Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is an indulgent, comforting dish that feels both rustic and elegant at the same time. Creamy seafood filling baked inside a crusty bread bowl creates a dramatic presentation that is guaranteed to impress guests while still being incredibly satisfying. I first made this recipe for a small gathering when I wanted something warm and shareable, and it quickly became the highlight of the table. The bread soaks up the rich, savory seafood filling while keeping enough structure to hold everything together. Every scoop delivers creamy texture, tender seafood, and buttery bread in one bite. This dish works beautifully as a centerpiece appetizer, a cozy dinner, or a special-occasion meal. Despite its impressive appearance, the preparation is straightforward and forgiving. If you enjoy comforting seafood dishes with bold flavor and visual appeal, this Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a recipe you will love serving again and again.
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Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl: A Rich, Creamy Showstopper for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A warm, crusty bread bowl stuffed with a rich and creamy seafood filling made with shrimp, crab, and cheese, baked until bubbly and golden for an impressive appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large round sourdough bread loaf
- 8 oz (225 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 8 oz (225 g) lump crab meat
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving a thick shell.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until just pink.
- Lower heat and stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add mozzarella, parmesan, lemon juice, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper; stir until melted and creamy.
- Gently fold in crab meat and parsley.
- Spoon seafood mixture into the hollowed bread bowl.
- Place bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve immediately, scooping filling with bread pieces.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better structure.
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender.
- Great served with a side salad or as a party 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.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Crusty round bread loaf forms the edible bowl and provides structure and flavor. A sturdy loaf with a thick crust works best.
Shrimp adds tender texture and sweet seafood flavor that pairs well with creamy sauces.
Crab meat brings richness and a delicate, slightly sweet taste that elevates the filling.
Cream cheese creates the rich, creamy base of the stuffing and holds everything together.
Heavy cream adds silkiness and helps loosen the filling to a scoopable consistency.
Butter contributes richness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor.
Garlic adds aromatic savory notes and complements the seafood beautifully.
Onion provides subtle sweetness and depth as it cooks into the filling.
Parmesan cheese adds sharpness and savory umami.
Mozzarella cheese creates a melty, stretchy texture that makes the filling extra comforting.
Salt balances and enhances all the flavors.
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and depth.
Old Bay or seafood seasoning enhances the seafood flavor with classic spice.
Fresh parsley adds brightness and a clean finish just before serving.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by preheating the oven to 180°C. Cut the top off the bread loaf and carefully hollow out the center, leaving thick walls to form a sturdy bowl. Reserve the removed bread for dipping.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onion until softened. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until just opaque, then remove from heat and roughly chop. Stir in the crab meat gently to avoid breaking it up too much.
Lower the heat and add the cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring until smooth and creamy. Mix in parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and seafood seasoning.
Fold in the shrimp and crab, then stir until everything is evenly coated. Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed bread bowl.
Top with mozzarella cheese and place the bread bowl on a baking tray. Bake until the filling is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm with the reserved bread pieces for dipping.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people as a main dish or 6 to 8 as an appetizer. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking time is approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover seafood filling separately from the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop. Fresh bread is recommended if serving again.
Variations and Customizations
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is very adaptable. You can substitute scallops or lobster for part of the shrimp for a more luxurious version. I tested a version with added scallops, and it made the filling even richer and more elegant.
For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine while cooking the onion and garlic, allowing it to reduce before adding the cream cheese. You can also add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and balance.
Cheese choices are flexible. Gruyère adds nuttiness, while cheddar brings sharper flavor. For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño to the filling.
This dish also works well served in individual mini bread bowls for entertaining.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a rich, protein-forward dish. Seafood provides high-quality protein and minerals, while dairy contributes indulgent fats. Enjoyed in moderation, it works well as a special-occasion meal.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Choose Sturdy Bread
A thick-crusted loaf prevents leaks and holds the filling well.
Do Not Overcook Seafood
Cook shrimp just until opaque to keep them tender.
Serve Immediately
This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven.
FAQs
What bread works best?
A sourdough or rustic round loaf works best.
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, thaw and drain it well before using.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare the filling ahead, then stuff and bake just before serving.
Is this dish very rich?
Yes, it is creamy and indulgent, ideal for sharing.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add cayenne or chili flakes to taste.
Can I use only shrimp?
Yes, shrimp alone works very well.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach or mushrooms pair nicely.
How do I prevent soggy bread?
Leave thick bread walls and avoid overfilling.
Can I freeze the filling?
Freezing is not recommended due to dairy texture changes.
What should I serve with this?
A simple salad or roasted vegetables pair well.
Conclusion
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a dramatic, comforting dish that combines creamy seafood filling with warm, crusty bread in one unforgettable presentation. Rich, satisfying, and perfect for sharing, it is a recipe that turns any meal into a special occasion.
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