Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

Cheesy seafood tortilla bombs combine chopped shrimp, lump crab, and a rich blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese, all wrapped in flour tortillas. These are generously smothered in homemade garlic cream sauce before baking until golden and bubbly. The finished bites offer creamy, savory flavors and a gooey cheese center in a lightly crisped tortilla shell. They’re perfect as finger food for parties or a savory, satisfying snack whenever you crave something packed with seafood and cheese.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Tue, 19 Aug 2025 12:51:36 GMT
A plate of cheesy seafood tortilla bombs. Save
A plate of cheesy seafood tortilla bombs. | lilicooks.com

Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs are the ultimate party appetizer for seafood fans craving something rich and satisfying. Each tortilla bomb is stuffed with plump shrimp and sweet crab mingled with a trio of creamy cheeses and a hint of garlic then baked until bubbling in a luscious cream sauce. Whether you are hosting a gathering or just treating yourself to a special snack this recipe makes cheesy seafood dreams come true

The first time I tried these was before a birthday dinner and they disappeared in five minutes flat Everyone begged for the recipe and they have been a regular crowd favorite since

Ingredients

  • Medium flour tortillas: give a soft yet sturdy base for rolling and hold all the filling Do a quick squeeze test in the bread aisle to find ones that are fresh and flexible
  • Cooked shrimp: brings a light briny flavor Chop it so every bite gets a taste of shrimp
  • Lump crab meat: offers sweet delicate texture Choose fresh or high-quality canned for best results
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and offers a gooey stretchy finish
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: adds sharpness and an orange hue for cheesiness
  • Cream cheese: acts as the creamy binder and makes the filling extra decadent Soften fully for easy mixing
  • Mayonnaise: boosts the richness and binds the seafood mixture Choose a full-fat option for flavor
  • Garlic cloves: provide punchy savory notes Use freshly minced garlic for fullest taste
  • Paprika: adds subtle smokiness Opt for sweet or smoked
  • Butter: helps brown the garlic for the sauce and delivers that classic comforting taste
  • Heavy cream: creates the luxurious sauce Choose one with no stabilizers for best texture
  • Fresh parsley: adds color and a pop of herby freshness Use flat-leaf for best appearance
  • Salt and pepper: balance and deepen all the flavors Taste as you go for perfect seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Seafood Filling:
Mix cooked shrimp chopped crab mozzarella cheddar softened cream cheese mayo minced garlic paprika salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl Using a spoon mix until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture feels cohesive This is the heart of each tortilla bomb so take a minute to fully incorporate all ingredients
Stuff and Roll the Tortillas:
Spread a generous scoop of seafood filling evenly on each flour tortilla right to the edges Roll each tortilla up as tightly as possible so the filling does not escape Place each roll seam-side down in a greased baking dish This ensures the rolls do not unravel during baking
Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
In a small skillet melt butter over medium-low heat Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned Pour in the heavy cream and let simmer for three to five minutes stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly It should coat the back of a spoon
Assemble and Bake:
Evenly pour the garlic cream sauce over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies Bake on the middle rack at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for fifteen to eighteen minutes until the sauce bubbles and the tops of the tortillas turn golden brown
Finish and Serve:
Remove from the oven sprinkle chopped fresh parsley across the top Let cool for two minutes then slice or serve the tortilla bombs whole Serve hot for the gooey cheesy experience
A plate of cheesy seafood tortilla bombs. Save
A plate of cheesy seafood tortilla bombs. | lilicooks.com

My favorite ingredient here is the crab There is something about fresh lump crab’s delicate sweetness that makes every bite memorable The first time I made this my husband got home late and ate the leftovers straight from the pan with no regrets

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The rolls reheat well in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for ten minutes Or microwave individual portions for a quick snack These are best freshly baked but leftover portions are just as satisfying

Ingredient Substitutions

If crab is not available swap in chopped cooked lobster or even flaked white fish Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can replace mozzarella for extra creaminess Or try Greek yogurt in place of some mayo if you want a lighter version Gluten-free flour tortillas work great too

A cheesy seafood tortilla bomb. Save
A cheesy seafood tortilla bomb. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tortillas hot on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing They are perfect with a squeeze of lemon or a side of cool tzatziki For heartier fare cut them in halves and serve over rice or with a vegetable medley These are just as good at brunch buffets as on game day

Cultural Inspiration

This dish plays on Tex-Mex inspiration with a seafood twist blending classic US Gulf Coast flavors with tortilla-wrapped street food vibes There is a bit of nostalgic comfort here like shrimp enchiladas but with an even cheesier party spin

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute other seafood?

Yes, try cooked scallops or white fish for a different twist, adjusting cooking times as needed for tenderness.

→ How can I make these spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the seafood filling for a mild heat boost.

→ What’s the best way to prevent soggy tortillas?

Roll tortillas tightly and avoid overfilling. Bake until golden so the tortillas crisp slightly in the oven.

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

Use plant-based cheese and cream alternatives, but note this will change the texture and flavor.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Roll and chill unbaked bombs in advance, then add sauce and bake just before serving for best results.

Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs

Tender tortillas wrap crab, shrimp, and melted cheeses, baked golden in garlic cream—an irresistible snack for seafood lovers.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
18 min
Overall Time
33 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Seafood

Output: 4 Serves (12 tortilla bombs)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Seafood Filling

01 6 medium flour tortillas
02 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
03 1 cup lump crab meat
04 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
05 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
06 4 oz cream cheese, softened
07 3 tbsp mayonnaise
08 3 garlic cloves, minced
09 1 tsp paprika
10 Salt, to taste
11 Pepper, to taste

→ Garlic Cream Sauce

12 2 tbsp butter
13 1 cup heavy cream
14 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, mix the shrimp, crab, mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.

Step 02

Spread the seafood filling evenly over each tortilla, roll them tightly, and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 03

In a skillet, melt the butter, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 04

Pour the garlic cream sauce over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 05

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top of the baked tortillas and serve hot.

Required Tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Shellfish
  • Dairy
  • Gluten

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 14 g