Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs combine everything you love about seafood and comfort food in one mouthwatering bite. With plump, juicy shrimp tucked inside soft, buttery bread and loaded with melted cheese and garlicky goodness, these golden bombs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or indulgent treat, this recipe delivers bold flavors and rich textures that hit all the right notes. It’s easy to prepare and offers plenty of ways to customize to suit your tastes, whether you’re feeding a seafood-loving crowd or whipping up something fun for yourself.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Combines garlic bread and seafood in one irresistible bite
- Perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, garlicky, and savory
- Easy to assemble and bake—no deep frying needed
- Customizable with different fillings, cheeses, or herbs
- Great for freezing and reheating on busy nights
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make a batch of Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs:
- Jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Fresh garlic cloves (minced)
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Bread dough (homemade or store-bought dinner roll dough)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Optional Add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- Lemon zest for brightness
- Alternate cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina
- Pre-made garlic butter for convenience
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Make Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with the melted butter. This garlic butter will serve as both the flavor base for the filling and the topping before baking.
Flatten and Fill the Dough
Divide the bread dough into equal portions. Flatten each piece into a small disc. Place one shrimp in the center, followed by a spoonful of garlic butter and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
Seal and Shape
Fold the dough up and over the filling, pinching the edges tightly to seal. Shape into smooth, round balls.
Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the stuffed bread balls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with any leftover garlic butter for extra flavor and shine.
Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tops. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm to enjoy the gooey, cheesy center at its best.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use raw shrimp, not pre-cooked, to ensure juicy, flavorful results during baking.
- Seal dough tightly to prevent cheese from leaking out while baking.
- Brush with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) for a shinier, golden crust.
- Bake on the middle rack to ensure even browning.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot filling.
Creative Variations to Try
Swap the Seafood
Use crab meat, lobster chunks, or even chopped smoked salmon for a different take on the seafood stuffing.
Vegetarian Version
Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions. Add goat cheese or feta for extra richness.
Add Citrus and Herbs
A pinch of lemon zest or a dash of thyme or rosemary in the garlic butter adds aromatic complexity.
Cheese Options
Try Gruyère, cheddar, or fontina instead of mozzarella for a deeper or sharper cheese flavor.
Use Specialty Breads
Substitute classic dough with brioche, sourdough, or garlic naan dough for a unique texture and flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
These garlic bread bombs are best served hot, ideally within 10 minutes of baking. They pair beautifully with:
- A fresh arugula salad or Caesar salad
- A side of garlic aioli, marinara, or lemon herb butter
- A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc, rosé, or a citrusy IPA
- As a starter before a seafood pasta or grilled main course
Perfect for sharing, these bombs can also be served in a basket as a centerpiece snack at parties or laid out as finger food at your next family gathering.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes until warm. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bread rubbery.
- Freeze unbaked bombs for up to 1 month. Thaw slightly and bake from chilled.
FAQs
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! Assemble the bread bombs and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead of parties or busy weeknights.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s better to use raw shrimp so they cook perfectly inside the dough. Pre-cooked shrimp may become rubbery.
Can I freeze them after baking?
Yes. Let them cool completely, then wrap in foil and freeze. Reheat in the oven until hot and crispy again.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread dough and ensure all other ingredients (cheese, shrimp, butter) are labeled gluten-free.
What other herbs go well with this recipe?
Parsley, basil, thyme, and dill all pair beautifully with seafood and garlic.
Can I make them bite-sized?
Absolutely! Use half the dough and smaller shrimp (like salad shrimp) to make mini bombs for appetizers or party platters.
Final Thoughts
Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs deliver a perfect bite of indulgence: cheesy, garlicky, crispy on the outside and bursting with juicy shrimp on the inside. They’re the kind of treat that impresses guests and satisfies serious cravings alike.
From their rich seafood flavor to their comforting cheesy pull, these garlic bread bombs are destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. You can dress them up for a special dinner or whip up a casual batch just because. Either way, they’ll disappear fast.