Buttery Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs loaded with cheesy, savory seafood filling. A melty, golden snack perfect for parties, apps, or game-day bites!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for entertaining: These bite-sized bread bombs are ideal for sharing at gatherings or events.
- Bold seafood flavor: A combination of shrimp, crab, and Old Bay seasoning delivers that classic coastal taste.
- Cheesy and creamy: With mozzarella and cream cheese inside, every bite is rich and satisfying.
- Quick and easy: Uses store-bought pizza dough to cut down prep time without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile serving options: Pair with marinara sauce, lemon wedges, or even aioli for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- ½ cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- ½ cup crab meat (lump or imitation), shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, shredded crab, cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, minced garlic, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Roll out the pizza dough and slice it into 8 equal squares.
- Place a heaping spoonful of the seafood filling in the center of each square.
- Fold the corners of the dough over the filling and pinch the seams to form sealed balls.
- Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce or lemon wedges, if desired.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 8 garlic bread bombs
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 285 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
- Cheesy overload: Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan for added flavor.
- Herb swap: Try dill or chives instead of parsley for a different aromatic touch.
- No seafood? Use shredded chicken or cooked sausage as an alternative filling.
- Mini version: Cut the dough into smaller pieces for bite-sized party snacks.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through. For a quicker option, microwave for 30–45 seconds, though the exterior may soften.
FAQs
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out while baking?
Seal the dough well by pinching all seams tightly. Placing the bombs seam-side down also helps contain the filling.
Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Yes, but note that puff pastry will yield a flakier texture. Adjust baking time as needed to avoid burning.
Is it better to use fresh or imitation crab?
Both work well. Fresh crab offers a more authentic flavor, but imitation is more affordable and still delicious.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes. Assemble the bombs and refrigerate them (covered) up to 4 hours before baking.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze before baking on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes.
What sauces go well with these?
Marinara, garlic aioli, lemon butter sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo are all excellent choices.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I substitute the shrimp with something else?
Yes. Try cooked salmon, canned tuna, or even tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.
Can I use low-fat alternatives for the dairy?
Absolutely. Light cream cheese and reduced-fat mozzarella still work well, though the texture may be slightly less creamy.
What side dishes pair well with these garlic bombs?
They go great with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or a chilled seafood cocktail platter.
Conclusion
Crabby Shrimp‑Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs deliver an irresistible combo of seafood, cheese, and garlicky bread in a portable, party-ready form. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just indulging in a savory snack, this easy recipe packs a punch of flavor in every bite. Don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes—so consider making a double batch!
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Crabby Shrimp Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 bombs
Description
Golden, cheesy garlic bread bombs stuffed with a creamy shrimp and crab filling—perfect for parties, game days, or as a delicious appetizer twist.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- ½ cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- ½ cup crab meat (lump or imitation), shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix shrimp, crab, cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, garlic, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut into 8 equal squares.
- Spoon a generous portion of the seafood mixture into the center of each square.
- Bring the corners of the dough together and pinch to seal into a ball.
- Place the balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush each one with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder on top.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce or lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the crab with more shrimp if desired.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor profile.
- Adjust garlic and seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bomb
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg