Keto Sheet Pan Cheesy Crab & Shrimp Bombs – The Crowd-Pleasing Seafood Recipe Everyone Asked Me to Make Again
Every now and then, a recipe comes along that completely surprises you. You make it once, expecting it to be good, and suddenly your family is requesting it every weekend. That’s exactly what happened with these Keto Sheet Pan Cheesy Crab & Shrimp Bombs.
I first got the idea for this recipe after a friend brought something similar to a family game night. They were these golden, cheesy seafood bites packed with shrimp and crab, and honestly, they disappeared faster than any appetizer on the table. I couldn’t stop thinking about them afterward.
Last weekend, I decided to create my own keto-friendly version. I wanted something low-carb, rich in flavor, and easy enough to prepare without spending hours in the kitchen. As the seafood mixture baked in the oven, the smell of garlic, melted cheese, and buttery shrimp filled the house. Before dinner was even ready, everyone was wandering into the kitchen asking what I was making.
The moment they came out of the oven, golden brown and bubbling around the edges, I knew we had a winner. My husband called them “seafood comfort food,” my brother went back for thirds, and even the kids couldn’t stop grabbing one after another.
Now, these Cheesy Crab & Shrimp Bombs have become one of my favorite recipes whenever I’m celebrating a good week, feeling stressed and craving comfort food, hosting friends, or simply enjoying a relaxing weekend with family. They’re rich, satisfying, keto-friendly, and incredibly easy to make.
If you’re looking for a low-carb seafood recipe that’s packed with cheesy goodness and restaurant-quality flavor, you’re going to love these.
Why You’ll Love These Keto Crab & Shrimp Bombs
Keto and Low Carb
Perfect for anyone following a keto lifestyle.
Easy Sheet Pan Recipe
Minimal cleanup and simple preparation.
Loaded with Seafood Flavor
A delicious combination of shrimp, crab, garlic, and cheese.
Great for Entertaining
Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or main dish.
Family Friendly
Even people who aren’t following keto diets love them.
High in Protein
Packed with seafood and protein-rich ingredients.
What Are Crab & Shrimp Bombs?
Crab & Shrimp Bombs are savory seafood bites made from a mixture of shrimp, crab meat, cheese, seasonings, and binding ingredients that are shaped into mounds or balls and baked until golden and delicious.
This keto version skips traditional breadcrumbs and uses low-carb ingredients while keeping all the rich flavor and satisfying texture.
The result is a cheesy, seafood-packed bite that’s crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Ingredients
For the Crab & Shrimp Bombs
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
8 ounces lump crab meat
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Optional Topping
Extra Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Melted garlic butter
Ingredient Notes
Shrimp
Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp both work well.
Finely chopping helps the mixture hold together.
Crab Meat
Lump crab meat provides the best texture and flavor.
Cream Cheese
Helps bind the mixture while adding richness.
Mozzarella
Creates a gooey, cheesy center.
Parmesan
Adds a savory, slightly nutty flavor.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Cookie scoop or spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Mixture
In a large bowl combine:
Chopped shrimp
Crab meat
Mozzarella
Parmesan
Cream cheese
Egg
Garlic
Old Bay seasoning
Paprika
Onion powder
Salt
Pepper
Parsley
Mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Form the Bombs
Using a scoop or spoon, form the mixture into 12–14 mounds.
Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Add Topping
Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over each mound if desired.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes.
The tops should be golden brown and the seafood fully cooked.
Step 6: Broil (Optional)
For extra color and crispness, broil for 2–3 minutes.
Watch carefully.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Serve immediately.
Expert Tips for Success
Don’t Overmix
Mix gently to keep the crab meat from breaking apart too much.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Fresh cheese melts more smoothly and tastes better.
Drain Excess Moisture
Pat shrimp dry before chopping to avoid a watery mixture.
Broil Carefully
A quick broil creates a beautiful golden finish.
Delicious Variations
Spicy Seafood Bombs
Add:
Red pepper flakes
Cajun seasoning
Jalapeños
Garlic Butter Version
Brush with garlic butter immediately after baking.
Bacon Lover’s Version
Add crumbled cooked bacon to the mixture.
Mediterranean Style
Mix in:
Feta cheese
Fresh dill
Chopped olives
What to Serve with Crab & Shrimp Bombs
These pair perfectly with:
Caesar salad
Roasted asparagus
Garlic green beans
Zucchini noodles
Cauliflower rice
Cucumber salad
Roasted broccoli
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked bombs for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve texture.
Nutritional Benefits
These seafood bombs are rich in:
Lean protein
Omega-3 fatty acids
Calcium
Selenium
Vitamin B12
Healthy fats
They fit perfectly into a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these keto-friendly?
Yes.
They’re naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats.
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes.
Drain it well before using.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Absolutely.
Form the bombs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I air fry them?
Yes.
Cook at 375°F for approximately 10–12 minutes.
Why are my bombs falling apart?
The mixture may be too wet.
Add a little extra Parmesan cheese or chill the mixture before shaping.
Can I use imitation crab?
You can, but real crab provides better flavor and is generally lower in carbs.
Can I make these dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on cheese, so significant substitutions would be required.
Can I freeze them before baking?
Yes.
Freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
How do I know they’re done?
They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Are they good for meal prep?
Absolutely.
They’re easy to reheat and taste great the next day.
Final Thoughts
These Keto Sheet Pan Cheesy Crab & Shrimp Bombs quickly became one of the most requested recipes in my house. After making them for my family last weekend and watching everyone reach for seconds and thirds, I knew they were something special.
The combination of sweet crab, tender shrimp, creamy cheese, and savory seasonings creates the ultimate seafood comfort food without the carbs. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, hosting guests, or simply looking for a fun new dinner idea, these cheesy seafood bombs are guaranteed to impress.
They’re easy, flavorful, satisfying, and the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary meal into something memorable.
