If you’re looking for the ultimate seafood appetizer that melts in your mouth, these Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are about to steal the show. Imagine soft, buttery bread rolls stuffed with a rich, creamy crab-and-shrimp filling, baked to golden perfection, and brushed with garlicky butter. Every bite is gooey, cheesy, and bursting with coastal flavor.
This recipe combines everything you love about seafood and garlic bread — tender shrimp, delicate crab, melted cheese, and buttery dough. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist that’s easy enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for a party platter.
💕 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two favorites in one: Creamy seafood filling meets warm garlic bread.
- Perfect for parties: Easy to serve and a total crowd-pleaser.
- Restaurant-quality flavor: Feels fancy but uses simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Works with real crab, imitation crab, or all shrimp.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble ahead and bake fresh before serving.
🧀 Ingredients
For the Bread Bombs
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count, such as Pillsbury Grands)
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the Seafood Filling
- 4 oz cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- 4 oz crab meat (or imitation crab), chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- Pinch of black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Extra melted butter for brushing
- Fresh parsley or chives for topping
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt butter in a small bowl, then stir in minced garlic and parsley. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, lemon juice, Old Bay, and black pepper.
- Fold in the chopped shrimp and crab until evenly distributed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired — a pinch of cayenne or paprika adds extra flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Bread Bombs
- Flatten each biscuit dough piece into a circle about 3–4 inches wide.
- Spoon about 1½ tablespoons of seafood filling into the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal completely.
- Place each ball seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Add the Garlic Butter
- Brush the tops of the dough balls generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle lightly with Parmesan if desired.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Brush with extra garlic butter as soon as they come out of the oven for extra shine and flavor.
Step 6: Serve
Serve warm and gooey, straight from the oven! These little bombs are perfect with a side of lemon wedges, marinara sauce, or a light garlic aioli for dipping.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause leaks during baking.
- Seal well: Pinch the dough tightly to keep the filling inside.
- Make-ahead option: Assemble the bombs, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake before serving.
- Cheese swap: Try cheddar or pepper jack for a bolder flavor.
- Seafood shortcut: Use pre-cooked frozen shrimp for quick prep.
✨ Variations
- Spicy Cajun Version: Add ½ tsp Cajun seasoning and diced jalapeños.
- All-Shrimp Bombs: Skip the crab and double the shrimp for a simpler filling.
- Lobster Roll Style: Use lobster meat and drizzle with garlic butter after baking.
- Mini Party Bites: Cut biscuit dough in half and make smaller bombs for appetizers.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve these warm, golden garlic bread bombs as:
- A party appetizer or game day snack.
- A seafood side dish with soup or pasta.
- A main course with a simple salad and lemon wedges.
Pair with cold beer, sparkling water with lemon, or even a crisp white wine for a complete experience.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to bring back crispness.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked bombs for up to 1 month — bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
💬 Why This Recipe Works
The magic of these stuffed bread bombs lies in the contrast of textures — soft, buttery bread wrapping a creamy, savory seafood center. The cream cheese creates richness, while shrimp and crab bring ocean-fresh sweetness. Garlic butter adds that irresistible aroma and golden finish that ties it all together.
Each bite is indulgent yet balanced, proving that simple ingredients can deliver restaurant-quality flavor when used thoughtfully.
