Mediterranean Crabby Shrimp Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs
These garlic bread bombs are the ultimate Mediterranean seafood appetizer or snack—pillowy dough balls stuffed with a creamy crab and shrimp mixture, kissed with lemon, herbs, garlic, and a cheesy finish. Baked until golden and brushed with garlic butter, they’re perfect for parties, special dinners, or anytime you want a seriously good finger food.
Time Required
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20–22 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough
1 can (12 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough
Flour for dusting
For the Crab & Shrimp Filling
1/2 cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
1/2 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or white cheddar
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp finely chopped red onion
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Zest of 1/2 lemon
Salt & pepper, to taste
For Garlic Butter Topping
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Make the Seafood Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, mozzarella, mayo, mustard, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, paprika, lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well until creamy and evenly blended.
Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Divide biscuit or pizza dough into 12 equal pieces.
Flatten each piece into a circle (~3 inches wide) using your fingers or rolling pin.
Stuff the Bombs
Place a spoonful of the seafood mixture in the center of each dough circle.
Carefully fold the edges up and pinch to seal into a ball.
Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the bombs are golden brown and puffed.
Brush with Garlic Butter
While baking, mix melted butter, garlic, dill or parsley, and a pinch of salt.
Brush the tops of the hot bombs generously as soon as they come out of the oven.
Serve
Serve warm with lemon wedges, herbed yogurt dip, or marinara.
Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Tips
Use Cooked, Dry Seafood
Make sure the shrimp and crab are fully cooked and patted dry with a paper towel before mixing. Excess moisture can make the filling soggy and cause the bombs to split.
Soften the Cream Cheese Properly
Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. This ensures it mixes smoothly with the other filling ingredients.
Don’t Overstuff
It’s tempting to load them up, but use only 1 heaping tablespoon of filling per bomb. Overstuffing can cause the dough to tear or leak during baking.
Seal the Dough Well
Pinch the dough tightly and place the sealed side down on the baking tray. You can also use a little water on your fingers to help the dough stick if it’s dry.
Brush Twice for Extra Flavor
Brush the bombs with garlic butter immediately after baking, then again after 2–3 minutes for a double hit of buttery garlic flavor and shine.
Variations
Make It Vegetarian
Swap the seafood for a Mediterranean-inspired veggie mix:
Sautéed mushrooms + spinach + feta
Chickpeas + sun-dried tomatoes + cream cheese
Add Some Heat
Add a pinch of red chili flakes, diced jalapeño, or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy version.
Stuff with Other Cheeses
Mix or replace mozzarella with:
Feta (for a sharper, briny bite)
Fontina (for meltiness)
Goat cheese (for a creamy tang)
Herb Boost
Swap or add different herbs like fresh basil, mint, or thyme for aromatic variations. Dill works beautifully with seafood too.
Alternative Dough Options
You can use:
Homemade pizza dough
Store-bought crescent roll dough
Puff pastry (for a flakier, crispier bite—just reduce baking time slightly)
Q&A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare and stuff the bombs, place them on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Brush with garlic butter after baking for freshness.
Q: Can I freeze these garlic bread bombs?
A: Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked bombs on a tray until solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25–28 minutes. Brush with garlic butter after baking.
Q: What can I serve these with?
A: These go great with:
Lemon herb yogurt dip
Marinara or roasted red pepper sauce
Light Mediterranean salad on the side
Q: Can I use canned seafood?
A: Yes—canned crab or pre-cooked frozen shrimp work well. Just make sure to drain and pat dry thoroughly to avoid a soggy filling.
Q: Are these spicy?
A: Not by default, but you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling if you’d like a spicy kick.
Nutrition Facts
Based on 12 bombs, using biscuit dough and standard filling ingredients.
Calories: ~185
Protein: 9g
Carbs: 16g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: ~360mg
Moderately high in protein and low in sugar. Great as an appetizer or light entrée.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Crabby Shrimp Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are the perfect combination of comfort and class—bite-sized but flavor-packed, cheesy but balanced, and loaded with the briny goodness of the sea.
These are ideal for:
Party appetizers
Game-day snacks
Seafood lovers’ gatherings
Or just a weeknight indulgence
They offer a creative way to enjoy seafood in a fun, portable format—elevated with fresh herbs, creamy cheese, and golden garlic bread warmth.
Seafood meets street food—with Mediterranean flair.