Equipment:
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Baking sheet
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Knife and chopping board
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Small bowl for mixing the garlic butter
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Large mixing bowl
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Pastry brush
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by preparing the garlic butter that will coat the exterior of your bread bombs. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp and crab meat. You want the shrimp to be chopped into small pieces, so that every bite of the bomb has a good mixture of seafood. Add in the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. The mixture should be rich and flavorful.
Step 3: Slice the Bread
Cut your loaf of bread into slices about 2 inches thick. You’ll be creating little pockets within each slice, so don’t slice too thin—aim for a thick, hearty cut that will hold the filling.
Step 4: Hollow Out the Bread
Using your fingers or a small spoon, gently hollow out the middle of each bread slice, leaving about a 1-inch border along the edges. Be careful not to tear the bread, as you want to create a nice cavity for your seafood filling. Collect the insides and save them for later (they can be used for breadcrumbs in another recipe).
Step 5: Stuff the Bread with the Filling
Generously spoon the crab and shrimp mixture into each hollowed-out piece of bread. Don’t be afraid to pack it in tightly—you want each bomb to be full of seafood goodness. Once all the slices are stuffed, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter
Use a pastry brush to coat each stuffed bread bomb with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure the bread is generously brushed on all sides so it gets that golden, crispy finish during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Bombs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once heated, bake the stuffed bread bombs for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbling and lightly browned on top. The cheese should be melted and the shrimp cooked through. If you want a crispier top, you can broil the bombs for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, but be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish your Crabby Shrimp Garlic Bread Bombs with additional fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. Serve immediately while hot, with a side of marinara sauce or a creamy dipping sauce if desired.
Tips for Success:
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Use fresh seafood: The shrimp and crab are the stars of the dish, so using the freshest available seafood will make a huge difference in flavor.
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Don’t overstuff the bread: While you want to pack in the filling, don’t overstuff it so much that it becomes hard to bake evenly. Keep the proportions balanced between the bread and filling.
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Adjust the heat: If you love a little spice, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling. It’ll give your bombs a nice kick.
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Make ahead: If you’re prepping for a party or dinner in advance, you can prepare the bombs up to the point of baking, cover them, and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking.
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Serve with a side: These garlic bread bombs are rich and indulgent on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, pasta, or even a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness.
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