.png){kind=small}
Crabby Shrimp‑Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs
A bold twist on classic garlic bread, these stuffed bombs combine tender shrimp, optional crab, creamy cheeses, and fresh herbs baked into individual rounds of crusty Italian loaf. Perfect for game‑day spreads, casual gatherings, or an indulgent appetizer, they deliver seafood flavor and garlicky richness in every bite.
Ingredients (Makes 12 bombs)
• 1 loaf crusty Italian or French bread, about 12 inches long
• 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
• ½ cup crab meat or imitation crab, flaked (optional)
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning (optional)
Equipment
• Sharp knife
• Melon baller or small spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
Preparation and Assembly
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the bread loaf crosswise into twelve 1½‑inch thick rounds. Using a melon baller or small spoon, gently scoop out the center of each round, leaving a ½‑inch shell all around. Reserve the scooped bread for another use.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp and crab meat (if using), cream cheese, mozzarella, parsley, and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning if you like heat. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Spoon about two tablespoons of the seafood filling into each hollowed bread round, mounding lightly above the rim.
- In a small bowl, whisk the melted butter with a pinch of salt. Brush the top and edges of each stuffed round with the garlic butter.
Baking
Place the prepared bombs on the lined baking sheet, spaced evenly. Bake on the center rack of your preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling, the cheese has melted, and the bread edges are golden and crisp.
Garnish and Serving
Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with additional parsley. Serve warm alongside dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, spicy remoulade, or lemon‑butter sauce.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Jalapeño: Stir in 2 tablespoons diced pickled jalapeños and use pepper Jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
- Herb‑Loaded: Replace parsley with chopped basil and oregano for an Italian herb profile.
- Smoky Bacon: Top each bomb with crumbled cooked bacon before baking for smoky depth.
- Lemon Basil: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the filling and fold in chopped fresh basil.
Make‑Ahead and Freezing
To save time on game day, assemble the bombs on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. When ready, bake directly from the fridge, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the bake time. For longer storage, flash‑freeze assembled bombs on the baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover bombs keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and the bread crisp again. For a quick microwave option, heat single bombs for 30 seconds on medium power, though the crust will soften.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad or Caesar salad to balance richness.
- Serve as part of a larger appetizer spread featuring stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta, and meatballs.
- Offer alongside chilled shrimp cocktail or a seafood bisque for a cohesive seafood theme.
Expert Tips
- Avoid Sogginess: Pat shrimp and crab dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
- Even Filling: Use a small ice‑cream scoop or tablespoon to portion filling consistently.
- Cheese Melt: Cover the bombs with foil for the first 8 minutes of baking if you prefer the filling heating through before the bread browns; then remove foil to crisp the crust.
- Butter Flavor: Stir a teaspoon of grated Parmesan into the garlic butter for added umami.
Crabby Shrimp‑Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are guaranteed to become a memorable crowd‑pleaser. Their combination of seafood indulgence and irresistible garlic bread makes them ideal for sharing—and perfect for satisfying every craving in one bite.