Crabby Shrimp Garlic Bread Bombs

There are few things in life that make me stop mid-bite and say, “Oh wow.” These Crabby Shrimp Garlic Bread Bombs are one of them. The first time I made them, my kitchen smelled like a seaside bakery — garlicky, buttery, and just a little fancy. You know that moment when something tastes way better than it should, considering how simple it was to make? That’s exactly what happened here.

What Are Crabby Shrimp Garlic Bread Bombs?

Consider it a combination of seafood and comfort food. Picture soft, golden rolls filled with a delicious crab-and-shrimp mixture covered with buttery garlic and baked until the outside is crisp and the inside is molten. This snack is meant to be pulled apart with hands – the filling is hot and everybody will be reaching for seconds even before you take your seat.

Why This Recipe Is Special

There is a magic in mixing luxury ingredients such as crab and shrimp with something as humble as bread dough. It is that perfect combination of high and low. Also, this recipe won’t take long—a ready-to-use biscuit dough can be used or create your own rolls depending on your mood.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful, big, easy preparation: Garlic butter, cheese, shrimp, and crab—all one bite-sized roll.
• Definitely suitable for parties or weeknights: Make a big batch and treat them as appetizers, or combine them with soup or salad for dinner.
• Flexible: Pick your seafood, add some heat, or load with cheese.
• Perks of freezer-friendly: Prepare, freeze, and bake them later.

Tools You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple. You don’t need fancy kitchen gear here — just a few basics:

• Mixing bowls (2 medium-sized): One for the seafood mixture, one for garlic butter.
• Baking sheet or muffin tin: To hold those bread bombs while baking. I prefer a muffin tin — it keeps them perfectly shaped.
• Pastry brush: For brushing on that irresistible garlic butter.
• Small skillet or pan: To lightly cook your shrimp before mixing.
• Cheese grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better (and tastes better, too).
• Measuring spoons and cups (or a kitchen scale): For accuracy — especially with butter and cheese.

Ingredients

(Serves 12 bread bombs)

For the Filling

• 4 oz (115 g) cooked shrimp, chopped into small pieces
• 4 oz (115 g) lump crab meat, drained
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (or paprika if you prefer mild)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter

• 4 tbsp (55 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Optional: pinch of chili flakes for a little heat

For Assembly

• 1 can (16 oz / 450 g) refrigerated biscuit dough or 12 small dinner roll doughs
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing the pan)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give your baking pan or muffin tin a light coating with olive oil.

2. Cook the Shrimp

A little skillet, over medium heat, will be the place for two to three minutes cooking chopped shrimp until just pink. Don’t go cooking them too much—they’ll end up done in the oven later. (Tip: If time is tight, pre-cooked shrimp can be used instead of raw ones.)

3. Mix the Filling

In a bowl, add shrimp, crab, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and Old Bay seasoning. Stuff the whole mixture until it turns creamy and gets blended well. Try it, and if you want, add some salt or pepper. I habitually steal a small nibble from here. It’s just too delicious to resist.

4. Make the Garlic Butter

In a separate bowl, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and chili flakes. The aroma itself will get you craving the food!

5. Stuff the Dough

Grab a single biscuit or roll the dough, press it softly in your hand, and pour a tablespoon of the stuffing in the middle. Squeeze the edges together to close it like a little bag, and then turn it over seam-side down in the muffin tin. (If they are not perfect, there is no need for concern — they will rise up wonderfully in the oven.)

6. Brush and Bake

Each bomb should be topped with garlic butter, ensuring the tops get a good coating while brushing. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

7. Final Touch

Once baked, brush with the leftover garlic butter. Let them rest for a couple of minutes — I realize it is difficult to wait, but the filling is extremely hot!

Serving Ideas

• Appetizer: Present them warm with a lemon squeeze or marinara sauce on the side.
• Main Dish: Serve with the clam chowder, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
• Party Tray: Place them in a circle with a dipping sauce in the middle.

Variations and Customizations

• Spicy Twist: Include chopped jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce in the filling.
• Cheesy Explosion: Change mozzarella with pepper jack or cheddar for a new flavor.
• Herb Lovers: Blend dill or chives with the parsley for a vibrant flavor.
• No Crab? Increase shrimp quantity or use canned tuna for a cost-effective version.

Make-Ahead and Storage

• To make ahead: Assemble the bombs, refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
• To freeze: Place unbaked bombs on a tray and freeze until solid. Store in a zip bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.
• To store leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.

Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t overstuff: A little filling goes a long way — too much and they’ll burst open.
• Seal well: Pinch the dough tightly to prevent leaks during baking.
• Brush generously: That garlic butter gives the bombs their golden crust and deep flavor.
• Use real crab if possible: It gives a sweeter, more delicate taste than imitation.
• Let them cool slightly: The filling thickens as it cools — otherwise you’ll lose all that cheesy goodness to lava-like drips.

Recipe Info

• Yield: 12 garlic bread bombs
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Per Serving (1 bomb):
  • Calories: ~190
  • Protein: 9g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbs: 13g

Final Thoughts

Every time I make these Crabby Shrimp Garlic Bread Bombs, I end up hovering over the tray, eating one (or three) before they even hit the table. They’re comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself, these little golden bites are worth every buttery minute.