If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that combines creamy, savory seafood with warm, flaky biscuits and a zesty nacho twist, this Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s everything you love about classic nachos—melty cheese, bold spices, and a pop of fresh toppings—all piled high on a buttery biscuit, with sweet shrimp and delicate crab meat stealing the spotlight. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, this fusion dish brings together comfort and celebration in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients to whip up Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit, but each component plays a key role in building irresistible layers of flavor, color, and texture. Let’s break down what makes each one essential.
- Refrigerated flaky biscuits: The ultimate shortcut for a golden, tender base that soaks up all the savory toppings.
- Cooked shrimp: Sweet, juicy shrimp bring a pop of seafood flavor and a lovely pink hue—chop them for easy layering.
- Lump crab meat: Delicate and slightly sweet, crab adds a luxurious touch—just be sure to pick out any shell bits.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics for an inviting, toasty base.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the seafood with savory depth and irresistible aroma.
- Smoked paprika: Lends gentle smokiness and a hint of warmth that perfectly complements the seafood.
- Old Bay seasoning: The classic seafood spice blend gives the dish its signature coastal kick.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Creamy and melt-in-your-mouth, it helps bind the toppings together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and that golden, bubbly finish everyone loves on nachos.
- Pickled jalapeños: Sliced for tangy heat and a punch of color—use more or less to suit your spice preference.
- Diced red bell pepper: Brings a sweet crunch and bright red color, making every bite pop.
- Green onions: Sprinkled on top for a fresh, mild bite and a splash of green.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds herbal brightness right before serving for a lift of flavor.
- Sour cream and lime wedges: The classic finish for creamy tang and a citrusy zing—serve on the side to let everyone customize their bite.
How to Make Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking. Separate each biscuit from the can, then gently flatten them into 4-inch rounds right on your baking sheet. This gives you the perfect canvas for all the toppings to come, and the biscuits will bake up with golden edges and a soft, fluffy center.
Step 2: Make the Seafood Mixture
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. As soon as you smell that wonderful garlic aroma, toss in the chopped shrimp, smoked paprika, and Old Bay. Sauté for just a couple minutes—enough to warm the shrimp and let the spices bloom. Take the pan off the heat and gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break up those sweet lumps of crab. This mixture is the heart of your Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit, so taste for seasoning and adjust if you like.
Step 3: Assemble the Biscuits
Spoon a generous heap of the seafood mixture onto each flattened biscuit, making sure you get a little bit of everything in each bite. Next, sprinkle on the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses—don’t be shy! Add a few slices of pickled jalapeño and a scattering of diced red bell pepper on top. The colors are gorgeous, and you’ll love the way each ingredient melts and mingles.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Slide your loaded biscuits into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end—the biscuits should be beautifully golden, and the cheese will be bubbling and just starting to brown in spots. This is when the magic happens: the cheese melts into the seafood, and the biscuit edges get deliciously crisp.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Pull the baking sheet from the oven and immediately shower the hot biscuits with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. The herbs wilt ever so slightly from the heat, releasing their aroma. Set out a bowl of sour cream and a pile of lime wedges for serving—everyone can dollop and squeeze as they like, adding coolness and tang to every bite of Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit.
How to Serve Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit
Garnishes
For that fresh finish, always top your Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit with green onions and cilantro just before serving. A dollop of sour cream adds creamy contrast, while a squeeze of lime brightens every bite. If you like a little extra kick, a few drops of hot sauce are always welcome at the table.
Side Dishes
While these biscuits are a standout on their own, they’re also fantastic paired with a crisp green salad tossed in a citrusy vinaigrette, or a bowl of fresh fruit for something sweet and light. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a creamy corn chowder or a simple slaw to balance the richness of the seafood and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit into bite-sized party food by making mini versions with smaller biscuits, or pile them high on a platter for a fun, shareable starter. Stack them up on a wooden board with little ramekins of extra toppings—think extra jalapeños, pickled onions, or avocado slices—so guests can build their own dream biscuit. They also make a playful brunch dish, especially with a mimosa or a spicy Bloody Mary on the side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit left (they tend to disappear quickly!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days—the flavors will meld, making them almost better the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each cooled biscuit tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to a month. When you’re craving a seafood snack, just thaw and reheat for an instant treat.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. This keeps the biscuit crisp and the toppings fresh. Avoid microwaving if you can—it can make the biscuits soggy.
FAQs
Can I use canned or imitation crab for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lump crab meat gives the best texture and flavor, you can substitute with canned or imitation crab in a pinch. Just be sure to drain canned crab well and break up imitation crab for even distribution.
Is it possible to make Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the biscuits with all toppings (except garnishes) and refrigerate them, covered, for a few hours before baking. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven and add the fresh herbs and toppings right before serving.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to mix things up—try pepper jack for extra spice, or mozzarella for a super melty finish. Just aim for cheeses that melt well and complement seafood for the best Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit experience.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free refrigerated biscuits or make your own from scratch. All the toppings are naturally gluten free, so just swap the biscuit base and you’re set.
How spicy is this recipe?
Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit has a gentle kick from jalapeños and Old Bay, but you control the heat. Add extra jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you like things fiery, or leave them off for a milder version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your tastebuds and your guests, Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit is the way to go. It’s simple, fun, and brimming with seafood flavor—every bite feels like a celebration. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your most requested recipe, so go ahead and give it a try!
Print
Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring flaky biscuits topped with a savory blend of shrimp, crab meat, melted cheeses, and spicy jalapeños, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Biscuits
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated flaky biscuits
Seafood Mixture
- ½ pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- ½ cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Toppings
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
- ¼ cup diced red bell pepper
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream and lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Biscuits: Separate the refrigerated biscuit dough and place each biscuit onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently flatten each biscuit slightly with your fingers to form approximately 4-inch rounds, creating a base for toppings.
- Cook Seafood Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped shrimp, smoked paprika, and Old Bay seasoning, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp are heated through and fragrant. Remove from heat, then gently fold in the lump crab meat to combine without breaking it up.
- Assemble Biscuits: Spoon a generous amount of the cooked seafood mixture onto each flattened biscuit. Sprinkle each with equal parts of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Top with diced red bell pepper and sliced pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Bake: Place the assembled biscuits in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish each biscuit with sliced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm with sour cream and lime wedges on the side to add creaminess and a bright citrus finish.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood if available for the best flavor and texture.
- You can make these biscuits smaller to serve as appetizer-sized portions at parties.
- Serve these biscuits alongside a fresh salad to make a satisfying full meal.
- For extra heat, add hot sauce or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
