Shrimp Crab Melts – The Ultimate Cheesy Seafood Bake

If you love seafood, melted cheese, and warm toasted bread, then Shrimp Crab Melts are about to become your new favorite indulgent meal. This recipe combines tender shrimp, sweet lump crab, creamy mayo, melted cheddar, and zesty lemon piled high on toasted bread — then broiled until bubbly, golden, and irresistible. Think of them as a luxurious seafood open-faced sandwich that’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for everything from casual lunches to dinner parties.

Shrimp Crab Melts bring together the best elements of coastal cooking: fresh seafood, creamy richness, and bold flavors that pair beautifully with crusty bread. Whether you’ve had a version of these at a beach café or you’re discovering them for the first time, this recipe recreates that warm, comforting, and slightly decadent seafood melt experience at home.

Let’s dive into what makes Shrimp Crab Melts iconic — and how to make the BEST version every time.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp Crab Melts

✔ Easy to make, but restaurant quality
These melts come together in minutes, yet the flavor tastes like something from a seaside bistro.

✔ Perfect blend of shrimp + crab
The sweetness of crab and mild flavor of shrimp complement each other perfectly.

✔ Broiled to cheesy perfection
The golden-brown topping adds a satisfying crunch and irresistible aroma.

✔ Versatile
Serve as a light lunch, party appetizer, elegant brunch, or even a seafood-forward dinner.

✔ Customizable
Add spices, change cheeses, use different bread — the options are endless.

Ingredients

Seafood Filling

• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Bread & Topping

• 4–6 slices of French bread, sourdough, or English muffins
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar + mozzarella)
• Extra lemon wedges, parsley (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the seafood mixture.
   In a bowl, combine shrimp, crab, mayo, mustard, garlic, green onions, lemon juice, Old Bay, pepper, and paprika. Stir gently to avoid breaking the crab too much.
2. Toast the bread.
   Preheat broiler on high. Lightly toast bread slices for 1–2 minutes until just crisp.
3. Assemble melts.
   Spoon the seafood mixture generously onto each toast. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Broil.
   Broil melts for 3–5 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
5. Serve immediately.
   Garnish with parsley, extra lemon, or a sprinkle of paprika.

Shrimp Crab Melts

Warm, cheesy open-faced melts piled with tender shrimp, sweet crab, and melted cheddar on toasted bread.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 melts

Course: Appetizer, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Seafood Filling

• 1 cup cooked shrimp chopped
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• 0.33 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 green onions sliced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 0.5 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp smoked paprika optional

Bread & Topping

• 6 slices bread French bread, sourdough, or English muffins
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Knife
• Broiler

Method

 

1. Combine shrimp, crab, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, green onions, lemon juice, Old Bay, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
2. Toast the bread lightly under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
3. Divide seafood mixture onto toasted bread slices.
4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Broil for 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve immediately with lemon and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Dry seafood well for best texture. Watch carefully when broiling to avoid burning.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Crab Melts

Use quality seafood.
Real lump crab makes a huge difference — avoid imitation crab for best flavor.

Dry the seafood.
Pat shrimp and crab dry before mixing to avoid a watery melt.

Toast before topping.
This step keeps the bread from getting soggy.

Broil carefully.
Cheese melts quickly — don’t walk away!

Use freshly grated cheese.
It melts smoother and browns more beautifully.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Shrimp Crab Melts
Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños.

Cheesy Herb Melts
Mix in fresh dill, chives, or parsley with the seafood blend.

Mediterranean Style
Use feta cheese and add chopped olives and roasted peppers.

Cajun Seafood Melts
Swap Old Bay for Cajun seasoning and add a squeeze of lime.

Garlic Parmesan Melts
Replace cheddar with mozzarella + Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp Crab Melts work beautifully for:

• Lunch with a side salad
• A Sunday brunch centerpiece
• A cozy seafood dinner
• A party appetizer cut into small squares
• A quick but luxurious weeknight meal

Pair with:

• Lemon-dill salad
• Creamy tomato soup
• Roasted asparagus
• Potato wedges
• Fresh fruit

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerate:
Store assembled but un-broiled melts for 1 day. Broiled melts are best eaten fresh.

Reheat:
Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to re-crisp the top.

Freezing:
The mixture can be frozen without cheese for up to 2 months.

Fun Facts About Seafood Melts

• Seafood melts became popular in mid-century American coastal restaurants.
• Many versions were served at beach boardwalks and seaside diners.
• The combination of shrimp + crab became widespread in the 1980s as luxury seafood trends grew.