Shrimp and Crab Garlic Bread Bombs with Melted Cheese Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra layer of flavor, consider brushing the inside of the hollowed bread boats with a little bit of the garlic butter before adding the bottom layer of cheese.

This pre-toasts the interior and infuses the bread with garlic goodness from the inside out. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter if you prefer a subtle spicy kick.

Make sure to dry the raw chopped shrimp thoroughly with paper towels before mixing it with the crab. Excess moisture on the seafood can pool at the bottom of the bread boats during baking, which might make the lower crust soggy. A dry seafood mixture ensures a cleaner bake and a much sharper crust.

Variations

• Spicy Cajun Bombs: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the garlic butter and mix some diced jalapeños into the seafood filling.
• Three-Cheese Seafood Bombs: Combine mozzarella, sharp provolone, and freshly grated parmesan cheese for an incredibly rich and savory cheese blend.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the seafood and bread texture will degrade significantly upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the center is hot.

Allow any leftover garlic bread bombs to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours. Wrap each portion tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container.

Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because of the delicate nature of cooked seafood, it is best to consume them quickly.

You can hollow out the bread portions and prepare the seafood mixture up to four hours in advance. Keep the chopped shrimp and crab meat stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Assemble the bread bombs, apply the garlic butter, and top with cheese just before you are ready to broil and serve.

Serving ideas

Serve these garlic bread bombs hot, straight out of the oven, to enjoy the ultimate melted cheese pull. They make a spectacular standalone appetizer for game nights, movie marathons, or holiday gatherings.

Arrange them on a large wooden serving board garnished with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the hot seafood.

For a complete meal, pair these rich bread bombs with a crisp, light side salad tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of the salad cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese beautifully. They also pair wonderfully with a warm bowl of tomato soup or a classic seafood chowder for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Shrimp and Crab Garlic Bread Bombs with Melted Cheese

Prep 15 minCook 15 minRest 2 minTotal 32 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 loaf Italian bread
• 1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 6 oz crab meat
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the broiler on high. Cut the Italian bread loaf into four equal portions. Hollow out the center of each portion to create a cavity for the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped raw shrimp and crab meat.
2. Divide half of the shredded mozzarella cheese equally among the hollowed bread portions, placing it at the bottom. Stuff the shrimp and crab meat mixture tightly into the cavities on top of the cheese layer.
3. In a small bowl, stir the minced garlic into the melted unsalted butter. Use a pastry brush to drench the stuffed bread portions generously with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring both the bread crust and seafood are coated.
4. Top the stuffed bread portions with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the loaded bread on a baking sheet and broil for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the seafood is fully cooked and the internal temperature of the shellfish reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Remove the hot baking sheet carefully from the oven. Let the bread bombs rest for 2 minutes on the baking sheet, then sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the melted cheese before serving warm.

Contains: gluten, crustaceans, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.