Cheesy Garlic Butter Crab and Shrimp Bombs

These Cheesy Garlic Butter Crab and Shrimp Bombs are the ultimate seafood appetizer for anyone who loves tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, melted cheese, and rich garlic butter. Each golden biscuit is filled with a creamy seafood mixture, baked until beautifully golden, and brushed with a delicious garlic butter topping.

Every bite delivers a wonderful combination of flaky biscuit dough, juicy seafood, creamy cheese, and fresh garlic flavor. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, game-day parties, family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want to serve something a little more special.

The best part? These seafood bombs are surprisingly easy to prepare using refrigerated biscuit dough and simple ingredients. Serve them warm with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, or a creamy garlic dipping sauce for an appetizer everyone will remember!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Loaded with seafood: Sweet crab meat and tender shrimp create a delicious filling.
• Extra cheesy: Cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan make every bite rich and creamy.
• Incredible garlic butter flavor: A homemade garlic butter topping gives the golden biscuits a delicious finish.
• Easy to prepare: Refrigerated biscuit dough makes assembly simple and convenient.
• Perfect for entertaining: These individual seafood bites are ideal for parties, holidays, and family gatherings.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Seafood Filling

• 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped: Adds juicy seafood flavor and tender texture.
• 8 ounces cooked lump crab meat: Provides sweet, delicate crab flavor. Check carefully for any remaining shell pieces.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Helps cook the shrimp and adds richness.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the seafood filling its savory aroma.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth, creamy filling that holds everything together.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a delicious melted cheese texture.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty flavor.
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds moisture and creaminess.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the rich seafood and cheese flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: Gives the filling classic seafood seasoning flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a little color.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides gentle seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and color.

For the Biscuit Dough

• 1 can (16.3 ounces) refrigerated flaky biscuit dough: Creates the soft, fluffy exterior around the seafood filling.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps prevent sticking while shaping the dough.

For the Garlic Butter Topping

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Creates a rich, buttery finish.
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced: Adds fresh garlic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Gives the finished bombs a fresh appearance.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a bright finishing touch.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavor of the garlic butter.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Crab and Shrimp Bombs

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Set the softened cream cheese aside while preparing the seafood.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the chopped shrimp, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked. Remove from the heat and allow the shrimp to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Seafood Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Add the cooked shrimp, cooked lump crab meat, and chopped parsley. Gently fold everything together until the seafood is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

The filling should be thick and creamy. If it seems too soft, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before assembling the bombs.

Step 4: Flatten the Biscuit Dough

Open the refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Lightly flour your work surface and flatten each biscuit into a round disc approximately 4–5 inches wide.

Keep the dough thick enough to hold the filling without tearing.

Step 5: Fill and Shape the Bombs

Place approximately 2 tablespoons of seafood filling in the center of each flattened biscuit.

Bring the edges of the dough together over the filling. Pinch the seams firmly to seal completely, then gently roll each filled biscuit into a smooth ball.

Place the bombs seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Avoid overfilling to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is puffed and golden brown. Baking time may vary depending on the biscuit brand and size.

Check that the center of the filling reaches 165°F for food safety. If the tops brown too quickly before the centers are hot, loosely cover them with foil and continue baking.

Step 7: Make the Garlic Butter

While the seafood bombs bake, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.

Stir until everything is evenly combined.

Step 8: Brush and Serve

Remove the golden seafood bombs from the oven. Immediately brush the tops generously with the garlic butter mixture.

Allow them to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce!

Tips for Perfect Seafood Bombs

• Drain the crab meat well: Excess moisture can make the filling watery and difficult to seal inside the dough.
• Cool the shrimp before mixing: This helps keep the cream cheese filling thick and easy to handle.
• Use softened cream cheese: Room-temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly.
• Don't overfill: About 2 tablespoons of filling per biscuit is usually enough.
• Seal the dough carefully: Pinch every edge together to prevent the filling from escaping.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella: It melts beautifully and gives the filling a creamy texture.
• Brush with garlic butter while hot: The warm biscuits absorb the buttery topping for extra flavor.

Delicious Recipe Variations

Spicy Cajun Seafood Bombs

Replace the Old Bay seasoning with Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy seafood appetizer.

Extra Cheesy Seafood Bombs

Add another 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella to the filling for an even cheesier center.

Spinach Crab and Shrimp Bombs

Fold 1/2 cup of cooked, well-drained chopped spinach into the filling for extra color and flavor.

Lemon Herb Seafood Bombs

Add a little fresh lemon zest and extra parsley to the filling for a brighter, fresher taste.

Bacon Crab and Shrimp Bombs

Mix 1/4 cup of finely chopped cooked bacon into the seafood filling for a smoky, savory twist.

What to Serve with Crab and Shrimp Bombs

These cheesy seafood bombs are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with:

• Garlic butter dipping sauce: Perfect for anyone who loves extra buttery flavor.
• Cocktail sauce: Its tangy sweetness complements the crab and shrimp.
• Lemon aioli: A creamy, citrusy dip that adds freshness.
• Fresh green salad: Balances the richness of the cheesy filling.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve with asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
• Seasoned potato wedges: Makes these seafood bombs part of a more filling meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerator

Allow the seafood bombs to cool completely. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezer

For best quality, freeze the baked and cooled bombs in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

Reheat in a 325°F oven for approximately 8–12 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow extra time and check that the center reaches 165°F. An air fryer can also be used at 325°F until hot.

Do not leave cooked seafood at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use imitation crab meat?

Yes! Imitation crab meat works as a budget-friendly alternative to lump crab meat. Chop it into small pieces before mixing it into the filling.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Thaw the shrimp completely, pat it dry, and cook it according to the recipe before adding it to the filling.

Can I prepare these seafood bombs ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the seafood filling up to one day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. For the best texture, assemble the bombs shortly before baking.

Why are my seafood bombs leaking?

The most common reasons are overfilling, wet filling, or dough that has not been sealed properly. Drain the crab meat, cool the shrimp, and pinch the biscuit seams firmly.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes. Arrange the bombs in a single layer with space between them. Air-fry at approximately 325°F for 10–14 minutes, checking for golden dough and a hot center. Cooking time depends on the air fryer and biscuit size.

What dipping sauce goes best with seafood bombs?

Garlic butter, lemon aioli, cocktail sauce, and spicy mayonnaise are all excellent choices. A simple mixture of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a little hot sauce also works beautifully.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Crab and Shrimp Bombs Recipe Card

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Servings: 8 seafood bombs
Calories: Approximately 390 per serving

Ingredients

Seafood Filling

• 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
• 8 ounces cooked lump crab meat
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Dough

• 1 can (16.3 ounces) refrigerated flaky biscuit dough
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Garlic Butter Topping

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the chopped shrimp, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked. Cool slightly.
4. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until creamy.
5. Fold in the cooked shrimp, crab meat, and parsley.
6. Separate the biscuit dough and flatten each biscuit into a 4–5-inch round.
7. Place about 2 tablespoons of seafood filling in the center of each biscuit.
8. Gather the dough edges, pinch tightly to seal, and shape into balls. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and heated through. Check that the center reaches 165°F.
10. Mix the melted butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, parsley, lemon juice, and salt.
11. Brush the warm seafood bombs generously with garlic butter. Rest for 5 minutes and serve.

Estimated Nutrition Information

Per serving (1 seafood bomb):

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Protein: 21 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the brands and ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Garlic Butter Crab and Shrimp Bombs bring together everything you love about a seafood appetizer: tender shrimp, sweet crab, creamy melted cheese, fluffy golden dough, and plenty of garlic butter.

They're easy enough for a weekend treat but special enough to serve at Christmas parties, holiday dinners, and celebrations. Make a batch, serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy every cheesy, buttery bite!