Cheesy Crab and Shrimp Tortilla Bombs Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Crab and Shrimp Tortilla Bombs are a deliciously indulgent appetizer that combines creamy seafood filling with a crispy fried tortilla shell. Perfect for parties or a special snack, these bombs bring bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.

Ingredients

• 12 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine crab meat, shrimp, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Step 2: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the crab and shrimp mixture in the center of each tortilla.
3. Step 3: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly to form a bomb shape. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
4. Step 4: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium heat.
5. Step 5: Once the oil is hot, carefully place a few tortilla bombs in the oil, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Step 6: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining bombs.
7. Step 7: Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture, or substitute canned crab and cooked shrimp if needed.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a variation in taste.
• For a baked version, place the assembled bombs on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Storage

Store leftover tortilla bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the crab and shrimp mixture can be made up to a day in advance and refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before filling the tortillas for easier rolling.

What dipping sauces work well with these tortilla bombs?

They pair nicely with spicy mayo, cocktail sauce, ranch dressing, or a tangy remoulade. Choose a sauce that complements seafood and adds a little extra flavor.

Cheesy Crab and Shrimp Tortilla Bombs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 132 reviews

These Cheesy Crab and Shrimp Tortilla Bombs are crispy, golden-fried delights filled with a creamy mixture of fresh crab, shrimp, cream cheese, and cheddar. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they’re seasoned with garlic powder and Old Bay seasoning for a flavorful kick. Each bite offers a savory seafood experience wrapped in a crunchy tortilla casing.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 tortilla bombs 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other

• 12 small flour tortillas
• Oil for frying (about 2 cups or as needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded crab meat, chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a creamy seafood filling.
2. Assemble the bombs: Lay a small flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the crab and shrimp mixture into the center of the tortilla. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and then roll it up tightly, forming a compact bomb shape. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
3. Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat enough oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C), or until a small piece of tortilla sizzles and rises to the surface immediately.
4. Fry the tortilla bombs: Carefully place a few tortilla bombs into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each bomb for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs or a slotted spoon, until they are golden brown and crispy all around.
5. Drain the bombs: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried tortilla bombs from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with any remaining bombs.
6. Serve warm: Serve the Cheesy Crab and Shrimp Tortilla Bombs warm, paired with your favorite dipping sauce such as a spicy aioli, cocktail sauce, or ranch dressing for a delicious appetizer or snack experience.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier.
• Be cautious when frying to avoid overcrowding which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy bombs.
• Use fresh or properly thawed seafood for the best flavor and texture.
• These can be prepared ahead of time and fried just before serving for maximum crispiness.
• For a lighter version, consider baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crisp and golden as an alternative to frying.

Keywords: Crab appetizer, Shrimp appetizer, Fried tortilla bombs, Seafood snacks, Cheesy seafood bites