If you’re looking for a game-changing appetizer that’s indulgent, bold, and guaranteed to impress, Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are it. These golden, pull-apart bread bites are loaded with a creamy mixture of shrimp, crab, cheese, and seasoning, then baked until gooey inside and crispy outside. Think of them as the ultimate mashup of cheesy garlic bread, seafood dip, and stuffed rolls—all in one addictive bite. Perfect for parties, holiday spreads, or even a decadent snack night, these bread bombs are a delicious way to combine comfort food with coastal flavors.The best part is that you can customize them however you like, experimenting with different cheeses, seasonings, or even swapping in other proteins. Whether you’re serving them at a celebration or enjoying them on a cozy night in, these bread bombs will always leave people asking for seconds. They’re fun, flavorful, and the ultimate way to take garlic bread to the next level.
Full Recipe
Ingredients
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1 loaf of Italian or French bread dough (or 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough)
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1/2 lb cooked shrimp, chopped
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1/2 lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons sour cream
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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3 tablespoons melted butter
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for brushing)
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Cooking Directions
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Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, parsley, Old Bay, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until creamy and well blended. -
Prepare the Dough
If using refrigerated bread dough, cut it into 12–14 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle using your hands. -
Fill and Seal the Bombs
Place a spoonful of the seafood filling in the center of each dough round. Fold the edges up and pinch tightly to seal into a ball. -
Prepare Garlic Butter Coating
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder. Brush each bread bomb generously with the butter mixture. -
Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the stuffed bread bombs seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. -
Finish and Serve
Once baked, brush with additional garlic butter if desired and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm with marinara sauce, aioli, or a creamy dipping sauce.
Nutrients (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 220
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Protein: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Fat: 11g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 420mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These garlic bread bombs combine two comfort food favorites: cheesy stuffed bread and creamy seafood filling. They’re handheld, gooey, and perfect for sharing—whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a football party, or just want to treat yourself to something indulgent. The crispy, buttery outside paired with the rich, cheesy seafood center is irresistible.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
Garlic bread has long been a staple in American and Italian-inspired cuisine, while crab and shrimp dips are coastal party classics. This recipe blends the two, inspired by the love of bite-sized, easy-to-serve foods that double as appetizers or snacks. It’s essentially seafood dip reimagined in a portable, mess-free form.
Ingredient Spotlight
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Shrimp & Crab: The star ingredients—rich, tender, and slightly sweet, bringing seafood flair.
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Cream Cheese & Mozzarella: These add creaminess and gooey texture that make every bite decadent.
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Old Bay Seasoning: A seafood essential, adding a spiced kick without overpowering the delicate crab and shrimp.
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Garlic Butter: This is what transforms simple dough into irresistible golden bombs.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to regain their crispy outside and gooey center. They can also be frozen—wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Common Variations to Try
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Swap crab for lobster for an extra luxurious version.
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Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicier kick.
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Add a few chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling for heat.
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Make it a dip version by baking the filling in a dish with extra cheese and serving with toasted bread.
Pairing Recommendations
These stuffed bread bombs pair beautifully with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or even as part of a seafood feast. For drinks, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer complements the richness. For casual gatherings, serve alongside marinara or ranch for dipping.
Health Benefits
Seafood offers lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and important nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium. Shrimp and crab are lower in fat compared to other proteins, making this dish slightly lighter despite its indulgent cheese base. Garlic and parsley add antioxidants and freshness, balancing out the richness of the recipe.
Conclusion
Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be ordinary. These little golden bites combine cheesy, garlicky bread with the luxurious taste of shrimp and crab for a recipe that’s equal parts indulgent and impressive. They’re versatile enough for casual snacking or elegant enough for party appetizers, making them a recipe worth keeping on hand for every occasion. Even better, they’re customizable. You can spice them up with jalapeños, make them fancier with lobster, or even serve them alongside a soup or salad for a light dinner. The fact that they’re portable makes them a go-to for potlucks, tailgates, or picnics, too. Each bite feels like a restaurant-quality treat that you created in your own kitchen.
When you pull these golden, buttery bombs out of the oven, you’ll know instantly that they’re something special. The aroma of garlic, butter, and seafood fills the room, and the cheesy filling oozes perfectly with each bite. Whether you’re cooking to impress guests or simply to spoil yourself, these seafood bread bombs will never disappoint. After all, they embody the best kind of cooking—fun, flavorful, and made to share with the people you love.