Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is the kind of dish that combines indulgence and comfort in one beautiful presentation. A crusty bread bowl, hollowed out and filled with a creamy seafood mixture, makes this recipe both hearty and elegant. The combination of shrimp, crab, or other seafood with a luscious, cheesy sauce creates a satisfying meal perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive appetizer at gatherings. Baking the filled bread bowl allows the crust to become golden and crisp, while the inside remains soft and soaks up the rich flavors of the filling. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to use your favorite seafood blend and adjust the flavors to your liking. Whether served at a special occasion or enjoyed on a relaxing weekend, the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is sure to impress with its balance of creaminess, crunch, and savory seafood goodness.
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl: Creamy and Comforting
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty bread bowl stuffed with creamy, cheesy seafood filling made with shrimp, crab, and rich seasonings, baked until golden and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 large round bread loaf (sourdough or Italian)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shrimp, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup cooked scallops or white fish, flaked (optional)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or paprika + cayenne substitute)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving a 1-inch thick shell. Set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant and soft.
- Stir in shrimp and crab (and scallops or fish, if using). Cook 2–3 minutes until just opaque. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, Old Bay, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fold in cooked seafood mixture until well combined.
- Spoon mixture into the hollowed bread bowl. Replace bread top or leave open, as desired.
- Place bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until filling is hot and bubbly, and bread is lightly toasted.
- Serve warm, pulling pieces of bread from the bowl to dip into the seafood filling.
Notes
- You can substitute seafood with just shrimp or crab if preferred.
- For extra flavor, brush the bread bowl inside with garlic butter before filling.
- Great served as a party appetizer or a comforting family dinner centerpiece.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
The rich and creamy nature of this dish comes from carefully chosen ingredients that highlight the flavors of the sea.
Bread bowl is the foundation of the dish, ideally a round loaf with a crusty exterior that can hold the filling while remaining tender inside.
Shrimp provides sweetness and a firm, juicy texture that pairs well with creamy sauces.
Crab meat adds a delicate, slightly sweet flavor, bringing variety and luxury to the filling.
Butter forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and depth when combined with aromatics.
Garlic enhances the seafood flavor with its bold, aromatic notes.
Onion gives a gentle sweetness and savory depth, balancing the richness of the cream sauce.
All-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce, creating the perfect creamy consistency for stuffing.
Heavy cream delivers luscious body and richness, making the sauce indulgent and satisfying.
Milk lightens the sauce slightly, ensuring it stays smooth and creamy without being overly heavy.
Cheddar cheese melts into the sauce, offering a sharp, savory flavor that complements the seafood.
Parsley adds freshness, color, and a subtle herbal note to brighten the dish.
Salt and pepper season the filling simply and effectively, enhancing all the flavors.
Lemon juice balances the richness of the sauce with a touch of acidity, keeping the flavors lively.
Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the bread bowl by slicing off the top of a round loaf and carefully hollowing out the center, leaving enough bread along the sides to hold the filling. Set the hollowed bread aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking briefly to remove any raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth, then allow the mixture to simmer gently until it thickens. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Add shrimp and crab meat to the sauce, cooking until the shrimp turn pink and the seafood is heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Spoon the creamy seafood mixture into the prepared bread bowl, filling it generously. Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the bread is crisp and golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Cut the reserved bread top and hollowed-out pieces into chunks for dipping into the creamy filling.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation takes around 20 minutes, while cooking and baking require an additional 30 minutes. The total time is approximately 50 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the filling in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until warmed through, and reheat bread separately in the oven to restore crispness. Avoid freezing, as cream-based sauces can separate.
Variations and Customizations
Mixed seafood
Include scallops, clams, or lobster for a more indulgent seafood medley.
Spicy kick
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for heat.
Cheese variation
Try Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
Garlic bread bowl
Brush the bread with garlic butter before baking for extra flavor.
Vegetable boost
Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
Mini bread bowls
Use smaller rolls to create individual servings for appetizers or parties.
Herb twist
Add dill or thyme for a fresh, aromatic variation.
Lighter version
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a less rich sauce.
Cajun seafood bread bowl
Season the filling with Cajun spices for a bold Southern-inspired dish.
Italian-inspired
Use Parmesan cheese and oregano in the sauce for an Italian flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
What type of bread works best?
A round sourdough or boule with a thick crust is ideal for holding the creamy filling.
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, just thaw thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess liquid.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
Bake the hollowed bread bowl for 5 minutes before filling to create a sturdier base.
Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and thick.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, but you may want to omit strong flavors like crab if serving to picky eaters.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour for the roux and gluten-free bread.
What can I serve with this dish?
A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables pair well with the creamy bread bowl.
Can I use pre-cooked seafood?
Yes, just add it at the end of the sauce preparation to heat through without overcooking.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying out?
Reheat the filling gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
Conclusion
The Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a comforting and indulgent dish that brings together creamy textures, fresh seafood, and crusty bread in a way that feels both rustic and sophisticated. With its versatile filling options and customizable flavors, it can be tailored to suit different occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant entertaining. The combination of shrimp, crab, cheese, and herbs baked inside a golden bread bowl ensures that every bite is both rich and satisfying. This recipe captures the essence of hearty comfort food while showcasing the fresh, delicate flavors of the sea. Once served, it is guaranteed to impress guests and become a favorite addition to your recipe collection.
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