Name: Shrimp Crab Melts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 8 slices bread (French, sourdough, or preferred type); 10 –14 oz cooked shrimp (chopped); 7 –9 oz crab meat (drained and flaked); 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend); ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 –2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 –2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill (chopped); Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); Optional: hot sauce or Old Bay seasoning

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Imagine a comforting open-faced sandwich where tender, succulent shrimp and delicate crab meat mingle under a blanket of gooey, melted cheese. These Shrimp & Crab Melts bring the rich flavors of the sea together with the satisfying crunch of toasted bread, making them a perfect option for a quick lunch or a light, elegant dinner.

With bright hints of lemon and fresh herbs balancing the savory seafood, each bite offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Whether you’re serving these up for yourself or entertaining friends, these melts will impress everyone with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weekdays.
Deliciously creamy seafood filling packed with fresh flavors.
Versatile for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests.
Customizable with your favorite bread and cheese varieties.

Ingredients

Bread (8 slices): Choose a sturdy variety like French or sourdough to hold the seafood topping without becoming soggy or falling apart.
Cooked shrimp (300–400 g / 10–14 oz): Chopped shrimp add a tender, juicy protein element that complements the crab perfectly.
Crab meat (200–250 g / 7–9 oz): Fresh or canned, flaked and drained, it provides a sweet, delicate seafood flavor and lovely texture.
Shredded cheese (1 cup): Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend offers rich, melty coverage that binds the topping and browns beautifully.
Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Creamy binder that adds moisture and richness to balance the seafood flavors.
Lemon juice (1–2 tbsp): Adds brightness and a subtle tang that lifts the overall taste.
Garlic cloves (1–2, minced): Provides aromatic depth and a hint of warmth to the filling.
Fresh parsley or dill (1 tbsp, chopped): Herbaceous note that freshens each bite and complements the seafood.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance all flavors.
Optional hot sauce or Old Bay seasoning: Adds a slight kick or classic seafood spice for extra flavor complexity.

Instructions

Prep the Seafood Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked shrimp, flaked crab meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh herbs. Season with salt, pepper, and optionally a dash of hot sauce or Old Bay seasoning. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors while maintaining the delicate texture of the seafood.
Arrange the Bread: Place the bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using sturdy bread ensures it won’t become soggy or collapse under the moist seafood topping once baked.
Apply the Seafood Mixture: Distribute the prepared seafood mix evenly over each bread slice in a generous layer. This step ensures every bite delivers a balanced amount of shrimp and crab goodness.
Top With Cheese: Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese atop the seafood layer. The cheese will melt into a rich, bubbly blanket, holding the seafood in place and adding creamy texture.
Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 200 °C (about 400 °F). Bake the assembled melts for 8 to 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the bread edges turn golden and crisp, creating the perfect contrast.
Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and garnish with extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve immediately to enjoy the melty, savory goodness at its best.

You Must Know

Use day-old or slightly toasted bread for best texture and to prevent sogginess.
Fresh seafood enhances flavor, but good-quality canned crab meat works well in a pinch.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if your crab meat is pre-seasoned.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy edges and melted cheese texture; microwaving is not recommended as it may make the bread soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these warm melts with a crisp green salad or bowl of tomato bisque to balance the richness. A light white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the seafood flavors beautifully.

Professional Tips

For extra flavor, mix a small amount of Dijon mustard into the mayo before combining with the seafood.
Try layering thin slices of bell pepper or green onions inside the seafood mix for added crunch and color.
Experiment with cheese blends like cheddar and Swiss for complexity in taste.

FAQs

Can I use raw shrimp for this recipe?: It is best to use cooked shrimp as the filling is not baked long enough to fully cook raw shrimp safely.
What kind of crab meat is best?: Fresh lump crab meat is ideal for sweetness and texture, but good-quality canned crab meat is a convenient alternative.
Can I prepare these melts in advance?: You can prepare the seafood mixture ahead, but assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What cheeses work well for melting?: Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or blends like cheddar and Swiss melt well and enhance flavor richness.
How do I make this recipe spicy?: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or sprinkle Old Bay seasoning into the seafood mix before assembling.