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Crabby Shrimp-Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs instantly became my go-to party treat after the first bite. This recipe turns classic garlic bread into a show-stopping appetizer stuffed with juicy shrimp and creamy cheese. Every time I serve them, the plate is empty before I can blink. These are comfort food with a twist you will crave again and again.
These bread bombs impressed my friends at a recent family gathering and since then my kids always ask me to make an extra batch. I first whipped them up for a Sunday football game and now they have become our signature snack for any celebration.
Ingredients
- Crusty Italian bread: Pick a sturdy artisan loaf so it holds the filling and crisps up beautifully in the oven
- Fresh shrimp: Make sure to get peeled and deveined shrimp for less prep and a sweeter flavor
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese melts into the filling and adds tangy richness go for full fat for the best texture
- Mozzarella cheese: For melty stretch and mild cheesiness freshly shredded melts best
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the seafood with a hit of green color choose lively and fragrant bunches
- Garlic: Minced for big flavor fresh is best here for sharpness
- Butter: Melted for brushing both for taste and golden color use a high-quality unsalted butter if possible
- Salt and pepper: For balancing the flavors taste your mixture as you go
- Red pepper flakes: Optional for a little background heat add as much or as little as you like
I always look for wild-caught shrimp at the market and make sure the bread is still warm from the bakery for maximum freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp Filling:
- Chop the shrimp into small bite-sized pieces and toss them into a mixing bowl along with your cream cheese shredded mozzarella chopped parsley minced garlic salt and pepper. Mix everything very well so each bite is packed with flavor and richness. Make sure you break up any lumps of cream cheese with a fork or spatula.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Take your loaf of crusty Italian bread and slice it in half lengthwise. Using your hands or a spoon gently hollow out the inside of each bread half making a shell about three quarters inch thick. Be careful not to puncture the crust since this is what holds all that creamy shrimp goodness.
- Stuff the Bread:
- Pile the shrimp and cheese mixture into the hollowed bread halves evenly. Press the mixture into any corners or edges so there are no empty bites. I sometimes tuck a little extra cheese on top for even more ooze factor.
- Bake the Bombs:
- Heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Brush the outside of the stuffed bread thoroughly with your melted butter for a glossy look and crisp bite. Wrap the bread in a large piece of foil and bake on a tray for fifteen minutes to heat the filling then open the foil and bake five minutes more until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Slice and Serve:
- After baking let the bread bombs cool for a few minutes. This keeps the filling from spilling out when sliced. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut into thick pieces and enjoy right away while the cheese is gooey and warm. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering around the kitchen.
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My favorite part is how the buttery garlic crust mingles with the shrimp filling. One Thanksgiving I made these as a twist on traditional apps and my little niece declared these the best thing she ever ate. Now this recipe is a staple on every holiday table.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers wrap them tightly in foil and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in a hot oven for around ten minutes to crisp up the crust. Avoid microwaving since it softens the bread. You can also freeze unbaked stuffed bread for up to a month and bake straight from the freezer just add extra time.
Ingredient Substitutions
No shrimp available Try chopped cooked crab for a sweeter twist or use canned crab in a pinch. For a dairy-free option swap in vegan cream cheese and your favorite plant-based cheese. If you want a lighter bite try whole wheat bread instead of white Italian.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these warm as an appetizer at your next gathering or alongside salad for a light dinner. I like to offer a squeeze of lemon or a side of spicy aioli for dipping. Cut them into thin strips for party platters or slice thick for hearty snacking.
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Cultural Context
Garlic bread bombs are a playful variation on Italian stuffed breads and American party food. Stuffed breads have been enjoyed for generations from calzones to pull-apart breads. The seafood twist makes it a nod to coastal cooking where shrimp and shellfish are a special treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of fresh?
Yes, pre-cooked shrimp works well. Just chop and combine with the other filling ingredients as directed, but reduce baking time slightly to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- → What type of bread works best for stuffing?
A sturdy, crusty Italian loaf is ideal. It holds up to hollowing and baking, keeping the filling contained and yielding a crisp crust.
- → How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Be sure not to overfill with the creamy mixture, and thoroughly preheat the oven. Brushing with butter also helps the bread crisp up rather than absorb too much moisture.
- → Can I make these bombs ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate the stuffed bread up to a few hours before baking. Bake just before serving for maximum freshness and texture.
- → Are there good substitutes for crab or shrimp?
You can use chopped cooked chicken or even canned tuna for a different twist, though the flavor profile will change.