Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp Crab Melts combine tender seafood with creamy, savory fillings and gooey melted cheese — a comforting dish that feels indulgent yet light. They’re relatively quick to prepare, making them a perfect choice for a cozy lunch, a simple dinner, or a casual gathering with friends. The contrast between flaky bread or biscuit base and rich, seafood-cheese topping delivers satisfying texture and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, roughly chopped
• ½ pound lump crab meat, picked over to remove shells
• ⅓ cup chopped scallions (about 3 scallions)
• 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or Italian parsley)
• ¼ cup real mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon Creole seasoning (or a pinch of paprika + salt + pepper)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 hoagie rolls (about 8-inch each), split lengthwise — or crusty bread / baguette halves
• 2–3 medium tomatoes (optional), thinly sliced
• ½ to ¾ cup shredded mild cheese (like Jarlsberg, mozzarella or cheddar)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200 °C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped scallions, parsley, lemon juice, Creole seasoning, salt, pepper, ¼ cup mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Mix until well blended.
3. Gently fold in the chopped shrimp and the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the crab lumps too much.
4. Lightly spread a thin coating of remaining mayonnaise onto the cut sides of the hoagie rolls (or bread halves). Place cut-side down into a hot skillet over medium heat and toast lightly until the edges are golden and crisp.
5. Remove the rolls from the skillet and place them on a baking sheet (cut-side up). Spoon the seafood mixture evenly onto each roll.
6. If using tomatoes, layer tomato slices over the seafood mixture. Then sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for a minute or two before serving.

Servings and timing

• Makes about 4 Shrimp Crab Melts (two hoagie rolls, split into halves).
• Prep time: ~15 minutes
• Cook time (toasting + baking): ~15 minutes
• Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

• With different bread — Instead of hoagie rolls, you can use baguette halves, English muffins, or crusty bread slices.
• Cheese swap — Swap Jarlsberg for mozzarella, cheddar, or even a sharper cheese for a bolder flavor.
• Creamier filling — Add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese to the seafood mixture for extra richness.
• Spicy version — Add a dash of hot sauce, or mix in finely chopped jalapeños for heat.
• Vegetarian-style alternative — Replace shrimp and crab with sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or a medley of vegetables; combine with cheese and herbs for a similar “melt” effect.

Storage/Reheating

• If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then wrap in foil or store in an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep for 1–2 days.
• To reheat: place on a baking sheet and warm in a 350 °F (180 °C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is slightly melted again. Microwave reheating is not recommended because the bread can become soggy.

FAQs

How can I make Shrimp Crab Melts if I only have frozen shrimp?

You can use frozen shrimp — just thaw them fully, drain well, pat dry, then roughly chop before mixing with crab meat and other ingredients. Ensure shrimp are fully cooked before using.

Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh lump crab meat?

Yes — canned crab meat works fine. Just drain it well and be gentle when mixing to avoid breaking up lumps too much.

What cheeses work best for the cheese topping?

Mild, melty cheeses like mozzarella, Jarlsberg, or cheddar work well. For a sharper taste, try a sharper cheddar. Mixing cheeses (e.g. half mozzarella, half cheddar) adds flavor depth.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the seafood filling a few hours (or even one day) ahead. Refrigerate it in a covered container; when ready to bake, assemble the melts and bake as directed.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes — substitute the rolls or bread with a gluten-free loaf or use gluten-free sandwich rolls. Ensure all other ingredients (especially seasonings) are gluten-free.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, toast the bread or rolls before adding the filling — as in the recipe — and avoid overly wet fillings. Drain crab and shrimp well, and use only a moderate amount of mayonnaise.

Can I make these melts smaller — like appetizers?

Yes. Use smaller bread pieces (e.g. baguette slices, English muffin halves, or small rolls) and cut the final melts into bite-size portions. Great for parties or appetizers.

What side dishes pair well with Shrimp Crab Melts?

A fresh green salad, a light soup, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables complement the richness of the melts. Lemon wedges and a light vinaigrette or dipping sauce (like garlic-butter or cocktail sauce) also go well.

Are there ways to add more vegetables to the melts?

Yes — you can layer thinly sliced tomatoes (as in the recipe), add chopped bell peppers, diced onions, or even spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.

Can I make a “lighter” version, reducing fat or heaviness?

Sure — you can reduce mayonnaise, substitute part of it with low-fat yogurt or mashed avocado, use lower-fat cheese, and skip extra butter. Also choose whole-grain or lighter bread.

Conclusion

Shrimp Crab Melts are a delicious, versatile dish that brings together the fresh flavors of seafood with the comforting charm of melted cheese and toasted bread. Quick to assemble and easy to customize, they make a perfect choice for a simple dinner, a cozy lunch, or a casual gathering with friends. Whether you stick to the classic or try a variation, you’re sure to enjoy a tasty, satisfying meal.

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