Once your filling is ready, open the biscuit dough and separate each biscuit into two halves, creating a top and bottom. I like to flatten each half slightly to form a little base for our seafood goodness. Then, scoop a generous spoonful of the seafood mixture onto the bottom half of each biscuit. Top it off with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. It’s at this moment that your kitchen will smell absolutely divine, and you might want to steal a bite before baking—just a tiny taste!
Carefully place the top half of the biscuit over your loaded bottom half, pressing gently to seal it. Arrange these delightful little melts on your prepared baking sheet, giving them some space. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. When they’re done, the tantalizing aroma wafting from the oven will have everyone gathering around, waiting to dig in!
Finally, once the Shrimp and Crab Nacho Biscuit Melts are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. This gives the cheesy filling a moment to firm up so that when you take your first bite, it doesn’t all ooze out at once. Serve them warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if you like. I promise you, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “nacho!”
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways: with different cheese blends, with homemade biscuit dough, and even with various seafood mixtures. The shredded cheddar cheese worked best because it melts beautifully and adds a sharp flavor that complements the seafood. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an added kick.
Another thing I learned through trial and error is to ensure that the shrimp is well-cooked before mixing it into the filling. Undercooked shrimp can turn tough when baked, and nobody wants that in their melts. So, I recommend sautéing the shrimp briefly in a bit of butter with garlic before adding it to the mix.
Finally, if you want more of a kick, do not hesitate to toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. The heat from the spices balances perfectly with the creamy filling and creates a party of flavors in your mouth!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I made early on was not fully sealing the biscuit halves before baking. I lost a lot of filling to the baking sheet, and my precious seafood melted into oblivion. To avoid this mishap, press down firmly on the edges of the biscuits to help them seal properly.
Another error I encountered was using unseasoned seafood. The shrimp and crab can be quite subtle in flavor without a good amount of seasoning. Make sure to use that Old Bay seasoning and taste the mixture before filling your biscuits. You want it to be bursting with flavor.
I also learned the hard way that baking time can vary greatly depending on your oven. Keep an eye on your melts during the last few minutes to prevent them from burning. Last thing you want after all that preparation is to have a batch of overly crispy biscuits! (See the next page below to continue…)