Indulgence Perfected: Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs
Prepare to elevate your appetizer game with these Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs. This recipe delivers the ultimate fusion of garlic bread, creamy cheese, and succulent seafood, transforming a simple loaf of Italian bread into an irresistible, golden-crusted party bite.
Whether served as an indulgent snack or the star of your party spread, these “bombs” are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory garlic, rich cream cheese, sweet shrimp, and flaky crab creates a filling that is both comforting and sophisticated, perfectly encased in a crisp, golden shell.
Ingredients
The success of this recipe relies on a fresh, creamy filling and a crisp bread exterior.
- 1 loaf crusty Italian bread
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ½ cup cooked crab meat (or imitation crab), shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a kick
Instructions
These garlic bread bombs are straightforward to prepare, moving from a quick seafood sauté to a generous stuffing and a final bake to golden perfection.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook and Chop Shrimp: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for 3–4 minutes until they are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and chop the shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Seafood Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, minced garlic, lemon juice, shredded cooked crab meat, and the chopped shrimp. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
- Hollow and Stuff the Bread: Carefully slice off the top of the Italian bread loaf. Using a spoon or your hands, hollow out the center of the loaf, leaving about a 1-inch thick crust on the sides and the bottom intact. Generously stuff the bread loaf with the creamy seafood mixture, pressing it firmly into the cavity.
- Brush and Season: Brush the top of the stuffed loaf with 2 tbsp of melted butter and, optionally, sprinkle with a little extra minced garlic for intense flavor.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the bread crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling and melty.
- Cool and Serve: Let the stuffed bread cool slightly to allow the filling to set. Slice the loaf into bite-sized “bombs” (thick slices or chunks) and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread Bombs
- Bread Selection: A sturdy, crusty Italian loaf works best, as it holds up well to the rich, creamy filling without becoming soggy. Avoid very soft or airy loaves.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Since the shrimp will be baked within the bread, ensure they are just cooked during the sautéing stage. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
- Consistency of the Filling: Ensure your cream cheese is well-softened to mix smoothly. The filling should be thick enough to hold its shape inside the bread.
- Freezing Crab Meat: If using canned or imitation crab meat, ensure it’s well-drained and rinsed before mixing into the filling.
- Serving Warm: These are best enjoyed warm when the garlic bread is crusty and the cheese is gooey and melty.