Cheesy Garlic Butter Crab & Shrimp Bombs

These Cheesy Garlic Butter Crab & Shrimp Bombs are the ultimate seafood comfort food! Crispy golden panko breadcrumbs surround a delicious filling of sweet crab meat, juicy shrimp, and gooey melted mozzarella. Each bite is loaded with buttery garlic flavor, savory herbs, and irresistible cheesy goodness. Finished with a delicious garlic butter sauce, they’re perfect for family dinners, parties, appetizers, or special occasions!

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 seafood bombs
Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients
For the seafood filling
– 8 oz (225 g) cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
– 8 oz (225 g) raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the crispy coating
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon paprika
For the garlic butter sauce
– ½ cup unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For garnish
– Extra fresh parsley
– Lemon wedges
– Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the shrimp
1. Peel and devein the shrimp.
2. Pat dry using paper towels.
3. Chop into small bite-sized pieces.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or olive oil.
5. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2–3 minutes until just opaque and cooked through.
6. Allow the shrimp to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the seafood filling
1. In a large mixing bowl, add the crab meat and cooked shrimp.
2. Add softened cream cheese and mayonnaise.
3. Mix in mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Gently combine until everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Avoid overmixing so the crab meat retains some texture.
Step 3: Shape the seafood bombs
1. Divide the seafood mixture into 8 equal portions.
2. Flatten each portion slightly in your palm.
3. Place a small additional cube of mozzarella in the center if you want an extra cheesy filling.
4. Carefully wrap the seafood mixture around the cheese.
5. Shape into firm balls.
6. Place on a lined tray and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Step 4: Prepare the crispy coating
1. Place flour in a shallow bowl.
2. In a second bowl, whisk eggs with milk.
3. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Roll each chilled seafood ball in flour.
5. Dip into the egg mixture.
6. Coat thoroughly with the panko mixture.
7. Press the breadcrumbs gently so they stick.
Step 5: Cook the seafood bombs
Oven method:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the coated seafood bombs on a lightly greased baking tray.
3. Spray or brush lightly with olive oil.
4. Bake for approximately 18–22 minutes, turning carefully if needed, until golden and crisp and the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
Air fryer method:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange seafood bombs in a single layer.
3. Lightly spray with cooking oil.
4. Air fry for approximately 12–16 minutes, turning halfway through.
5. Check that the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
Deep-frying method:
1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully fry in small batches for approximately 3–5 minutes, depending on size.
3. Cook until golden brown and the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 6: Make the garlic butter sauce
1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for approximately 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in parsley, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Spoon the warm garlic butter over the crispy seafood bombs.
Step 7: Serve
Arrange the seafood bombs on a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Add lemon wedges on the side.

Serve immediately while the coating is crispy and the mozzarella is beautifully melted!
Nutritional Information
Estimated per seafood bomb, assuming 8 servings and oven-baking.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 330 kcal
Protein 23 g
Carbohydrates 17 g
Fat 19 g
Saturated Fat 9 g
Fiber 1 g
Sugar 1 g
Cholesterol 145 mg
Sodium 650 mg

Nutrition is approximate and will vary with crab type, shrimp size, cheese, breadcrumbs, and cooking method.
Nut Information & Allergy Guide
– Peanuts: Not included.
– Almonds: Not included.
– Walnuts: Not included.
– Cashews: Not included.
– Other tree nuts: Not included in the standard recipe.
– Shellfish: Contains shrimp and crab. Both are shellfish allergens.
– Dairy: Contains mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, and butter.
– Eggs: Contains eggs in the coating.
– Gluten: Contains wheat flour and panko breadcrumbs.
– Soy: May be present in packaged mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, or seasonings.
Important: This recipe is not suitable for people with shellfish allergies. Check packaged ingredients for cross-contact warnings, especially seafood seasonings and breadcrumbs.
Tips for Perfect Seafood Bombs
1. Drain the seafood: Excess moisture can make the filling fall apart.
2. Cool the shrimp: Always allow cooked shrimp to cool before mixing with cheese.
3. Chill before coating: Refrigerating helps the bombs maintain their shape.
4. Use panko breadcrumbs: They create a lighter, crispier exterior.
5. Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between bombs when baking or air frying.
6. Add mozzarella in the center: This creates an extra gooey cheese pull.
7. Serve immediately: They’re at their best when hot and freshly cooked.
Storage & Reheating
– Refrigerator: Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
– Freezer: Freeze cooked seafood bombs for up to 1 month for best quality.
– Oven reheating: Heat at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout.
– Air fryer: Reheat at 325°F (165°C) until heated through and crispy.
– Food safety: Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I use imitation crab instead of real crab meat?

Yes! Imitation crab is a budget-friendly alternative. Chop it finely and mix with the shrimp and other filling ingredients.

Q2: Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Thaw completely, drain, pat dry, and cook before adding to the filling.

Q3: Can I use canned crab meat?

Yes. Drain it thoroughly and check carefully for any shell fragments.

Q4: Can I make these seafood bombs ahead of time?

Yes! Shape and coat them, then refrigerate covered for several hours before cooking. Keep them chilled until ready to bake.

Q5: Can I freeze uncooked seafood bombs?

Yes. Freeze them individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking for more even results.

Q6: Why are my seafood bombs falling apart?

The mixture may contain too much moisture or may not have been chilled long enough. Drain the seafood properly and refrigerate the shaped balls before coating.

Q7: Can I use cheddar instead of mozzarella?

Yes! Cheddar adds a stronger flavor, while mozzarella gives you that stretchy, gooey cheese center.

Q8: Can I make these without breadcrumbs?

Yes. Try crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free panko. The texture may be slightly different.

Q9: Are these seafood bombs keto-friendly?

Not as written because they contain flour and panko breadcrumbs. You can experiment with crushed pork rinds or a suitable low-carb coating.

Q10: What dipping sauce goes best with these?

Garlic aioli, spicy mayonnaise, lemon butter sauce, tartar sauce, or creamy Cajun dip are all delicious choices.

Q11: Can I make them in the air fryer?

Yes! Air frying produces a beautifully crispy coating with less oil. Cook at 375°F (190°C) until golden and the center reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q12: How do I get the perfect cheese pull?

Use low-moisture mozzarella and place a small cube in the center of each seafood bomb. Serve immediately while hot.
Best Ways to Serve
– With creamy garlic Parmesan pasta.
– Alongside roasted asparagus or broccoli.
– With lemon butter rice.
– As a party appetizer with spicy mayo.
– With a fresh garden salad.
– With homemade Cajun dipping sauce.

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Final Note: These Cheesy Garlic Butter Crab & Shrimp Bombs are crispy, buttery, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible! Every bite delivers juicy seafood, melted mozzarella, crunchy panko, and rich garlic butter flavor. Perfect for seafood lovers and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleasing appetizer! 🦀🍤🧀