Here’s a delicious coastal-inspired treat: Shrimp Crab Melts — warm, cheesy open-faced sandwiches topped with a creamy seafood mixture. They’re perfect as a party appetizer, lunch, or light dinner!
🦐🦀 Shrimp Crab Melts
Makes: 4–6 melts | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 10–12 min
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped (tail-off, peeled & deveined)
- 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning of your choice)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Swiss, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 4–6 slices of crusty bread (French bread, sourdough, or English muffins)
- Optional: hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Broiler:
Set your oven to broil and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. - Make the Seafood Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay, green onions, and half the cheese.
Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. - Assemble the Melts:
Lightly toast the bread slices if desired.
Spoon the seafood mixture evenly onto each slice.
Top each with the remaining cheese. - Broil:
Place under the broiler for 4–6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. - Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or dill. Serve hot with lemon wedges or a light side salad.
📝 Tips & Variations
- Make it mini: Use baguette slices or halved English muffins for bite-size party melts.
- Add veggies: Mix in chopped celery or red bell pepper for crunch.
- Make ahead: Mix the seafood filling up to 1 day in advance and store in the fridge.
- Spicy twist: Use pepper jack cheese and sriracha for a bold version.