Cheesy Crab and Shrimp Tortilla Bombs Recipe
Introduction
These Cheesy Crab and Shrimp Tortilla Bombs are a deliciously indulgent appetizer perfect for seafood lovers. Filled with a creamy blend of crab, shrimp, and cheese, they fry up crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 4: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium heat.
- 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.
- Step 6: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining bombs.
- Step 7: Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeño to the filling mix.
- Try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to easily blend with the other ingredients.
- If you prefer baking, brush the bombs with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Storage
Store any leftover tortilla bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep the exterior crisp.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crab and shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and drain any frozen seafood before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
What dipping sauces go well with these tortilla bombs?
They pair well with cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or a zesty salsa verde. Choose your favorite based on your taste preferences.
PrintCheesy Crab and Shrimp Tortilla Bombs Recipe
These Cheesy Crab and Shrimp Tortilla Bombs are crispy, golden-fried delights filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of shrimp, crab, cream cheese, and cheddar. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they’re packed with savory spices like garlic powder and Old Bay seasoning, creating a rich seafood experience wrapped in a crispy tortilla shell.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 tortilla bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
Tortillas
- 12 small flour tortillas
Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- 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 everything thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Assemble the bombs: Lay one 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.
- Shape the bombs: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll tightly to form a sealed, compact ‘bomb’ shape. Repeat this process for all tortillas and filling.
- Heat the oil: Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or fryer to submerge the tortilla bombs about halfway. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C), or until hot enough for frying.
- Fry the bombs: Carefully place a few tortilla bombs into the hot oil, frying them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Drain the bombs: Remove the fried bombs with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat frying the remaining bombs.
- Serve warm: Serve the crispy tortilla bombs warm, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce such as sour cream, spicy mayo, or cocktail sauce.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and achieve a creamy filling.
- Use fresh or thawed cooked seafood for the best texture and flavor.
- If you want a healthier option, consider baking the bombs at 400°F (205°C) for about 15-20 minutes until crispy instead of frying.
- Be careful when frying to avoid oil splatters and do not overcrowd the pan to maintain proper frying temperature.
- These can be prepared ahead and fried just before serving for fresh crispiness.
Keywords: crab, shrimp, cheesy appetizer, seafood, fried tortilla bombs, cream cheese, party snack

