Description: These Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are a delightful explosion of flavor, combining the rich taste of seafood with the comforting goodness of garlic bread. Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown bread bomb, only to be greeted by a creamy, savory filling bursting with shrimp and crab. These little delights are perfect as an appetizer, a snack, or even a fun addition to a casual meal. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- ½ cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- ½ cup cooked crab meat (lump or imitation)
- 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional, for extra gooeyness)
For the Bread:
- 1 tube (8-count) refrigerated biscuit dough, pizza dough, or homemade dinner roll dough
- Flour (for dusting)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: grated Parmesan for sprinkling
Preparation:
write as
Step 1: Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened to prevent lumps and to create a smooth, creamy base for the filling. This creamy base is crucial for binding the other ingredients together and providing a luxurious texture.
Step 2: Add Seafood and Seasonings: Incorporate the chopped cooked shrimp and crab meat into the creamy mixture. Gently fold in the minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick), lemon juice, and chopped fresh parsley (or dried parsley). The Old Bay or Cajun seasoning adds a distinctive, savory flavor that complements the seafood perfectly. Lemon juice brightens the flavors and prevents the filling from being too heavy.
Step 3: Season to Taste and Chill: Season the filling to taste with salt and black pepper. Remember that the Old Bay seasoning already contains salt, so start with a small amount and adjust accordingly. For an extra layer of flavor and gooeyness, consider adding shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese. Once all ingredients are thoroughly combined, cover the bowl and chill the filling in the refrigerator while you prepare the dough. Chilling the filling allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to handle when stuffing the dough.
Step 4: Prepare the Dough Bombs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the dough bombs will bake evenly and achieve a golden-brown color. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. If using refrigerated biscuit dough, gently separate the biscuits. If using pizza dough or homemade dinner roll dough, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
Step 5: Flatten and Fill the Dough: Flatten each dough piece (biscuit or roll) into a 3–4 inch circle. You can use a rolling pin for this step or simply press the dough with your fingers. The goal is to create a thin, even circle that will be easy to wrap around the filling. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the chilled filling into the center of each circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make it difficult to seal the dough.
Step 6: Seal the Dough Bombs: Fold the edges of the dough up and pinch them tightly to seal the filling inside, forming a ball. Ensure that the dough is completely sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Place the dough bombs seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper prevents the bombs from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.
Step 7: Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. You can melt the butter in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt to the melted butter. Stir to combine. The garlic butter adds a rich, savory flavor to the dough bombs and helps them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.
Step 8: Add Garlic Butter and Bake: Brush each dough bomb generously with the garlic butter. Ensure that the entire surface of each bomb is coated with the garlic butter for maximum flavor. If desired, sprinkle the dough bombs with grated Parmesan cheese before baking. This adds an extra layer of salty, savory flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the dough bombs are golden brown and puffed up. Keep a close eye on them during baking to prevent them from burning.
Step 9: Serve: Once the dough bombs are baked, remove them from the oven and brush them with any remaining garlic butter while they are still hot. This will enhance their flavor and appearance. Serve the Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs warm with lemon wedges or a dipping sauce like aioli or marinara. The lemon wedges add a bright, acidic element that complements the seafood filling, while the aioli or marinara provides a creamy, savory dipping option.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. You’ll love them because they’re:
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of crab, shrimp, garlic butter, and seasonings creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
- Incredibly Satisfying: The warm, soft bread combined with the creamy, savory filling is a match made in heaven.
- Easy to Make: Using refrigerated dough makes this recipe quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Versatile: These bombs can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a main meal.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves garlic bread, and the addition of crab and shrimp takes it to the next level.
- Fun to Eat: Their bomb-like shape and delightful filling make them a fun and interactive dish for both kids and adults.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Try different cheeses, seasonings, or even add other seafood like lobster or scallops.
Serving Suggestions:
These Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- Appetizer: Serve them as a delightful starter at your next party or gathering.
- Snack: Enjoy them as a satisfying snack on game day or movie night.
- Side Dish: Pair them with a salad or soup for a light and flavorful meal.
- Main Course: Serve them alongside a pasta dish or seafood platter for a more substantial meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as aioli, marinara, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges to brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added visual appeal.
Tips:
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the dough bombs, as this can make them difficult to seal and cause the filling to leak out during baking.
- Seal Tightly: Ensure that the dough is completely sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible.
- Adjust Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste the filling before stuffing the dough and add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed.
- Customize Filling: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients. Try adding other seafood like lobster or scallops, or experiment with different cheeses and seasonings.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Freeze Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, you can freeze them for later. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 35-38 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: 250-300 per serving
- Protein: 10-15 grams per serving
- Sodium: 400-500 mg per serving
Conclusion
Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are a delectable and easy-to-make treat that is sure to impress. The combination of savory seafood, creamy filling, and buttery garlic bread is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a satisfying snack, or a fun addition to a meal, these bombs are the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and get ready to enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use imitation crab meat instead of real crab meat? Yes, you can definitely use imitation crab meat in this recipe. Imitation crab meat is a more affordable alternative to real crab meat and works well in this filling. Just make sure to chop it into small pieces before adding it to the mixture.
- Can I make these ahead of time and bake them later? You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the dough bombs closer to serving time to ensure the bread is fresh and warm. If you need to prep further in advance, you can assemble the bombs and keep them in the fridge (unbaked) for a few hours before baking. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- What kind of dough works best for this recipe? Refrigerated biscuit dough is a popular and convenient choice, but you can also use refrigerated pizza dough or homemade dinner roll dough. Each type of dough will give a slightly different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite. Pizza dough will result in a chewier crust, while dinner roll dough will be softer and more pillowy.
- Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling to your liking. Some other ingredients you might consider adding include:
- Chopped celery or onion for added texture and flavor
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack
- Other seafood, such as cooked lobster or scallops
- Fresh herbs, such as dill or chives
- What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftover Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the bread may become a bit softer. For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
