Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

The stuffed seafood bread bowl is the ultimate showstopper dish that combines indulgent seafood filling with the irresistible appeal of a warm, hollowed-out bread bowl. Packed with shrimp, crab, and creamy, savory seasonings, this dish makes for a perfect appetizer or main course for a gathering or special occasion. The bread soaks up the creamy seafood mixture, and each bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy seafood while also savoring the delicious bread as it becomes part of the dish itself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s both a feast for the eyes and the stomach. The presentation of a stuffed bread bowl makes it feel like a special occasion, but it’s surprisingly easy to put together. The creamy seafood mixture is so flavorful, and the bread absorbs all the richness, turning every bite into something extraordinary. It’s perfect for entertaining since it looks impressive and is super fun to dig into. Whether I’m serving it as an appetizer or a main course, everyone loves the combination of seafood and fresh bread. Plus, I can customize the seafood to suit what’s available, making it versatile and adaptable.

Ingredients

• 1 large round sourdough or Italian bread loaf

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped into small pieces

• 8 oz crab meat (fresh or canned)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cut the top off the bread loaf and carefully hollow out the inside, leaving about an inch of bread around the edges. Save the bread you remove for dipping later.

3. Place the hollowed-out bread bowl on a baking sheet and set aside.

4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until soft and fragrant.

5. Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until pink and cooked through. Add the crab meat and cook for another minute to warm it through.

6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Cook until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

7. Stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Old Bay seasoning, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes until the cheese is melted and the mixture is thickened.

8. Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, filling it generously.

9. If desired, melt the butter in the microwave and drizzle it over the top of the seafood mixture for extra richness.

10. Place the filled bread bowl in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

11. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

12. Serve immediately, with the bread pieces you removed from the bowl on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes about 45-50 minutes from start to finish. It’s a great dish for a group or special meal, and it’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy seafood.

Variations

If I want to switch things up, I sometimes swap the seafood for other proteins like lobster, scallops, or a combination of different shellfish. For a spicier twist, I add a few dashes of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños to the seafood mixture. If I’m looking for a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or I lighten up the cheese with a reduced-fat version. I’ve also added spinach or artichoke hearts to the filling for added flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

If there are leftovers, I store the seafood filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. I usually store the bread separately to prevent it from getting soggy. To reheat, I warm the seafood mixture in a skillet over low heat, adding a little bit of cream or milk to bring it back to the right consistency. The bread bowl itself is best enjoyed fresh, but the seafood filling can be served with other bread or crackers.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sourdough or Italian bread works great for this recipe, I’ve also used French bread, whole wheat bread, or even a round baguette. Just make sure the loaf is large enough to hold the seafood filling.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, I’ve prepped the seafood filling in advance and stored it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When I’m ready to serve, I just heat it up and then stuff it into the bread bowl for baking.

Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, I’ve used frozen shrimp and crab meat before. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling mixture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, I’ve swapped the seafood for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a combination of both. It’s still creamy and delicious, but with a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent the bread bowl from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy bread bowl, I make sure to hollow out the bread carefully, leaving a thick enough crust to hold the filling. I also bake the bread before filling it, which helps to crisp it up and create a barrier. If I’m storing leftovers, I always keep the filling and bread separate and serve the bread fresh.

Conclusion

Stuffed seafood bread bowl is an indulgent and crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best of seafood and cheesy, creamy goodness. The crispy bread bowl soaks up all the flavors of the seafood filling, making every bite a delight. Whether serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is sure to impress anyone at the table. It’s easy to make, looks beautiful, and is absolutely delicious—a perfect choice for a special occasion or just a cozy, seafood-filled night in!

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