Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these garlic bread bombs combine two favorites—cheesy seafood dip and warm, buttery bread—into one perfect handheld snack. They’re rich, garlicky, and loaded with shrimp and crab flavor, yet easy to make with simple ingredients. I serve them as a game-day snack, holiday appetizer, or even as a fun dinner when I want something bite-sized and bold. Plus, they’re a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cooked shrimp (chopped)
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Lump crab meat (drained and picked over for shells)
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Cream cheese (softened)
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Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
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Mayonnaise
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Garlic (minced)
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Fresh parsley (chopped)
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Lemon juice
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Salt and pepper
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Refrigerated biscuit dough or soft dinner rolls
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Butter (melted)
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Garlic powder (for brushing)
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Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, I mix the cream cheese, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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I gently fold in the chopped shrimp and crab meat, making sure the seafood is well distributed.
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I take each piece of biscuit dough or roll and flatten it into a circle with my hands.
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I scoop a tablespoon of the seafood filling into the center, then pinch and seal the dough around it, forming a ball.
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I place the sealed side down on the baking sheet and repeat until all are stuffed.
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I mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush it generously over each ball.
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If I want, I sprinkle the tops with Parmesan for extra flavor.
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I bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
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I let them cool slightly before serving warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 garlic bread bombs. It takes 15 minutes to prep, 15–18 minutes to bake, and a few extra minutes to cool before serving.
Variations
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I sometimes add a bit of Old Bay seasoning or Cajun spice to the filling for a bolder kick.
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For extra cheesiness, I mix in a handful of shredded Parmesan or pepper jack.
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If I want a crispy finish, I brush the tops with butter halfway through baking.
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I’ve also used puff pastry or pizza dough when I want a different texture.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. The microwave works too, but the oven keeps them crisp.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab and pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, I often use canned or packaged crab and pre-cooked shrimp for convenience. I just make sure to drain well and pat dry to avoid a watery filling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely. I prep and stuff the dough, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. They’re perfect to assemble in advance for parties.
What’s the best dough to use?
I like refrigerated biscuit dough for ease, but homemade dough, pizza dough, or even crescent rolls work well too. I just make sure it seals tightly around the filling.
How do I keep the filling from leaking?
I press the dough edges firmly to seal and place the seam side down on the tray. I also avoid overfilling—they only need a tablespoon of filling each.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, I freeze them after baking. Once cool, I wrap individually and store in a freezer bag. I reheat in the oven directly from frozen at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Conclusion
Crabby shrimp-stuffed garlic bread bombs are one of my favorite ways to turn simple ingredients into something impressive and delicious. They’re rich, creamy, loaded with seafood flavor, and wrapped in warm, garlicky bread—what’s not to love? Whether I’m entertaining or treating myself to a fun appetizer-style dinner, these little bombs never fail to hit the spot.
Print
Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 bread bombs
Description
Buttery garlic bread stuffed with creamy crab and shrimp filling – the ultimate appetizer or party snack with bold coastal flavor.
Ingredients
For the Seafood Filling:
4 oz cooked shrimp, finely chopped
4 oz lump crab meat (drained and picked over)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
1 green onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Bread Bombs:
1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Optional: Extra shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix together all filling ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Flatten each biscuit into a 4-inch round disk using your hands or a rolling pin.
Place about 1 tablespoon of seafood filling into the center of each disk.
Carefully pinch the edges to seal and form into a ball. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and chopped herbs. Brush over each stuffed dough ball.
Optional: Sprinkle with a bit of shredded cheese on top for extra melty flavor.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Serve warm with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, or garlic aioli.
Notes
Use pre-cooked shrimp and canned crab for ease, or sauté your own seafood for extra freshness.
Don’t overfill the bombs to avoid leakage during baking.
Great for prepping ahead—assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Coastal-Inspired