Shrimp & Jumbo Lump Crab Alfredo Garlic Bread

This Shrimp & Jumbo Lump Crab Garlic Bread is the ultimate indulgence for seafood lovers. It features crispy fried shrimp and sweet, buttery jumbo lump crab layered on a toasted loaf of bread slathered with creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with mozzarella, and baked until bubbling and golden. This dish combines bold, garlicky, and cheesy flavors with a delicious seafood twist, making it perfect for parties, gatherings, or a special treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the shrimp marinade:

  • 1 lb large shrimp (cleaned, shelled, and deveined)

  • 1 large egg (egg white only)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp pepper

  • 1/2 tsp paprika

For the crispy breading:

  • 2 cups flour

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp pepper

  • 1 tsp paprika

For the Alfredo sauce:

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 tsp garlic

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp pepper

For the garlic butter:

  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

  • 1 tsp garlic (minced)

  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the bread:

  • 1 loaf of bread

  • 8 oz jumbo lump crab meat

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Parmesan cheese (grated, for garnish)

  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

  • Red pepper flakes (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, mix egg white, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add shrimp and marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).

  2. Make the Alfredo sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Whisk in heavy cream, then add onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened, then stir in parmesan cheese. Set aside.

  3. Prepare garlic butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl.

  4. Bread the shrimp: In a separate bowl, combine flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge marinated shrimp in the seasoned flour and fry in hot oil for 1-2 minutes until golden.

  5. Assemble the garlic bread: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Split the loaf of bread, then brush with garlic butter and bake for 4-5 minutes until golden.

  6. Layer the ingredients: Spread Alfredo sauce on the bread, then layer with mozzarella, crispy shrimp, crab meat, and more Alfredo sauce. Add more mozzarella and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes. Serve with extra Alfredo sauce for dipping.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 430

  • Fat: 27g

  • Saturated Fat: 12g

  • Cholesterol: 135mg

  • Sodium: 900mg

  • Carbohydrates: 23g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 2g

  • Protein: 22g

Marinating the Shrimp for Maximum Flavor

The key to this dish’s shrimp component is the marinade, which infuses the shrimp with a blend of savory spices. The shrimp are marinated in a mixture of egg white, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This marinade not only enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor but also helps the breading adhere to the shrimp, ensuring a crispy, flavorful crust when fried. The egg white acts as a binder, while the spices add a kick of flavor. Marinating the shrimp for at least an hour—or even up to 24 hours—allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Creating a Crispy Breading

The crispy breading on the shrimp is another highlight of this dish. By dredging the marinated shrimp in a seasoned flour mixture made with flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, you ensure that each shrimp is coated in a flavorful crust that crisps up beautifully when fried. The seasoned flour gives the shrimp an extra layer of flavor and crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender shrimp inside. Frying the shrimp for just 1-2 minutes ensures they remain juicy inside while developing a crispy, golden-brown exterior. This crispy shrimp is the star of the dish, adding a satisfying crunch and savory bite to each piece of garlic bread.

Making the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

The Alfredo sauce is another essential component of this dish, adding richness and creaminess that ties all the elements together. Made with heavy cream, butter, garlic, onion powder, and parmesan cheese, this sauce is indulgent and silky. The garlic and onion powder add depth to the sauce, while the parmesan cheese gives it a sharp, nutty flavor. As the sauce cooks, it thickens, creating the perfect consistency to spread generously over the bread. The Alfredo sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy shrimp and sweet crab meat, creating a rich base that brings all the flavors together.

Preparing the Garlic Butter

Garlic butter is what gives this dish its signature garlic flavor. The melted butter, mixed with minced garlic and a pinch of salt, is brushed onto the bread before baking. This garlic butter helps to toast the bread to golden perfection and infuses it with the savory garlic flavor that is essential to any great garlic bread. By baking the bread after brushing it with garlic butter, the edges become crispy and golden, creating a perfect base for the creamy Alfredo sauce and seafood layers.

Assembling the Garlic Bread

Once the bread is prepped with the garlic butter and baked to a golden crisp, the next step is layering the ingredients. First, the Alfredo sauce is spread generously over the toasted bread. The rich, creamy sauce serves as a base for the other ingredients and enhances the overall flavor. Then, mozzarella cheese is sprinkled over the sauce, creating a cheesy, melty layer that will bubble up in the oven as it bakes.

Next, the crispy shrimp and tender jumbo lump crab meat are layered on top. The shrimp adds a satisfying crunch, while the crab meat provides a sweet, delicate flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. More mozzarella is added on top, and the dish is baked again until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a golden, cheesy crust that ties all the components together.

Final Touches: Garnishes and Extra Flavor

Once the dish is baked to perfection, the final step is garnishing. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the dish. Freshly chopped parsley is then sprinkled over the top, adding a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the cheese and seafood. Finally, red pepper flakes are added for a touch of heat, giving the dish a slight kick to complement the creamy, savory elements.

For extra indulgence, serve the Shrimp & Jumbo Lump Crab Garlic Bread with additional Alfredo sauce for dipping. The extra sauce enhances the flavors and makes every bite even more indulgent.

A Show-Stopping Dish for Any Occasion

Shrimp & Jumbo Lump Crab Garlic Bread is the perfect dish for any gathering or special occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, having a BBQ, or simply treating yourself to something special, this seafood-loaded garlic bread will impress your guests with its bold, savory flavors and satisfying texture. The combination of crispy shrimp, sweet crab meat, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese is an unforgettable flavor combination that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

This dish can also be served as a main course, especially when paired with a side salad or vegetables. The rich, cheesy, and seafood-filled bread is hearty enough to stand on its own, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information: A Decadent Treat

At 430 calories per serving, Shrimp & Jumbo Lump Crab Garlic Bread is a rich, indulgent treat. The dish provides 27g of fat, including 12g of saturated fat, making it a decadent option. With 22g of protein, it’s also a great source of seafood protein, thanks to the shrimp and crab. The 23g of carbohydrates and 6g of sugar come primarily from the bread and Alfredo sauce, and while the dish is higher in fat and calories, it’s a deliciously satisfying treat that’s perfect for special occasions.

The added fiber (1g) helps balance the dish, and the protein content makes it filling enough for a main course. However, due to its richness, it’s best enjoyed as an indulgent appetizer or a special treat.

Conclusion

Shrimp & Jumbo Lump Crab Garlic Bread is a perfect dish for seafood lovers and anyone craving a rich, indulgent meal. The crispy shrimp, sweet crab meat, creamy Alfredo sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese create a mouthwatering combination that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it at a party, for a special occasion, or simply as a treat for yourself, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. With its mix of garlic, seafood, and cheese, it’s the ultimate indulgence that will make any meal memorable.

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