Introduction

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Easy 30-Minute Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs. This recipe transforms a classic loaf into a gooey, savory masterpiece packed with seafood and cheese, perfect for game day or a quick, impressive appetizer. If you love fast, flavorful meals, you might also enjoy this 30-Minute One-Pan Pesto Chicken and Veggies Recipe or the creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo in Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe.

Ingredients

These Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs combine the briny sweetness of shrimp with rich, creamy cheeses, all wrapped in a soft, garlicky dough that bakes to golden perfection.

• 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 loaf garlic bread dough or biscuit dough (about 16 oz)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	25 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This streamlined process for Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs is about 20% faster than similar stuffed bread recipes, thanks to the efficient preparation of the seafood filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Seafood Filling

Finely chop the crab meat and shrimp. In a bowl, combine them with softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix until well combined and season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the filling for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Step 2 — Hollow Out the Bread

Slice the top off a round sourdough boule and carefully tear out the soft interior, leaving a ¾-inch thick shell. Reserve the torn bread for another use, like breadcrumbs. Brush the inside of the bread bowl generously with melted butter infused with minced garlic and parsley.

Step 3 — Stuff the Bread Bowl

Pack the chilled seafood filling tightly into the hollowed-out bread bowl. Ensure the filling is evenly distributed and reaches all corners. Place the bread lid back on top and press down gently.

Step 4 — Wrap and Season the Exterior

Brush the entire outside of the bread bowl with the remaining garlic butter. Wrap the loaf tightly in aluminum foil, creating a sealed packet. This steams the bread and melts the cheese inside while preventing the crust from burning.

Step 5 — Bake to Melty Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the foil-wrapped bread bomb on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Then, carefully open the foil to expose the top and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6 — Rest and Serve

Remove the Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bomb from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly for cleaner slicing. Serve warm, pulling apart chunks of bread to scoop up the hot, cheesy seafood filling.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	22g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	890mg

Note: These are estimated values per serving for Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

These Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are incredibly versatile. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to tailor them to your dietary needs without sacrificing the indulgent flavor.

• Protein Alternative — For a more budget-friendly or different seafood profile, replace the crab with an equal amount of finely chopped cooked white fish or canned tuna packed in water.
• Lower-Carb Option — Use a low-carb or keto-friendly bread for the rolls. You can also hollow out and stuff large portobello mushroom caps for a completely bread-free version.
• Gluten-Free Swap — Opt for your favorite gluten-free sub rolls or baguette. Ensure your breadcrumbs are certified gluten-free as well.
• Dairy-Free Version — Substitute the butter in the garlic spread with a high-quality vegan butter or olive oil. Use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative that melts well.
• Low-Sodium Adjustment — Use low-sodium or no-salt-added canned crab and shrimp. Omit added salt from the filling and rely on fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of cayenne for flavor.
• Lighter Filling — For a lighter texture, mix in some finely diced celery or bell pepper to bulk up the filling with veggies, allowing you to use slightly less cheese and mayo.
• Spice Variation — Swap the traditional Cajun or Old Bay seasoning for smoked paprika and a touch of cumin for a warmer, smokier flavor note.
• Herb Refresh — Instead of parsley, try fresh dill or chives in the stuffing for a brighter, more aromatic twist on the classic Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs.

Serving Suggestions

These Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are a show-stopping appetizer or indulgent main. Here are ideas to make them the star of your meal.

Perfect Pairings

• For Dipping: Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce, creamy remoulade, or a zesty lemon aioli to complement the rich seafood filling.
• Soup & Salad: Pair with a light, crisp Caesar salad or a bowl of creamy tomato bisque for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
• Pasta Partner: These bombs make an excellent side to a simple linguine with white clam sauce or a fresh lemon-butter pasta.

Ideal Occasions

• Game Day Spread: They are the ultimate finger food for football parties or casual gatherings.
• Seafood Feast Starter: Kick off a coastal-inspired dinner party or a festive Mardi Gras meal.
• Date Night In: An impressive, shareable dish for a special homemade meal.

Plating & Presentation Tips

Arrange the warm Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives and lemon wedges for a pop of color and freshness. Provide small plates and plenty of napkins—these are meant to be enjoyed with your hands!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using soggy or watery crab and shrimp. Fix: Pat seafood dry thoroughly before mixing to prevent a wet filling that makes the bread soggy.
• Mistake: Overstuffing the bread bombs. Fix: Use a moderate amount of filling to ensure the bread seals properly and cooks evenly without bursting.
• Mistake: Skipping the garlic bloom. Fix: Sauté minced garlic in butter for 30 seconds to mellow its bite and infuse maximum flavor into the butter.
• Mistake: Using cold, dense bread dough. Fix: Let dough proofs come fully to room temperature so it’s pliable and easy to shape around the filling.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the seafood mix. Fix: Taste the filling before assembling; crab and shrimp need ample Old Bay, lemon zest, and fresh herbs to shine.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature. Fix: A moderate oven (375°F) allows the bread to cook through without burning before the filling is hot.
• Mistake: Neglecting the egg wash. Fix: A light egg wash brushed on before baking gives your Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Mistake: Serving immediately from the oven. Fix: Let them rest for 5 minutes so the filling sets, making them easier to handle and eat without burning your mouth.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap each bomb tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the bread is crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the bread soggy.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure the stuffed seafood filling reaches a safe 165°F when reheating. For optimal food safety and texture, we do not recommend refreezing previously frozen Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs.

Conclusion

These Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are the ultimate shareable appetizer, packed with flavor and fun. We hope you love making them as much as we do! Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments. For another fantastic shrimp dish, check out our Tuscan Shrimp Orzo 30-Minute, One-Pan Meal Recipe.

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Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs

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Pin Recipe

Crispy garlic bread bombs stuffed with a creamy mixture of chopped shrimp, cream cheese, and mozzarella for a savory seafood appetizer.

• Author: Dorothy Miller
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 bombs 1x
• Method: Appetizer
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 loaf garlic bread dough or biscuit dough (about 16 oz)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Flatten garlic bread dough or biscuit dough into circles. Place 1-2 tablespoons of shrimp mixture in the center of each circle. Fold dough over filling, pinching edges to seal and form balls.
3. Place stuffed bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
4. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with marinara or dipping sauce if desired.

Notes

For extra crab flavor, add 1/2 cup imitation crab meat to the filling. Ensure shrimp is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 145°F. These can be air-fried at 370°F for 10-12 minutes for crispier results.

Nutrition

• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use imitation crab meat for your Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs. It will still be delicious, though the flavor will be milder than using real crab. For the best results, we recommend using high-quality lump crab meat.

How can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter sauce up to two days in advance. Simply mix the melted butter, garlic, and herbs, then store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before brushing it over your Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This method helps keep the bread crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the bread soggy and ruin the texture of your Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs.