Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs

Mediterranean-Style | Cheesy, Garlicky & Irresistible

These golden, pull-apart garlic bread bombs are stuffed with a creamy crab and shrimp filling, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a touch of Mediterranean olive oil. Inspired by coastal flavors from southern Italy and seaside tavernas of Greece, they combine seafood richness with rustic garlic bread comfort.

Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or indulgent weekend treat!

🦐 Ingredients (Makes 12–14 bombs)

For the Seafood Filling:

1 cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
1 cup lump crab meat (drained and checked for shells)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup grated mozzarella
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Bread:

1 large pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
¼ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Remove from heat and stir in shrimp, crab, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

2️⃣ Shape the Bombs

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Divide pizza dough into 12–14 equal pieces.
Flatten each piece, add 1–2 tablespoons of seafood filling, and seal tightly into a ball.

Place seam-side down on a lined baking sheet or in a lightly greased baking dish.

3️⃣ Garlic Topping

Mix melted butter (or olive oil) with minced garlic and parsley.
Brush generously over each dough ball.

4️⃣ Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
Sprinkle mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for extra browning.

5️⃣ Serve

Serve warm with lemon wedges or a side of marinara sauce.

🌿 Mediterranean Touch

Olive oil instead of heavy butter
Fresh herbs and lemon zest
Lean seafood protein
Balanced richness without deep frying

🍽 Serving Ideas

Pair with Greek salad
Serve as a mezze platter item
Add to a seafood-themed dinner
Enjoy with tomato basil soup
Serve with garlic yogurt dip

🔥 Tips for Perfect Bread Bombs

✔ Seal dough tightly to prevent leaking
✔ Don’t overfill
✔ Use fresh crab for best flavor
✔ Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat
✔ Let cool slightly before serving

🧊 Storage

Refrigerate up to 2 days
Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes
Not ideal for freezing once baked (texture may change)

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use canned crab?

Yes, just drain thoroughly and pat dry.

Q2: Can I substitute shrimp?

You can use chopped scallops or additional crab.

Q3: Can I make them ahead?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q4: How do I make them lighter?

Use reduced-fat cream cheese and skip extra topping cheese.

Q5: Can I air fry them?

Yes! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes until golden.