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If you love bold flavors packed into a handheld delight, you are going to adore the Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe. This dish takes buttery, flaky biscuits and transforms them into a seafood lover’s dream with a creamy, spicy mixture of shrimp, lump crab, melted cheese, and taco spices. It’s like your favorite nachos but with an indulgent, hearty twist that’s perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or any time you want to impress without fuss. The contrast of warm biscuit bases and bubbly, golden melted cheese loaded with fresh seafood will have you coming back for more every single time.

Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing texture, flavor, or color that elevates every bite into a harmonious celebration of taste.

1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count): Serves as the soft, buttery base that’s perfect for holding the seafood topping.
½ pound cooked shrimp (chopped): Adds tender, succulent bites of flavor and a hint of the sea.
½ cup lump crab meat (picked over for shells): Brings a juicy sweetness and delicate texture.
½ cup sour cream: Adds creamy tanginess that balances the spices perfectly.
¼ cup mayonnaise: Enhances richness and helps everything bind together smoothly.
1 teaspoon taco seasoning: Injects vibrant Tex-Mex spices for that signature bold kick.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a mellow, aromatic depth to the seafood mix.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and a beautiful golden melt on top.
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a mild creamy counterpoint.
2 green onions (sliced): Sprinkle fresh, bright flavor and a slight crunch.
1 small jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped, optional): Adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish: Adds fresh color and a zesty finish.

How to Make Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Biscuit Bases

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently flatten each refrigerated biscuit dough just a little, then place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Baking the biscuits first creates a sturdy, golden base that’s soft but holds the delicious toppings beautifully. Bake them for about 8 to 10 minutes, until they’re puffed up and showing a nice light golden color.

Step 2: Mix the Seafood Filling

While your biscuit bases are baking, combine the chopped cooked shrimp, crab meat, sour cream, mayonnaise, taco seasoning, garlic powder, green onions, and jalapeño in a medium bowl. Stir in half of both the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Season with salt and pepper thoughtfully—taste as you go for the perfect balance since the cheese and taco seasoning are already flavorful. This creamy, spicy seafood mixture will be the heart of your melts.

Step 3: Shape Biscuit Wells and Add Toppings

Once the biscuits come out of the oven, use your fingers or a spoon to gently press down the centers, creating a shallow well that will hold the seafood filling without spilling out. Then, spoon a generous amount of the shrimp and crab mixture onto each biscuit base. Don’t be shy here—the more filling, the merrier!

Step 4: Top and Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over each filled biscuit. Return them to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and forms bubbly, golden patches all over. For an extra touch of irresistible browning, pop the melts under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly crisp on top.

How to Serve Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe

Garnishes

This dish loves fresh, bright garnishes! Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the hot melts just before serving to add a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. A squeeze of lime juice right before biting in elevates all those creamy, spicy flavors while adding a refreshing zing that complements the seafood perfectly.

Side Dishes

While these melts can stand proudly on their own, pairing them with light sides enhances the experience. A crisp, simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. For a Tex-Mex twist, serve alongside some black bean salsa or a cool avocado crema to balance the warmth and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or casual gathering, arrange the shrimp and crab nacho biscuit melts on a large platter lined with leafy greens. Add colorful bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream around for guests to customize their bites. You can also serve them on small plates with mini forks for an elegant appetizer presentation that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These melts are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The biscuits will soften slightly but remain delicious if reheated properly.

Freezing

If you wish to freeze, prepare the biscuit bases and seafood mixture separately, then assemble just before baking. Freeze biscuit dough and filling in sealed containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed for best results.

Reheating

To bring chilly leftovers back to life, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This will warm the filling thoroughly and crisp up the biscuit base somewhat. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it may turn the biscuits soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh shrimp and crab instead of cooked or canned?

Absolutely, fresh seafood will work wonderfully. Just be sure to cook the shrimp beforehand and pick over the crab carefully. Using cooked ingredients speeds up prep and keeps the flavors balanced.

Is the jalapeño necessary in the recipe?

The jalapeño adds a nice gentle kick, but it’s optional. If you prefer a milder dish or want to avoid spice, simply leave it out or substitute with a small amount of bell pepper for crunch without heat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Since the biscuit base contains gluten, try substituting with your favorite gluten-free biscuit dough or small gluten-free bread rounds. The seafood topping is naturally gluten-free, so it works well with alternatives.

How spicy is the Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe?

The spice level is moderate, mostly coming from the taco seasoning and jalapeño. You can adjust these components to suit your heat tolerance, making it milder or spicier as you prefer.

What cheeses work best if I don’t have cheddar or Monterey Jack?

Look for melty, flavorful cheeses like Colby, mozzarella, or even a mild pepper jack to maintain that rich, gooey texture. The key is balancing sharpness with creaminess.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts Recipe that makes it feel like a little celebration in every bite. The combination of buttery biscuits, creamy seafood filling, and melted cheese delivers an unforgettable flavor adventure that’s as satisfying as it is fun to make. If you want a crowd-pleaser that’s quick, delicious, and a bit unexpected, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!