If there’s one appetizer (or quick lunch!) that instantly feels coastal, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, it’s a hot Shrimp Crab Melt. Imagine sweet crab meat, tender chopped shrimp, creamy seasoned dressing, and melty cheese piled high on toasted bread — all baked until bubbly and golden. It’s luxurious without being fussy, fast without cutting corners on flavor, and universally loved by seafood fans.

Whether you’re hosting guests, planning a weekend brunch, or craving a restaurant-quality seafood melt at home, this recipe delivers huge flavor with minimal work. Everything mixes in one bowl, the topping spreads effortlessly, and the oven does the rest. Within minutes, your kitchen smells like a gourmet coastal café.

This complete guide walks you through the best ingredients, proper ratios, expert cooking techniques, and the secrets behind achieving a perfectly rich, savory, golden-brown seafood melt every single time.

What Exactly Are Shrimp Crab Melts?

Shrimp Crab Melts are open-faced toasted sandwiches topped with a mixture of:

• Lump crab meat
• Chopped cooked shrimp
• Mayonnaise or a mayo-cream base
• Cheese (usually cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Aromatics (lemon juice, green onions, seasonings)

The mixture is spooned onto bread — often French bread, English muffins, or Texas toast — and baked until hot, melted, and lightly browned.

They’re similar to tuna melts, but far richer and much more special. Think of them as a seafood-lover’s dream: creamy, savory, bright, and indulgent, yet incredibly easy to make.

Why This Shrimp Crab Melt Recipe Works

This recipe is built for balance and maximum flavor. Here’s why it works so well:

1. Perfect Seafood Ratio

Using equal portions of shrimp and crab gives the topping great texture — not too soft, not too firm. Crab brings sweetness; shrimp brings bite.

2. No Excessive Mayonnaise

Many melts go heavy on mayo, making them greasy. This recipe uses just enough to bind everything while still letting the seafood shine.

3. A Three-Cheese Approach

Cheddar gives flavor. Mozzarella gives stretch. Parmesan gives saltiness and depth. Combined, they create the ultimate melt.

4. Toasting the Bread First

This step keeps the base crispy even under a rich seafood topping. No soggy melts allowed.

5. Broiling for the Finish

A short broil caramelizes the top layer of cheese, adding golden crisp edges and more flavor.

Ingredients

Seafood Topping

• 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp Old Bay or seafood seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Bread

• 4–6 slices French bread, Texas toast, or English muffins
• Butter for toasting (optional)

Optional Garnish

• Parsley
• Additional lemon wedges
• Paprika for color

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the bread

Toast your bread lightly either in a toaster or under the broiler. This creates a firm base that won’t turn soggy once topped.

2. Mix the seafood topping

In a medium bowl, combine crab meat, chopped shrimp, mayo, cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, green onions, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to keep the crab lumps intact.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

3. Assemble the melts

Lay the toasted bread slices on a baking sheet. Spoon the seafood mixture onto each piece, spreading evenly to the edges and mounding slightly in the center.

4. Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and the seafood mixture is hot.

5. Broil for a golden finish

Turn on the broiler for 1–2 minutes to brown the top lightly. Watch it closely!

6. Serve

Serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

Shrimp Crab Melts

Cheesy, creamy seafood melts made with shrimp, crab, and melted cheese on toasted bread.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 6 melts

Course: Appetizer, Lunch

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Seafood Topping

• 1 cup lump crab meat drained
• 1 cup cooked shrimp chopped
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese grated
• 2 green onions thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp seafood seasoning Old Bay or similar
• salt and pepper to taste

Bread

• 4-6 slices French bread or Texas toast lightly toasted

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Oven

Method

 

1. Lightly toast bread slices to prevent sogginess.
2. Combine crab, shrimp, mayo, cheeses, green onions, garlic, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl.
3. Spread seafood mixture evenly on toasted bread.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until melted and hot.
5. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden top.

Notes

For extra flavor, add paprika or serve with lemon wedges.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Crab Melts

1. Don’t Overmix

You want visible lumps of crab for texture.

2. Use cooked shrimp

Raw shrimp will release liquid and make the topping runny.

3. Drain crab well

Extra moisture = soggy melts.

4. Broil carefully

You’re aiming for golden, not burnt.

5. Use sturdy bread

Thin or soft bread collapses under the heat and topping.

Variations You’ll Love

Spicy Shrimp Crab Melts

Add minced jalapeño, cayenne, or hot sauce.

Garlic Parmesan Version

Increase garlic to 2 cloves and parmesan to 1/3 cup.

Herb & Lemon Bright Melt

Add dill, parsley, and extra lemon zest.

Cajun Melt

Season with Cajun spice instead of Old Bay.

Cheesy Loaded Melt

Top with extra cheddar before broiling.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp Crab Melts pair well with:

• Caesar salad
• A creamy tomato soup
• Lemon garlic roasted vegetables
• A simple cucumber salad
• A light pasta side

They’re also perfect as:
✔ Appetizers
✔ Lunch
✔ Party snacks
✔ Brunch dishes
✔ Seafood boards