Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are the perfect fusion of bold seafood flavor and buttery, golden bread. Packed with creamy crab and shrimp filling, gooey melted cheese, and just the right amount of garlic, these savory bites are a hit at any party, potluck, or cozy night in.
Ready in under 30 minutes and made with store-bought pizza dough, Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs turns simple ingredients into an irresistible, pull-apart snack. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just craving something indulgent and cheesy, this appetizer is guaranteed to steal the show.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
❓ What Are Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs?
Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are soft, golden balls of pizza dough filled with a rich blend of seafood and cheese, then brushed with garlicky butter for an irresistible finish. Think of them as the love child between cheesy garlic bread and a creamy seafood dip—only bite-sized and totally addictive.
Each “bomb” is bursting with flavor: juicy shrimp, tender crab meat, cream cheese, and mozzarella all wrapped in a warm, buttery crust. They’re perfect for entertaining, but so good you might not want to share.
What Kind of Garlic Works Best?
When it comes to Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs, garlic is more than a background flavor—it’s a key player. But not all garlic is created equal.
✅ Fresh Garlic (Best for Filling)
Minced fresh garlic gives the seafood mixture a bold, aromatic kick. It blends beautifully with cream cheese and Old Bay seasoning, bringing balance to the richness.
✅ Garlic Powder (Best for Topping)
Sprinkling garlic powder over the buttered dough ensures even coverage and adds that classic “garlic bread” taste without burning.
🔄 Optional Upgrade: Roasted Garlic
Want something milder and slightly sweet? Mash a roasted garlic clove into the butter topping for a deeper, caramelized flavor that elevates the entire bite.
Quick Tip: Avoid pre-minced jarred garlic—it’s often too sharp or acidic and lacks the mellow depth of fresh cloves.
Can I Use Canned Crab or Frozen Shrimp?
Absolutely—you can use canned crab meat and frozen shrimp in these Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs, as long as you prepare them properly.
🥫 Canned Crab
Canned crab is convenient and affordable. Be sure to drain it well and gently flake the meat to remove excess moisture. Opt for lump or claw meat over imitation if possible, for better texture and taste.
❄️ Frozen Shrimp
Frozen shrimp works great too—just thaw completely, pat dry, and chop into small pieces. Avoid pre-cooked seasoned shrimp, as it can overpower the creamy filling.
Bonus Tip: A mix of real crab and a touch of imitation crab can stretch your filling without sacrificing flavor.
What Cheese Works Best (and What You Can Substitute)
Cheese plays a huge role in the creamy, melty magic of these Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs—but you’ve got options.
🧂 Mozzarella (Best Melter)
Mozzarella adds stretch and gooeyness without overpowering the seafood. Use a low-moisture, pre-shredded version for convenience, or fresh for a richer melt.
🧈 Cream Cheese (Creamy Binding)
Cream cheese helps hold the filling together while adding that smooth, tangy finish. If you’re out, mascarpone or ricotta can step in.
🧀 Flavor Boosters
Add a sprinkle of parmesan or Gruyère for extra depth. A pinch of shredded cheddar also works if you want a sharper bite.
Pro Tip: Mix two cheeses for better melt and flavor complexity.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
🍤 Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs Recipe
These savory, cheesy seafood bombs are buttery, golden, and bursting with creamy shrimp and crab filling. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack!
📋 Ingredients:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- ½ cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded crab meat
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
🔪 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix shrimp, crab, cream cheese, mayo, minced garlic, parsley, Old Bay, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Roll out pizza dough and slice into 8 equal squares.
- Add a spoonful of the seafood filling to each square, top with mozzarella, then fold the corners inward to form a ball. Pinch edges to seal.
- Arrange dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Serve hot with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
🧄 Pro Tip: For extra garlic punch, add a pinch of grated parmesan to the butter before brushing!
Serve and Enjoy
Let cool slightly, then serve warm. These bombs are perfect with a side of marinara or garlic aioli for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 bombs
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
🧊 How to Store & Reheat Leftovers Properly
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them safely and keep them tasting great:
- Refrigeration: After they’ve cooled completely, place the bread bombs in a shallow, airtight container. To keep their shape and texture, store them in a single layer. They’ll maintain freshness for around three days in the fridge.
- Freezing: To preserve for longer, let each bomb cool, then wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap. Place them into a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll hold up well in the freezer for up to one month.
- Reheating:
- In the oven, reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the crust is hot and lightly crisp.
- In the air fryer, warm at 320°F (160°C) for 4 to 6 minutes.
- The microwave can be used in a pinch, but it may soften the bread rather than crisp it—ideal only if you don’t mind a softer texture.
💡 Pro tip: Brushing with a little fresh garlic butter before reheating can help refresh the flavor and restore the golden exterior.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Seafood: If possible, fresh shrimp and crab make all the difference.
Customize Your Cheese: Swap mozzarella for pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Don’t Overfill: To keep bombs intact, don’t pack the filling too tight.
Make Ahead: Assemble ahead and refrigerate; bake fresh when ready.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to keep bread crispy.
🧾 Conclusion
Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer—crispy on the outside, creamy and flavorful inside. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, these cheesy, seafood-filled bites hit all the right notes. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and packed with bold flavor, Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear fast!
Love simple, hearty meals like this? Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for daily kitchen inspiration, cooking tips, and new recipe updates you won’t want to miss!
FAQ’s
Can I make crabby shrimp-stuffed garlic bread bombs ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just brush with butter and sprinkle garlic powder right before they go in the oven.
Can I use imitation crab instead of real crab meat?
Absolutely. Imitation crab is a budget-friendly substitute that still delivers solid flavor. Just chop it finely for best texture in the filling.
What kind of dough works best for this Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs?
Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal, but crescent roll dough or even homemade bread dough can also work well. Just make sure it’s easy to seal around the filling.
How do I keep the filling from leaking during baking?
Make sure to fully seal the dough by pinching the edges tightly. Placing the sealed side down on the baking sheet helps prevent leaks, too.
What dipping sauces pair well with these garlic bread bombs?
Try warm marinara, garlic butter, lemon aioli, or spicy mayo. They complement the seafood and cheesy filling beautifully.
Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 bread bombs 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Soft garlic bread bombs stuffed with a savory mixture of crab and shrimp, perfect as an appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/2 cup crab meat, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut into 8 equal squares.
- Place a spoonful of the seafood mixture and some mozzarella cheese in the center of each square.
- Fold the corners up and pinch to seal, forming a ball.
- Place the dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush each ball with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.
- Serve warm with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh or canned crab and shrimp as available.
- Feel free to add a bit of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Make sure to seal the dough well to prevent filling leakage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bread bomb
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg