I’m all about cozy, indulgent food that’s fun to make—and these Crabby Shrimp‑Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs hit all the right notes. Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and filled with seafood-packed flavor, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser or personal treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these bombs combine crusty Italian bread with rich cream cheese, melty mozzarella, succulent shrimp, and sweet crab. The garlic-infused butter crust takes it to decadent heights, and the prep is surprisingly simple. It’s seafood comfort food with a refined twist—fun to make and even more fun to eat.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Crusty Italian bread
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Fresh shrimp, peeled & deveined
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Cream cheese, softened
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Shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Garlic, minced
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Cooked crab meat or imitation crab, shredded
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Lemon juice
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Olive oil
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Salt & pepper
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Melted butter (for brushing)
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Optional: red pepper flakes
directions
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Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Let the cream cheese soften while getting everything else ready.
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Sauté the shrimp in olive oil on medium‑high heat for about 3–4 minutes until just pink. Cool slightly, then chop into bite‑sized pieces.
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Mix the filling: In a bowl, stir together cream cheese, mozzarella, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, crab meat, and chopped shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust.
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Hollow the bread: Cut a loaf of Italian bread in half lengthwise or remove the top crust and hollow out the center, keeping the bottom intact. Spoon in the filling, packing it gently.
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Butter‑garlic topping: Mix melted butter with extra minced garlic (if desired) and brush it generously over the stuffed loaf.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let it cool a few minutes before slicing.
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Slice and serve into bite‑sized bombs while warm, gooey, and melty.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8–12 bombs, depending on how thick you slice them, and serves around 4–6 people as an appetizer or 2–3 as a decadent main.
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Prep time: • 15 minutes
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Cook time: • 15–20 minutes
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Total time: • 30–35 minutes
storage/reheating
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Storing leftovers: Keep them airtight in the fridge for up to 2 days—the bread remains chewy and the filling creamy.
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Freezing: Freeze individual bombs (wrapped tightly in foil and bagged) for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Place bombs on a parchment-lined sheet and warm in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for about 10 minutes. The exterior stays crisp, and the filling gets melty again.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab or only fresh?
I use whatever I have—canned or imitation crab works just fine. Fresh crab adds that extra sweet flavor, but it’s not essential for a delicious result.
Is there a dairy‑free version for the cheese filling?
Yes—swap in plant‑based cream cheese and mozzarella. Just double‑check that your bread is dairy‑free, and you’ve got a lactose‑friendly version without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the bread bombs ahead for a party?
Absolutely. I assemble everything a day ahead and refrigerate, covered. Then I pop them in the oven when guests arrive for fresh, hot, melty bombs with minimal last‑minute fuss.
Are there other types of bread I can use?
Italian bread is ideal for sturdiness, but I’ve also used baguette, sourdough, or even mini ciabatta rolls for individual servings. Just make sure the bread can hold up to the filling.
What dips go well with these?
I love serving them with lemon aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or a cool herby yogurt dip. They’re great on their own, but a dip adds a fun flavor boost.
Conclusion
These Crabby Shrimp‑Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are my go-to when I want something elegant yet playful. They’re rich, flavorful, and easy to customize—which makes them perfect whether I’m feeding friends or indulging just for me. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked from the first cheesy, garlicky bite.
