These Shrimp & Crab Croissant Bomb Cups are a savory, flaky, and creamy seafood delight baked into golden croissant dough. Each cup is filled with tender shrimp, sweet crab, aromatic herbs, and a rich cheesy filling that makes them irresistible as appetizers, brunch bites, or light meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These croissant bomb cups combine the elegance of seafood with the comfort of warm, buttery pastry. They’re easy to assemble, quick to bake, and impressive enough for gatherings. The creamy seafood filling balances richness with freshness, making each bite satisfying without being heavy. They also reheat well and can be customized to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the croissant cups:

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated croissant dough
• 1 tablespoon butter for greasing the muffin tin

For the seafood filling:

• 1 cup cooked small shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup lump crab meat, drained and picked over
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For topping:

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Optional: pinch of paprika for color

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard muffin tin with butter.
2. Open the croissant dough and separate it into triangles. Press each triangle into a muffin cup, forming a small pastry shell.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in the chopped shrimp and crab meat until evenly combined.
5. Spoon the seafood filling into each croissant-lined muffin cup, filling them generously.
6. Fold any overhanging dough slightly over the top but do not seal completely.
7. Bake for 14–17 minutes, or until the croissant cups are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Allow to cool slightly, then remove from the muffin tin. Sprinkle with parsley and a pinch of paprika before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 croissant bomb cups.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add 1–2 teaspoons of hot sauce or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the filling.
• Cheese swap: Replace mozzarella with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
• Herb alternative: Substitute parsley with dill or chives.
• Lighter version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and lighten the filling with 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt.
• Extra lemony: Increase lemon juice to 2 tablespoons for a brighter, more citrus-forward bite.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftover cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or heat in an air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 4–5 minutes until warmed through.
Freezing is not recommended, as the seafood and cream cheese may separate after thawing.

FAQs

How do I prevent the croissant dough from becoming soggy?

Ensure the seafood is well-drained and avoid overfilling the cups, which helps maintain crispness.

Can I use imitation crab for this recipe?

Yes, imitation crab can be used, though real crab provides a sweeter, more delicate flavor.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

Can I use puff pastry instead of croissant dough?

Yes, puff pastry works well; simply cut it into squares and press into the muffin tin.

What type of shrimp works best?

Small cooked shrimp or chopped medium shrimp work well for even distribution.

How do I keep the cups from sticking to the muffin tin?

Greasing the tin with butter and allowing the cups to cool slightly helps them release easily.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, finely diced bell peppers or green onions make great additions.

Can these be served cold?

They are best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely—simply double all ingredients and bake in multiple batches if needed.

Can I make them mini-sized?

Yes, use mini muffin tins and smaller dough pieces; reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes.

Conclusion

Shrimp & Crab Croissant Bomb Cups offer a perfect balance of creamy seafood filling and flaky, buttery pastry. Simple enough for everyday cooking yet elegant enough for entertaining, these cups deliver rich flavor in every bite. With adaptable variations and easy storage, they’re a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

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