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This crabby shrimp stuffed garlic bread bombs recipe brings together the best of creamy seafood and crunchy garlic bread all in one irresistible bite. It’s perfect for parties or a cozy night when you want impressive flavors without a fuss. I first made this for a weekend get-together and was amazed at how fast it disappeared—everyone kept asking for seconds.
When I first baked these, the house smelled amazing thanks to the roasted garlic and buttery crust, and the shrimp filling was so flavorful that it became a new favorite for my family.
Ingredients
- Crusty Italian bread: essential for a firm base that holds the filling and crisps up nicely
- Butter, melted: adds richness and helps create that golden crust outside the bread
- Fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined: fresh shrimp makes all the difference in flavor and texture; choose firm, translucent shrimp for best results
- Cream cheese, softened: provides creamy consistency and helps bind the filling together
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: adds gooey cheesiness that melts beautifully
- Fresh parsley, chopped: brightens the dish with herbal notes and a pop of color
- Garlic, minced: gives the bread bombs their signature aromatic punch
- Salt and pepper: basic seasoning to enhance all the flavors
- Red pepper flakes: optional, for those who like a little heat in their seafood bites
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Shrimp Filling:
- Chop the shrimp into small, bite-size pieces. In a large bowl combine the shrimp with softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly so every bite will be filled with creamy, flavorful goodness.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Slice your loaf of crusty Italian bread in half lengthwise. Carefully hollow out the soft inner bread from each half leaving a sturdy shell that can hold the filling without falling apart.
- Fill the Bread Shells:
- Spoon the shrimp mixture evenly into each bread half. Press it down gently to pack the filling while making sure it stays spread out for every bite to be satisfying and flavorful.
- Butter and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush melted butter on the outside of the bread halves; this will help create a golden crispy crust. Wrap the halves in foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Crisp the Crust:
- Remove the foil and put the bread back in the oven for 5 minutes to crisp up the crust. You want it perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside with the filling still warm and melty inside.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the bread rest for a few minutes after baking so the filling sets slightly but remains molten. Slice into portions and serve while warm to enjoy that creamy shrimp filling and crispy garlic bread together.
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Storage Tips
If you have leftovers wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to restore the crispy crust and warm filling rather than microwaving, which can make the bread soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or fontina cheese for a slightly different melt and flavor profile. If you do not have fresh shrimp, cooked shrimp can work but add it towards the end to avoid overcooking. Parsley can be replaced with fresh basil or cilantro depending on your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bread bombs alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. They also go wonderfully with a simple tomato salsa or a drizzle of garlic aioli for dipping.
Cultural Context
Garlic bread is a beloved staple in Italian-American cooking, often used as a side or starter. Stuffing it with creamy shrimp is a delicious twist that captures the coastal flavors and creamy textures found in seafood dishes while keeping the familiar heartiness of garlic bread.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How should the shrimp be prepared for the filling?
Chop the fresh shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure an even distribution throughout the creamy filling.
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
A crusty Italian loaf is ideal because its sturdy shell holds the filling well and crisps nicely in the oven.
- → Can the spiciness be adjusted?
Yes, adding red pepper flakes is optional and allows for a customizable heat level according to your taste.
- → Why is the bread wrapped in foil during baking?
Wrapping the bread in foil helps the filling cook evenly and keeps the moisture in, preventing the bread from drying out too quickly.
- → How can I achieve a crispy crust on the outside?
After initial baking in foil, removing the foil for an extra 5 minutes lets the bread brown and become crisp while the filling stays creamy.