This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is the ultimate indulgence for seafood lovers! A hollowed-out bread bowl filled with a creamy, cheesy seafood stuffing, it’s a dish that’s perfect for sharing. The crispy, warm bread paired with the rich, savory seafood mixture creates an unforgettable appetizer or main course. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, guaranteed to impress your guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Who doesn’t love seafood and cheese wrapped in a warm, crusty bread bowl? This recipe brings together creamy crab, shrimp, and cheese, making it the perfect indulgence for any occasion. The bread soaks up all the rich, delicious stuffing, creating the best kind of flavor-packed bite. It’s fun to eat, full of flavor, and perfect for a cozy dinner or as a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 large round sourdough or French bread loaf
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup lump crab meat (or imitation crab)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
You’ll find the full list of ingredients with measurements below.
Directions
Preparing the Bread Bowl
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the bread loaf and cut a large circle from the top to create a lid. Scoop out the soft bread from the center, leaving about an inch of bread around the edges and bottom to form a bowl. Set the bread bowl aside and cut the lid into small cubes for later.
Making the Seafood Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, celery, green onions, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Stuffing the Bread Bowl
Carefully stuff the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, pressing it gently to ensure it’s packed in. Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet.
Baking the Bread Bowl
Cover the stuffed bread bowl with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the seafood stuffing is hot and bubbly. For a crispy top, uncover the foil during the last 5-7 minutes of baking.
Serving and Garnishing
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve the stuffed seafood bread bowl with the bread cubes from the lid for dipping or alongside extra crackers.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Bread Choice: Sourdough bread adds a tangy flavor, but any sturdy round loaf will work well.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the seafood stuffing in advance, refrigerate it, and stuff the bread bowl right before baking.
- Add More Seafood: If you love seafood, feel free to add scallops or lobster for a luxurious touch.
- Crispier Top: For extra crunch, broil the top of the bread for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the seafood with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes for a vegetarian stuffed bread bowl.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the stuffing for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Variety: Swap out the mozzarella for gouda, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad to balance the richness.
- Chilled White Wine: Serve with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the seafood flavors.
- Garlic Bread: For even more flavor, offer extra garlic bread or crostini to scoop up the creamy filling.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the bread bowl (without the lid) in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but the bread will lose some of its crispiness.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the seafood mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, stuff the mixture into the bread bowl and bake as directed.
Q: Can I use frozen seafood?
A: Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain the seafood well before using it in the recipe.
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Absolutely! Any sturdy bread like French bread, Italian bread, or even a round rye loaf will work well.
Q: How do I make it less rich?
A: You can reduce the amount of cream cheese or mayonnaise, or swap them for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Conclusion
The Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a delicious and fun way to enjoy seafood, with creamy, cheesy stuffing served in a warm, crusty bread bowl. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something indulgent, this dish will surely impress. It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures, and the bread itself soaks up all that savory goodness. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
Description
The Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a delicious and unique dish featuring a hollowed-out bread loaf filled with a creamy, flavorful seafood mixture. With shrimp, crab, and a blend of cheeses, this savory dish is perfect for special occasions, parties, or a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large round bread loaf (sourdough or Italian)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped
- 1/2 pound crab meat, shredded or lump
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the top off the bread loaf and scoop out the inside to create a hollow bowl. Set the bread bowl aside and save the insides for serving or croutons.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the shrimp and crab to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shrimp turn pink and the seafood is heated through.
- Stir in the paprika, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed bread bowl, packing it in tightly.
- Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and the mixture is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle with lemon juice. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve warm, breaking off pieces of the bread to dip into the seafood filling.
Notes
This dish can be made in advance by preparing the seafood mixture and refrigerating it. When ready to serve, stuff the bread bowl and bake as directed. You can also add other seafood such as scallops or lobster for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg