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Irresistible Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts are a go-to party appetizer when you want maximum flavor for minimum fuss. The mix of juicy seafood, gooey cheese and zesty toppings piled atop flaky biscuits transforms ordinary ingredients into a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I make this for summer get-togethers and there are never leftovers.
I first whipped these up for an impromptu game night and they stole the show. Now my family requests them every time we have friends over to watch sports.
Ingredients
- Flaky biscuits: one can eight count choose brands with layers for best rise and crunch
- Cooked shrimp chopped: go for medium size for best texture or thaw frozen shrimp and pat dry
- Lump crab meat: best quality for sweet flavor check for shells
- Shredded cheese: cheddar or Mexican blend melts best and adds savory bite look for pre-shredded to save time
- Diced tomatoes: adds freshness and balances the richness choose ripe and drain excess liquid
- Sliced jalapeños: offers optional heat pick firm glossy peppers for best flavor
- Green onions chopped: brightens the whole dish select fresh with perky tops
- Taco seasoning: brings instant zesty flavor use your fave blend or make homemade for extra depth
- Salt and pepper: adjust to taste
- Sour cream and salsa for serving: creamy coolness and zing try homemade salsa for a fresh finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Biscuits:
- Place biscuits from the can onto a greased baking sheet. With your hands or the bottom of a glass gently flatten each out to a circle about half an inch thick. This step gives you lots of room for toppings and keeps the center fluffy.
- Mix the Seafood Filling:
- In a large bowl combine chopped shrimp lump crab tomatoes jalapeños half the green onions and taco seasoning. Stir until every bite is coated. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. The filling should look colorful and moist not runny.
- Assemble the Melts:
- Evenly spoon the seafood mixture over each flattened biscuit leaving a small border to help hold the toppings inside as they bake. This is where you can add or skip jalapeños for spiciness.
- Add the Cheese:
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over each portion. Cheese will melt and bubble to hold the filling in place and add irresistible flavor.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place tray in a 375-degree oven. Bake for around fifteen to twenty minutes until biscuits are golden at the edges and cheese is melted and bubbly. If the bottoms brown too quickly move tray up a rack.
- Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with remaining green onions for freshness right as they come out. Serve hot with sides of sour cream and salsa for dipping or drizzling.
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My favorite part of this dish is the fluffy biscuit bottom soaking up the savory seafood juices while staying crisp at the edges. The first time I made these for my nephew’s birthday the kids swiped all the cheese off the tops before I even sat down.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at three fifty degrees until hot and the biscuit revives its crispness. Avoid microwaving or the biscuits can get soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use canned crab in water and drain well if fresh is unavailable. Swap shrimp for flaked white fish or even cooked chicken for a fun twist. Pepper jack or Monterey cheese brings added heat and depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a game day snack alongside bowls of guacamole and salsa. Turn into a brunch dish with poached eggs. Add a big salad and make it dinner.
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History of Biscuit Melts
Open faced biscuit bakes are a Southern tradition known for turning simple dough and leftovers into warm satisfying treats. Seafood versions like this are coastal favorites often enjoyed at family gatherings and summer cookouts.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use canned crab instead of lump crab meat?
Yes, canned crab works well as a substitute for lump crab meat. Drain and gently flake before mixing.
- → Are these biscuit melts spicy?
They have a mild kick from taco seasoning and optional jalapeños. Adjust toppings to suit your spice preference.
- → How should I serve these at a party?
Arrange the melts on a platter and offer sides like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
- → Can I make the seafood filling ahead of time?
Prepare the shrimp and crab mixture in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble and bake.
- → What cheese goes best with these nacho biscuit melts?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese all melt beautifully and complement the seafood flavors.