs perfectly with crab.
- Lump crab meat (1/2 cup): Provides sweet, delicate seafood flavor and a luxurious texture.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Brings creaminess and a slight tang to balance richness.
- Cream cheese (1/4 cup, softened): Adds velvety smoothness and helps bind the filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Offers a sharp, savory character that melts perfectly on top.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully with a mild, buttery flavor.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Lends a fresh, citrusy zing that brightens the seafood.
- Old Bay seasoning or taco seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a classic seafood spice kick or a subtle taco flair.
- Small jalapeño (finely diced, optional): For a little heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup): Gives a fresh, oniony crunch to the filling and garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes for topping (optional): Adds color, freshness, and a vibrant finishing touch.
How to Make Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Bases
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a muffin tin or baking sheet, then gently flatten each refrigerated biscuit just enough to create a shallow cup. Press each biscuit into the muffin cups or onto a flat baking sheet, which will serve as the perfect vessel for the scrumptious seafood filling.
Step 2: Mix the Seafood Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp and lump crab meat with the sour cream, softened cream cheese, lime juice, and seasoning. Add the finely diced jalapeño if you like a bit of spice, along with the chopped green onions and half of the shredded cheeses. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your preference, ensuring every bite will be bursting with balanced flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Melts
Spoon the luscious seafood mixture evenly into each biscuit cup, filling them generously but neatly. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top. This golden cheese layer will melt into a deliciously gooey crown that perfectly complements the tender seafood below.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the filled biscuits in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the biscuits have turned a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the melts to cool just a bit before serving.
How to Serve Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate this already delightful dish. Diced tomatoes and fresh cilantro bring a pop of color and brightness, cutting through the creamy, cheesy filling with their refreshing notes. Extra green onions sprinkled on top add a touch of crunch and mild sharpness that perfectly balances the richness.
Side Dishes
These melts pair wonderfully with light, crisp sides. A fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette complements the zesty lime in the filling. Alternatively, serving alongside simple guacamole or a tangy salsa echoes the nacho theme and adds layers of flavor. For a heartier meal, consider grilled corn on the cob or a black bean salad to round out the fusion experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can be as fun as the recipe itself. Try serving the Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe on a wooden tray lined with parchment paper for a casual, inviting look perfect for gatherings. For a party, arrange them on a colorful platter with small bowls of salsa, sour cream, and lime wedges for guests to customize their bites. You could even add crushed tortilla chips on top before baking for an extra crunchy twist that really brings out the nacho vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days. This makes them a great option for a quick snack or lunch the next day without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
Freezing
The Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap each melt individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep their best quality for up to 1 month. Just be sure to thaw them fully before reheating to maintain the perfect texture.
Reheating
Reheat your melts in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the biscuit from getting soggy and to preserve the delightful crisp edges.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp and crab instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Using frozen shrimp and canned crab is a convenient and budget-friendly choice. Just thaw and drain them well before mixing into the filling to avoid excess moisture that could make the biscuits soggy.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I omit the jalapeño?
Yes, the jalapeño is completely optional and can be left out if you prefer a milder flavor. The Old Bay or taco seasoning will still provide plenty of seasoning and depth without the heat.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Traditional biscuit dough contains gluten, but you can find gluten-free biscuit dough options available in many stores. Just ensure the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free, and you can enjoy this melt without worry.
Is there a way to make these ahead of time for a party?
You can assemble the melts a day in advance, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. Then bake just before your guests arrive to enjoy them warm and fresh out of the oven.
What’s the best cheese substitute if I’m out of cheddar or Monterey Jack?
Colby cheese or a mild mozzarella can be used as alternatives. They melt well and won’t overpower the delicate seafood flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try the Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe because it truly is a crowd-pleaser that brings together comforting textures and tantalizing flavors in every bite. Simple to prepare yet impressive in taste, these melts are perfect for any occasion where you want to offer something a little special. Once you make them, I’m sure they’ll become one of your go-to recipes for fun, flavorful gatherings or a satisfying snack anytime the craving hits!
Print
Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 melts 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Delicious Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts combine flaky biscuit bases with a creamy seafood mixture topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these melts offer a flavorful blend of shrimp, crab, and zesty seasonings, baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro and tomatoes for a delightful bite.
Ingredients
Biscuit Base
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
Seafood Mixture
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or taco seasoning
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnishes (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare Biscuit Base: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or baking sheet. Flatten each biscuit slightly and press into the muffin cups or onto the sheet, creating a shallow base for the seafood topping.
- Mix Seafood Filling: In a bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, sour cream, softened cream cheese, lime juice, Old Bay or taco seasoning, finely diced jalapeño (if using), chopped green onions, and half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring until well blended.
- Fill Biscuit Cups: Spoon the seafood mixture evenly into the prepared biscuit cups or bases, distributing it carefully to fill each one without overflowing.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the seafood mixture on each biscuit cup.
- Bake: Place the filled biscuit cups in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with optional diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, or additional green onions. Serve warm and enjoy as a flavorful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a more budget-friendly option, substitute canned crab and frozen shrimp (thawed) instead of fresh seafood.
- Add crushed tortilla chips on top before baking to introduce a crunchy nacho texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, American
