Shrimp Crab Melts: The Ultimate Cheesy Seafood Comfort Snack

If you’ve been craving a warm, savory, ultra-satisfying seafood treat that comes together in minutes, Shrimp Crab Melts are about to become your new obsession. These irresistible melts combine plump shrimp, sweet lump crab meat, creamy mayo, tangy lemon, and melty cheese — all piled high on toasted bread for a handheld seafood masterpiece.

Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner, an impressive party appetizer, or a comforting weekend lunch, Shrimp Crab Melts strike the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. They’re rich without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and endlessly customizable.

Whether you love classic seafood bakes, cheesy melts, or open-faced sandwiches, this recipe gives you everything: creamy filling, crispy base, and golden-brown cheesy topping that bubbles and browns beautifully under the broiler.

What Makes Shrimp Crab Melts So Good?

These melts are built from simple ingredients but deliver restaurant-worthy flavor thanks to:

1. Fresh, sweet seafood. Shrimp and crab pair beautifully, giving both texture and depth.
2. A creamy, seasoned mixture. Mayonnaise, green onions, lemon, and Old Bay create classic coastal flavor.
3. Perfect melty cheese. Cheddar or Swiss melts into the seafood, creating gooey richness.
4. Toasted bread base. Crisp on the bottom but soft inside — the perfect contrast.
5. Fast broiler cooking. The entire dish is ready in under 20 minutes.

They’re honestly addictive, and once you make them, you’ll want them in your regular rotation.

Ingredients

Seafood Melt Mixture

• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly

• 4–6 slices of French bread or English muffins
• 4–6 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese
• Optional: extra parsley, lemon zest, hot sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Seafood Mixture

1. Chop the shrimp
   Cut shrimp into bite-size pieces to ensure even distribution in every melt.
2. Mix ingredients
   In a bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, mayo, lemon juice, Old Bay, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir gently
   Fold together just until everything is evenly mixed without breaking up the crab too much.

Shrimp Crab Melts

Cheesy open-faced melts loaded with seasoned shrimp and crab, broiled to golden perfection.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 16 minutes mins

Servings: 6 melts

Course: Appetizer, Lunch

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Calories: 260

Ingredients

  

Seafood Mixture

• 1 cup cooked shrimp chopped
• 1 cup lump crab meat fresh or canned
• 0.33 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 2 green onions sliced
• 1 tbsp parsley chopped
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Assembly

• 4-6 slices French bread or English muffins toasted
• 4-6 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Chop cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
2. Combine shrimp, crab, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat oven to broil or 450°F (230°C).
4. Lightly toast bread or English muffins.
5. Spread seafood mixture over bread.
6. Top each melt with a slice of cheese.
7. Broil 4–6 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve warm with parsley or lemon zest.

Notes

For extra crisp edges, toast the bread before adding the mixture.

Assembly & Baking

4. Preheat
   Set your oven to broil or 450°F (230°C).
5. Prep the bread
   Lightly toast bread or English muffins so they hold up under the toppings.
6. Pile on the seafood
   Spoon a generous amount of seafood mixture onto each piece of bread.
7. Add cheese
   Top each melt with a slice of cheddar or Swiss.
8. Broil
   Place melts on a baking sheet and broil 4–6 minutes or until cheese is bubbling and golden.
9. Serve immediately
   Garnish with parsley or lemon zest and enjoy warm.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Crab Melts

1. Use the right bread

A sturdy base works best: French bread, ciabatta, or English muffins.

2. Don’t skip the pre-toast

It prevents sogginess and gives the perfect crispy texture.

3. Choose good cheese

Swiss is creamy and mild; cheddar adds bold flavor.

4. Keep the seafood chunky

Big pieces make every bite satisfying and hearty.

5. Broil carefully

The cheese melts fast—watch closely to avoid burning.

Delicious Variations

• Spicy Seafood Melts: Add ½ tsp cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Garlic Parmesan Melts: Swap cheddar for Parmesan + mozzarella.
• Bayou-Style Melts: Add celery, paprika, and a splash of Worcestershire.
• Breakfast Melts: Serve over toasted bagels with a poached egg.

Serving Suggestions

• Party appetizers
• Weekend lunch
• Seafood dinner with salad
• Brunch side dish
• Late-night snack

They pair great with Caesar salad, roasted potatoes, or fresh fruit.

Storage

• Refrigerate seafood mixture only: Up to 2 days
• Do not store assembled melts: Bread becomes soggy
• Freeze? Not recommended due to mayo and seafood texture