Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs 🦐🧄
The Ultimate Cheesy Seafood Appetizer Everyone Fights Over
If you’re looking for an appetizer that stops conversations, disappears in minutes, and gets requested again and again, these Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are it. Crispy on the outside, loaded with creamy crab, juicy shrimp, garlic butter, and melty cheese on the inside—this is one of those recipes people ask you to send immediately before they even finish chewing.
They’re perfect for game days, parties, holidays, or weekend snacking, but don’t be surprised if they end up becoming dinner. They’re rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seafood pro.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Restaurant-quality flavor at home
✔️ Perfect balance of crispy bread + creamy seafood filling
✔️ Easy to prep ahead and bake fresh
✔️ Crowd-pleasing appetizer or indulgent main
✔️ Customizable with your favorite cheeses and seasonings
These garlic bread bombs combine everything people love: seafood dip, garlic bread, and cheesy pull-apart goodness—all baked into irresistible portions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Seafood Filling:
1 cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
½ cup lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
For the Garlic Bread:
1 large loaf French bread or Italian bread
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic, parsley, and seasoning. Mix until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped shrimp and crab meat, being careful not to break up the crab too much.
👉 Pro Tip: Taste the filling before stuffing—adjust seasoning now for the best flavor later.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the loaf into thick slices or hollow out sections to create pockets. Be careful not to cut all the way through—these “bombs” need to hold that filling in!
Step 3: Stuff Generously
Spoon the seafood mixture into each bread pocket. Don’t be shy—this is the best part. Slightly press the filling in so it stays put while baking.
Step 4: Garlic Butter Time
Mix melted butter with minced garlic and parsley. Brush generously over the tops and sides of the bread bombs. This step is what gives that irresistible golden crust.
Step 5: Bake
Place the stuffed bread on a lined baking sheet.
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the filling is bubbly.
For extra browning, broil for the last 1–2 minutes—but watch closely!
Serving Suggestions
These are incredible on their own, but even better with:
Warm marinara sauce
Lemon-garlic aioli
Spicy Cajun dipping sauce
Fresh salad on the side for balance
Serve hot—this is when the cheese pull and garlic aroma are at their peak.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the bread crisp.
Freezing: Not recommended—cream cheese filling texture changes after freezing.
Variations to Try
🧀 Swap mozzarella for pepper jack for a spicy kick
🦀 Go all crab for a richer, sweeter filling
🍋 Add lemon zest for brightness
🥓 Sprinkle cooked bacon bits into the filling
🌶️ Add jalapeños or cayenne for heat lovers
Final Thoughts
These Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are the kind of recipe that turns into a tradition. They look impressive, taste indulgent, and vanish fast. Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
If you make them once, don’t be surprised when people start asking,
👉 “Are you bringing those garlic bread things again?”
Save it. Share it. And maybe make a double batch—just in case. 😋
