Crabby Shrimp Garlic Bread Bombs (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
1 large crusty Italian bread loaf
02 -
60 grams unsalted butter, melted
03 -
450 grams fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
04 -
225 grams cream cheese, softened
05 -
170 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
06 -
60 milliliters finely chopped fresh parsley
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
2.5 grams salt
09 -
1.25 grams black pepper
10 -
1.25 grams red pepper flakes (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
02 -
Chop the peeled and deveined shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
03 -
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, finely chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well-incorporated.
04 -
Carefully slice the Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise.
05 -
Gently hollow out the interior of each bread half, ensuring a 1.25-centimeter (0.5-inch) border of crust remains.
06 -
Generously spoon the prepared shrimp mixture into each hollowed bread half, pressing gently to ensure an even distribution.
07 -
Brush the exterior of each filled bread half with melted unsalted butter.
08 -
Tightly wrap each bread half in aluminum foil and transfer them to a baking tray.
09 -
Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
10 -
Carefully remove the aluminum foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the top achieves a golden-brown, crispy texture.
11 -
Allow the baked bread to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.
# Notes:
01 -
Shrimp provides an excellent source of lean protein.
02 -
The shrimp and cheese filling can be prepared one day ahead and stored under refrigeration.
03 -
For future enjoyment, the finished bread can be tightly wrapped and frozen.
04 -
Cooked or canned crab meat can be substituted for shrimp.
05 -
To reduce caloric content, low-fat cream cheese may be used, though the filling's richness may be slightly diminished.
06 -
Experiment with fresh chives or scallions as an alternative to parsley for a nuanced herbal flavor.
07 -
Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese can be incorporated as a substitute for mozzarella.
08 -
Hollowing the bread creates a stable base, and the final uncovered baking step ensures a crispy crust.
09 -
Utilize fresh shrimp and pat them thoroughly dry to maintain a creamy, non-watery filling texture.
10 -
Allow the baked bread to cool for a few minutes prior to slicing for optimal structural integrity.