Crabby Shrimp Stuffed Garlic Bread

Crabby Shrimp Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs are the ultimate party starter when you want a dish that is both comfort food and crowd-pleaser. Creamy, cheesy shrimp filling tucked inside crusty Italian bread and baked to crispy golden perfection always disappears fast at gatherings in my home.

I made these for my book club and watched everyone reach for seconds before the main course even started. There is something magical about that hot cheesy filling in every garlicky bite.

Ingredients

• Crusty Italian Bread: Choose a bakery-fresh loaf with a thick crust This forms your edible bowl and gives the perfect crunch after baking
• Butter melted: Use high quality European-style butter if possible for a richer flavor Adds beautiful golden color during baking
• Fresh Shrimp peeled and deveined: Try to buy wild-caught if available Sweet tender shrimp are the star and chopping them small ensures even bites
• Cream Cheese softened: Let it come to room temperature for easy mixing Full-fat cream cheese makes the filling extra luscious
• Mozzarella Cheese shredded: Go for whole-milk mozzarella for the best meltiness Adds that signature stringy cheesy pull
• Fresh Parsley chopped: Flat-leaf parsley brings color and a fresh pop that cuts through the richness
• Garlic minced: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor Gives that classic garlic bread kick
• Salt and Pepper: Use flaked sea salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance all the other flavors
• Red Pepper Flakes optional: Sprinkle for a little heat and extra depth Choose your own spice level

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Chop shrimp into bite-sized pieces Combine shrimp with softened cream cheese mozzarella parsley garlic salt and pepper in a large bowl Mix well until filling is creamy and evenly distributed

Prep the Bread:

Slice Italian bread lengthwise then gently hollow out the center of each half leaving a sturdy shell about an inch thick Reserve the soft insides for another use or homemade croutons

Stuff the Bread:

Spoon shrimp filling into the bread shells Press down gently so every pocket is filled to the brim and level the surface for even baking

Butter and Bake:

Brush the outside of each stuffed bread half with melted butter Preheat oven to 375 degrees Wrap bread in foil and bake for 15 minutes to melt and warm everything through

Finish for a Crispy Crust:

Unwrap bread and place directly on oven rack Bake uncovered for 5 more minutes until golden and crisp outside

Cool and Serve:

Let bread cool just a couple of minutes Slice into generous portions while still warm Serve immediately for maximum gooeyness

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I always reach for wild-caught shrimp for this recipe Their sweet briny flavor really shines against the creamy cheese One holiday my son tasted the filling before I stuffed the bread and now he asks for it as a dip too

Storage Tips

Once baked these bread bombs are best eaten warm but you can wrap leftovers in foil and refrigerate for up to three days Reheat in a low oven until thoroughly warmed and crisp again To freeze slice before baking and wrap individually Bake straight from the freezer adding a few extra minutes

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have shrimp try lump crab meat or even canned tuna with a squeeze of lemon in the filling For a lighter version use low fat cream cheese and part skim mozzarella You can also swap parsley for dill for a different fragrant herb touch

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a perfectly balanced meal Drizzle with a little extra olive oil or sprinkle with more chopped parsley for fresh color They make standout appetizers or work as a main course alongside roasted vegetables

Cultural and Historical Context

Stuffed breads have deep roots in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines This recipe is a modern spin blending seafood dip with garlic bread A little retro a bit fancy and always comforting

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you keep the bread from getting soggy?

Brush the bread’s interior lightly with melted butter and avoid overfilling. Baking at a high temperature ensures a crisp shell.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp fully and pat dry before chopping. This helps prevent extra moisture in the filling.

→ What cheese works best for the filling?

Softened cream cheese and shredded mozzarella create a luscious, melty texture that pairs well with seafood flavors.

→ Is it possible to prepare these in advance?

Yes! Assemble the stuffed bread a few hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for best freshness.

→ How do you achieve an extra crispy crust?

Finish baking uncovered for a few minutes after removing the foil to develop a golden, crunchy exterior.

→ Can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle, spicy kick.