Mediterranean Shrimp And Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts
These biscuit melts combine warm, cheesy seafood filling with a crisp, golden biscuit base. The flavors lean Mediterranean with olive oil, garlic, peppers, and herbs, while the nacho-style cheese keeps things fun and comforting. The shrimp and crab add sweetness and richness, and everything comes together in a handheld melt that works for lunch, appetizers, or a weekend snack. The shortcut biscuit dough keeps things quick, and the seafood mixture can be customized depending on how mild or spicy you want it.
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Biscuit Base
1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
For the Seafood Filling
½ pound cooked shrimp, chopped
½ pound lump crab meat
¼ cup diced jalapeños (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack
1 cup nacho cheese sauce (optional, for extra creaminess)
1–2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup finely chopped onion
¼ cup bell pepper, diced
Smoked paprika or cayenne, to taste
Salt and black pepper
For Garnish (Optional)
Sour cream
Salsa
Chopped cilantro or green onions
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment.
Prepare the biscuit base: Separate the biscuits and gently flatten each one into a 4–5 inch round. Arrange them on the baking sheet with space between them.
Cook the aromatics: Warm the olive oil in a skillet. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until soft.
Season the base mixture: Add smoked paprika or cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir until fragrant.
Add the shrimp and crab: Fold in the seafood and heat gently. Keep the heat low so the crab stays tender.
Add the cheeses: Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts. Add the nacho cheese sauce if you want a creamier filling.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more spice or salt if needed.
Assemble the melts: Spoon a generous amount of filling onto each flattened biscuit.
Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and golden around the edges.
Garnish and serve: Top with sour cream, salsa, and herbs if you like. Serve warm.
Tips
Flattening the biscuits makes room for more filling.
If using jalapeños, remove seeds for a milder flavor.
Don’t overheat the crab; it can toughen or break apart.
A mix of cheddar and pepper jack gives a good balance of melt and spice.
Keep the filling thick so it doesn’t spill off the biscuits.
Taste your crab before cooking; some brands are naturally salty.
If using canned crab, drain it well.
You can pre-bake the biscuits for 3 minutes if you want a firmer base.
Use parchment to prevent sticking, especially with cheesy toppings.
Let the melts cool slightly before serving so the filling settles.
Variations
Add chopped olives or artichokes for a stronger Mediterranean spin.
Swap cheddar with feta and use oregano and lemon zest.
Stir in roasted red peppers for sweetness.
Add spinach for color and extra texture.
Use smoked salmon instead of crab.
Add a spoon of cream cheese for a thicker, richer filling.
Turn them into mini bites using halved biscuits.
Make a spicy version with extra jalapeños and chipotle powder.
Add corn kernels for a Tex-Mex style mix.
Replace biscuits with puff pastry rounds for a flakier finish.
Q&A
Can I use raw shrimp?
Yes. Chop it small and cook it with the aromatics until pink.
Can I use imitation crab?
It works, but the flavor will be different.
Can I make these ahead?
You can make the filling ahead and assemble just before baking.
Can I freeze them?
Freeze after baking. Reheat in the oven.
What side dishes go well?
A simple salad, roasted vegetables, or cucumber dip.
Can I reduce the cheese?
Yes, but the texture will be less creamy.
Can I make them spicy?
Add cayenne, jalapeños, or crushed red pepper.
How do I keep the biscuits from getting soggy?
Make sure the filling is thick and not watery.
Can I use different seafood?
Yes. Scallops, salmon, or firm white fish all work.
Are these good cold?
They’re best warm, but they can be eaten at room temperature.
Nutrition
(Estimated per biscuit melt)
Calories: About 260–320
Protein: 16–20 g
Fat: 12–17 g
Carbs: 20–24 g
Fiber: 1 g
Numbers vary based on cheese and biscuit brands.
Conclusion
These nacho biscuit melts pack plenty of flavor in a quick, easy format. The shrimp and crab blend with peppers, garlic, and spices to create a rich filling that settles nicely into a golden biscuit base. They’re flexible enough for weeknights and fun enough for gatherings. You can customize the spice level, the cheese, or the mix-ins depending on what you like. Serve them warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy a seafood twist on classic cheesy comfort food.