I tucked together tender flour tortillas filled with chopped shrimp, lump crab meat, and gooey melted cheese, then baked or fried them until golden and irresistible. Each bite is a savory explosion of creamy, garlicky seafood goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I adore these tortilla bombs because they bring together rich seafood flavor, melted cheese, and the crunch of a perfectly cooked tortilla. The garlic cream adds a luxurious touch that transforms a simple idea into something special. I like that they’re fun to make, fun to eat, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to myself.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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6 medium flour tortillas
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1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
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1 cup lump crab meat
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
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½ cup cream cheese, softened (optional but makes it extra creamy)
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2 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic cream sauce)
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¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Oil for frying or butter for baking
Directions
I start by mixing together the crab, shrimp, shredded cheese, cream cheese, garlic, green onions, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Then I place about two tablespoons of this filling in the center of each tortilla. I fold the tortillas tightly into little bundles, sealing the edges. For cooking, I either fry them in a bit of oil until golden brown and crisp, or bake them in the oven until the cheese melts and the tortillas are lightly toasted. Once finished, I serve them warm with extra garlic cream or a simple dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings (8 tortilla bombs). Prep takes around 15 minutes, and cooking takes about 20 minutes, so the whole recipe is ready in about 35 minutes.
Variations
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I like using pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
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Sometimes I bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes instead of frying.
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I add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and flavor.
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For a creamier texture, I add more cream cheese to the filling.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I put them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until crispy again. If I use the microwave, I wrap them in a damp paper towel to help keep them from drying out, though they won’t be as crunchy.
FAQs
How can I make a garlic cream sauce for these bombs?
I whisk together sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a little salt until smooth and creamy.
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, I just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Can I freeze tortilla bombs?
Definitely. I freeze them individually on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag. When I’m ready to enjoy them, I reheat them straight from the freezer in the oven or air fryer.
What dips work best with these bombs?
I love them with garlic cream, salsa, or guacamole. Each brings out a different flavor from the seafood and cheese.
Can I make these healthier?
Yes, I often bake instead of fry for a lighter version, and they still turn out deliciously crispy.
Conclusion
I love making these Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs because they’re indulgent, flavorful, and always a hit at the table. With a creamy seafood filling and that perfect cheesy melt, they’re satisfying and versatile. Whether baked or fried, they’re a recipe I can count on for both special occasions and casual cravings.
Print
CHEESY SEAFOOD TORTILLA BOMBS
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 tortilla bombs (≈4 servings)
Description
Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs are delightful bundles of chopped shrimp, lump crab, and gooey cheese wrapped in tortillas, then baked or fried until crispy. Perfectly savory and indulgent, they’re a bite-sized explosion of creamy seafood goodness.
Ingredients
6 medium flour tortillas
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup lump crab meat
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
½ cup cream cheese, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil for frying or butter for baking
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, crab, shredded cheese, cream cheese, garlic, green onions (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each tortilla.
- Fold each tortilla tightly into a bundle, sealing the edges well.
- For frying: heat oil and fry until golden and crispy. For baking: brush with butter and bake until toasted and melted.
- Serve warm with garlic cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Add bell peppers or jalapeños for crunch and heat.
- To freeze: place assembled bombs on a tray to freeze, then store in a bag. Reheat from frozen.
- Prefer lighter alternatives? Bake instead of frying to reduce fat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bombs
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: undefined
- Sodium: undefined
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: undefined
- Fiber: undefined
- Protein: approx. 18–20 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg