Next, take your refrigerated pizza dough and roll it out on a floured surface. I love using a rolling pin for this part; it makes the dough nice and even. Cut the dough into 4-inch squares, which should yield about 12 pieces. Now comes the fun part! Take a generous spoonful of the shrimp and crab mixture and place it right in the center of each dough square. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch them together to seal each bomb tightly.
Place the stuffed bombs seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush the garlic butter generously over each bomb. This step is crucial because it not only adds flavor but also gives that golden, crispy texture as they bake. Finally, pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until they’re puffed and golden brown. Oh, the aroma wafting through my kitchen is incredible!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways, and I found that letting the filling cool slightly before stuffing the dough makes it easier to work with. Too hot, and you might inadvertently tear the dough! Also, don’t be stingy with the garlic butter glaze; it’s what gives the bombs their rich flavor! When I first made them, I skimped a bit, and I definitely missed out on that deliciousness.
Another tip I swear by is allowing the stuffed bombs to rest for about 5 minutes after pulling them out of the oven. This ensures the filling settles a bit and makes them easier to handle. Trust me; you want to avoid burning your fingers while trying to enjoy these scrumptious bites! And lastly, feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and seasoning to match your taste. I’ve learned that everyone has different preferences, and I love adding a little extra garlic for that punch!
Lastly, if you find yourself with extra filling, don’t worry! I’ve used it as a topping for baked potatoes or mixed it into pasta sauce, and it’s always a hit. It’s fun to experiment!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake I made during my first few attempts was overfilling the dough. It’s so tempting to stack on the filling because it’s so delicious. But believe me, less is more here. The dough needs some space to seal properly and allow the filling to stay intact. If you overstuff, you risk bursting the bombs while they bake! (See the next page below to continue…)
Another mistake is not sealing the edges tightly enough. I can’t tell you how many of my first batches ended in a cheesy mess on my baking sheet. Make sure you pinch the seams well, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even crimp the edges with a fork for some extra flair!
Lastly, keep an eye on your oven! Every oven is a bit different, and while the recipe says to bake for 18-20 minutes, I’ve found that some of mine have taken a little longer. Just look for that gorgeous golden color and don’t hesitate to give them an extra couple of minutes if needed.