Have you ever wondered what would happen if cheesy garlic bread collided with succulent shrimp and lump crab meat in one bite-sized bomb? Crabby Shrimp‑Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs challenge your party snack fantasies—and trust me, they deliver explosive flavor! Packed with creamy seafood goodness and melty cheese, this bite is redefining what’s possible in the world of appetizers. Read on to uncover how to make this irresistible crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your garlic bread bombs shine:
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1 loaf of French bread or hoagie rolls
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½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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½ lb lump crab meat
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp sour cream
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp butter, melted
Step‑by‑Step Directions
Step 1: Hollow & Toast the Bread
Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Slice the loaf or rolls into thick 2‑inch pieces. Gently scoop out the soft inner crumb, creating a “bomb shell.” Brush exteriors with melted butter. On a baking sheet, toast for about 5 minutes until edges become crispy and golden.
Step 2: Make the Seafood Mix
In a medium bowl, gently combine: lump crab meat, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, mozzarella cheese, and salt & pepper (to taste). Stir carefully to maintain flaky crab texture.
Step 3: Top with Shrimp
Fill each toasted bread cup generously with the crab mixture. Nestle one shrimp on top of each stuffed cup. Sprinkle Parmesan and parsley over as garnish.
Step 4: Bake Till Bubbly
Increase oven heat to 400 °F (200 °C). Bake for 10–12 minutes until shrimp turn pink and cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve with Sauce
Plate your Crabby Shrimp‑Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs and serve hot. Offer dipping options: garlic aioli, lemon butter sauce, or spicy cocktail sauce for variety.
Variations
Put your own spin on this snack! Try these variations:
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Spicy Cajun: Mix a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning into the seafood blend.
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Bacon-Crunch: Crisp 3 slices bacon, crumble them over top before baking.
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Herbed Bliss: Add 1 tsp dried oregano and 1 tsp basil in the filling for aromatic lift.
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Lobster Luxe: Substitute lump crab with lobster meat—elegant and indulgent!
COOKING Notes
Seafood Quality: Always use “lump” or “backfin” crab meat for best texture and flavor.
Shrimp Size: Opt for medium-sized (50–60 count per pound) so they fit snugly.
Cheese Fusion: You can replace mozzarella with smoked provolone for a deeper, smoky profile.
Serving Suggestions
These garlic bombs scream party—try pairing them with:
Crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette to cut richness.
Coleslaw cups featuring light dill and carrot.
Citrus cocktails like a zesty lemon margarita or light prosecco.
Soup shooters—think chilled gazpacho to keep things cool and refreshing.
Personalized tip: Warm bread slightly before serving so each bite stays melty all the way through!
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Refrigeration: Store leftover bombs airtight for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Assemble, wrap tightly in foil or plastic, freeze up to a month. Reheat at 350 °F for 15–20 minutes.
Prepping Ahead: Fill bread shells and keep seafood mix chilled. Bake just before serving—maintains freshness and crunch!
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
12 minutes
Total Time
~27 minutes
Yield
Serves 4–6 people (estimate 6–10 bombs, depending on loaf size)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Based on 1 bomb—approximate values
Calories: ~280
Protein: ~18 g
Sodium: ~550 mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking to lighten things up or adapt to dietary needs?
Low‑fat option: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt; use part-skim cheese.
Whole grains: Use whole‑grain baguette for added fiber.
Seafood swap: Replace shrimp/crab with canned tuna in water—great budget-friendly protein.
Low‑sodium: Choose unseasoned crab/shrimp, reduce salt, and add fresh herbs instead.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overfilling: Too much filling can lead to tipping or falling apart—stick to about 1–2 tablespoons per cup.
Skipping breadcrumb removal: Unhollowed bread becomes soggy quickly.
Overbaking shrimp: Keep a close eye—shrimp cook fast and toughen beyond 400 °F after ~12 minutes.
Underseasoned filling: Seafood needs bold seasoning—taste and adjust before stuffing.
Conclusion
These Crabby Shrimp‑Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are bold, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for parties, game day, or a cozy night in. Crispy bread meets creamy seafood and melty cheese—what’s not to love? Give them a try and let us know how they turned out. Craving more? Check out our stuffed bread series or dive into other seafood appetizers!
Call‑to‑Action: Ready to wow your guests? Make these tonight, snap a photo, and comment below! Or explore similar recipes like Lobster Garlic Knots or Cheesy Crab Dip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Fill the bread and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Bake right before serving—ensures freshness and crispiness.
Q: Can I use canned crab instead of lump crab meat?
A: Absolutely. Use high‑quality canned crab (drained) for convenience. Flavor is great, texture slightly softer.
Q: Can these be made gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten‑free rolls or baguette. Ensure all other ingredients are GF-certified (mayo, cheese, sauces).
Q: What’s the best dipping sauce?
A: Try garlic aioli or lemon‑butter. For spicy kick, go with sriracha mayo or chipotle ranch.
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Skip the seafood. Use a blend of spinach, artichoke, and cheese. Top with roasted red peppers—just as bomb!
Crabby Shrimp‑Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs: A Cheesy Seafood Sensation
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Ultimate party snack meets cheesy seafood dream—pure bite-sized bliss!
Ingredients
1 loaf of French bread or hoagie rolls
½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ lb lump crab meat
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
1. Cut the bread into thick pieces and hollow each out slightly. Brush with melted butter and toast at 375°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a bowl, combine crab meat, mayo, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, and mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff each bread piece with the crab mixture and top with a shrimp. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.
4. Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cheese is melted and golden.
5. Serve hot with garlic aioli or lemon butter dip.
Notes
Use medium shrimp for best size-to-bread ratio.
You can prepare the filling ahead of time and chill it before baking.
Don’t skip toasting the bread—it creates a barrier and prevents sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs, seafood appetizer, cheesy bread snack