Name: Cheesy Shrimp Meltaways
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup of cooked shrimp – cut into small pieces; 1 jar (5 ounce) Old English Cheese Spread; 2 tablespoons butter (softened); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon Season-All Seasoned Salt; 8 English muffins sliced and then cut in half

This post and its photos may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe

These cheesy Shrimp Meltaways are sure to be a crowd-pleaser! A cheesy shrimp topping is spread onto an English muffin and broiled for a delicious open-faced appetizer perfect for parties and family gatherings.

Shrimp meltaways - english muffins topped with a creamy cheesy shrimp spread and baked until golden

Today I’m sharing one of my favorite appetizers. My mom used to make these cheesy Shrimp Meltaways all the time and they’ve always been a huge hit. They are gone within 10 minutes of coming out of the oven and everyone is always asking my mom for the recipe.

I asked my mom for this crowd-pleasing recipe so I could make these meltaways while we watched football over the weekend and, of course, I had to share the recipe with all of you.

Shrimp Meltaways

If you’re looking for a delicious appetizer full of flavor, you’ve come to the right place! These Shrimp Meltaways only require 6 ingredients and can be prepared ahead of time. My mom always has a bag of meltaways in the freezer so she can quickly make them for parties, family gatherings and more.

Why You’ll Love This Appetizer

Easy to make – Just mix the ingredients, spread onto bread, and bake until warm and bubbly. It’s a simple, no-stress recipe that comes together quickly with minimal prep.
Creamy and cheesy – Rich, melty cheese is perfectly paired with tender shrimp and crispy bread. A delicious combination!
Perfect for sharing – Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating the holidays, or watching the game, these bite-sized appetizers are easy to make and serve.
Always a hit – They’re the kind of appetizer guests reach for first and they tend to disappear before you know it! I definitely recommend doubling the recipe.

Shrimp Meltaways on white plate garnished with parsley

Shrimp Meltaway Ingredients

Shrimp – boil, sauté, or thaw pre-cooked frozen shrimp, then chop into small pieces so it mixes easily into the topping.
Old English Cheese Spread – gives the meltaways their signature rich, cheesy flavor and smooth texture.
Butter – adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable topping that bakes beautifully.
Mayonnaise – enhances the savory flavor of the cheese mixture.
Seasoned Salt – a simple blend of spices that boosts flavor and adds a subtle savory kick throughout the appetizer.
English muffins – creates the crispy base for the toppings.

Easy shrimp meltaways made with English muffins, cheese, and shrimp baked until golden

How to Make Shrimp Meltaways

First, you’ll need to make the shrimp spread that goes on top of the English muffins. To make the shrimp mixture, mix together cooked shrimp with mayo, Old English Cheese Spread, butter, and Season All seasoned salt.

Next, spread the shrimp mixture over each English muffin half and arrange them on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for a few minutes, just until the topping is heated through, bubbly, and lightly browned. Watch closely to prevent burning. Mine are usually ready in about 5 minutes.

I’ll warn you now – once you make these, you’re going to be craving cheesy shrimp meltaways all the time. Also, be prepared because these won’t last long especially if you’re making them for a party or family gathering. Just do yourself a favor and double (or triple) this recipe. You can always freeze a bunch before broiling them.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Meltaways

Chop shrimp finely – Smaller pieces mix more evenly into the topping and make spreading easier.
Pat shrimp dry – Removing excess moisture keeps the mixture creamy instead of watery.
Soften the butter first – This helps everything blend smoothly and prevents lumps.
Don’t overload the muffins – A thin, even layer melts and browns better under the broiler.
Use a lined baking sheet – Parchment or foil makes cleanup quick and easy.
Watch closely while broiling – The topping can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on it.
Serve immediately – These taste best warm when the topping is bubbly and the muffins are crisp.
Garnish before serving – Sprinkle chopped parsley and sliced green onions over the meltaways for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Prep ahead for convenience – Mix the topping in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble and cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely, pat dry, and make sure the shrimp is fully cooked before chopping and adding it to the mixture.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them (before baking), place on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Broil straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cook time.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover meltaways in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat under the broiler or in the oven to crisp them back up.

What can I substitute for Old English cheese spread?
Any sharp cheddar cheese spread or pub cheese works well. You can also mix cream cheese with shredded sharp cheddar for a simple homemade substitute.

More Delicious Shrimp Recipes