Golden Seafood Stromboli with Crab and Shrimp: A Crispy, Cheesy Seafood Delight

A Golden Seafood Stromboli with Crab and Shrimp is the perfect recipe when you want something warm, crispy, cheesy, and packed with delicious seafood flavor. Imagine biting through a beautifully golden crust and discovering a creamy, savory filling made with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, melted cheese, and aromatic seasonings. It is comforting like pizza, satisfying like a seafood dinner, and impressive enough to serve when guests come over.

This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You can serve it as a fun family dinner, slice it into smaller portions for a party appetizer, or enjoy it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. The secret to an unforgettable seafood stromboli is keeping the filling flavorful without making it too wet. A crisp crust needs a filling that stays creamy and rich while allowing the dough to bake properly.

Ingredients for Golden Seafood Stromboli

To make one large stromboli, serving approximately four people, you will need:

For the Stromboli

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 200 g cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped
• 150 g crab meat
• 200 g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 50 g cream cheese, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or seafood seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, for egg wash

Optional additions

• A pinch of chili flakes
• A few chopped spring onions
• Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
• Lemon zest for a fresh seafood finish

How to Prepare the Crab and Shrimp Filling

Start by preparing the seafood filling. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook it gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic because it can quickly develop a bitter flavor.

Add the chopped shrimp and crab meat to the pan. Sprinkle in the seafood seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and a small amount of salt if needed. Remember that some seafood seasonings and crab products may already contain salt, so taste carefully.

Cook the seafood mixture for just a few minutes, then remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cream cheese and chopped parsley while the mixture is still warm. The cream cheese should melt and lightly coat the seafood, creating a creamy filling without making it overly liquid. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes before assembling the stromboli.

How to Assemble the Seafood Stromboli

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly flour your work surface.

Roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle. Try to keep the thickness relatively even so the stromboli cooks evenly. Sprinkle most of the mozzarella cheese across the center of the dough, leaving a border around all sides.

Spoon the crab and shrimp filling over the cheese. Spread it evenly, but avoid placing too much filling near the edges. Add the remaining mozzarella and, if desired, a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Carefully fold the sides of the dough over the filling and roll it into a tight log. Pinch the edges firmly to seal the stromboli. Place it seam-side down on the prepared baking tray.

Bake Until Perfectly Golden and Crispy

Beat the egg and brush it generously over the top of the stromboli. This simple step gives the crust its beautiful golden, glossy finish. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a little paprika, parsley, or Parmesan over the top.

Using a sharp knife, make two or three small slits across the top of the dough. These openings allow steam to escape while the stromboli bakes and help prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and crisp. The cheese inside should be fully melted, while the seafood filling remains tender and flavorful.

Allow the stromboli to rest for about five minutes before slicing. This resting time is important because it allows the melted cheese and filling to settle, making the slices easier to serve.

Tips for the Best Seafood Stromboli

The most important rule when making a seafood stromboli is to avoid excess moisture. Shrimp and crab can release liquid during cooking, so make sure the seafood is well drained before preparing the filling. If the filling seems too wet, allow it to cool slightly and drain away any excess liquid.

Freshly cooked shrimp provides the best texture, but cooked shrimp from the store can also work perfectly. Just avoid overcooking the seafood, especially because it will continue heating inside the oven.

Mozzarella is ideal because it melts beautifully and creates that irresistible cheese pull. However, you can mix mozzarella with provolone, Monterey Jack, or a small amount of Parmesan for additional flavor.

What to Serve with Golden Seafood Stromboli

This rich and savory stromboli pairs wonderfully with lighter side dishes. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette is an excellent choice because its freshness balances the creamy seafood filling.

You can also serve it with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or a creamy lemon sauce for dipping. Roasted vegetables and crispy potato wedges are great options if you want to turn this recipe into a larger and more filling meal.

Conclusion

This Golden Seafood Stromboli with Crab and Shrimp is crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and loaded with irresistible seafood flavor. The combination of tender shrimp, sweet crab, garlic, herbs, and melted mozzarella creates a comforting dish that feels both fun and elegant.

Whether served as a family dinner, party appetizer, or special weekend treat, this seafood stromboli is guaranteed to stand out. Slice it while warm, serve it with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy every golden, cheesy, seafood-filled bite.