Here’s a detailed recipe for Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts a rich, cheesy, seafood-packed twist on open-faced biscuit melts with a Tex-Mex flair. This recipe is perfect as a party appetizer, lunch dish, or comfort food treat.
Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts
Servings: 8 melts
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Biscuit Base:
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1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (Grands or similar)
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1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing)
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½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
For the Seafood Topping:
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½ lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, chopped
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½ cup lump crab meat (canned or fresh, picked over for shells)
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½ cup diced red bell pepper
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¼ cup diced red onion
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1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
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¼ tsp ground cumin
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¼ tsp chili powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional but recommended):
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Fresh chopped cilantro
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Sliced green onions
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Diced tomatoes
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Sour cream or crema
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Sliced black olives
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Hot sauce
Directions
1. Prepare the Biscuits:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Open the biscuit dough and separate into individual rounds.
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Place biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
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Flatten each biscuit slightly with your hand or a flat-bottomed cup to make a wide base.
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Optional: Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Cook the Seafood Mixture:
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While biscuits bake, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add diced onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
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Add chopped shrimp and crab meat. Stir and cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until heated through.
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Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
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In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
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Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until slightly thickened (2–3 minutes).
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Add shredded cheese, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted and smooth.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep warm.
4. Assemble the Biscuit Melts:
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Preheat the oven broiler on low (or keep it at 375°F if you prefer not to broil).
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Place baked biscuits on a baking sheet.
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Spoon a generous amount of seafood mixture onto each biscuit.
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Drizzle or spoon cheese sauce over the top of each one.
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Optional: Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top for a melted finish.
5. Melt & Serve:
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Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, just until the tops are bubbly and golden (watch closely to avoid burning).
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Remove from oven and garnish with cilantro, green onions, diced tomatoes, and any other toppings you like.
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Serve warm with a side of sour cream, hot sauce, or lime wedges.
Tips & Variations:
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Seafood Swap: You can substitute the shrimp or crab with canned tuna, lobster, or even a seafood mix.
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Spicier? Add cayenne to the cheese sauce or use pepper jack cheese.
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Cheese Sauce Shortcut: Use store-bought nacho cheese dip if you’re in a hurry.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough and cornstarch instead of flour in the cheese sauce.