There’s something magical about combining seafood with cheese, all nestled inside a warm, fresh loaf of sourdough bread. Imagine gathering around a cozy table with friends or family, the scent of bubbling cheese and savory seafood filling the air, and everyone diving into a mouthwatering, cheesy, seafood-stuffed bread bowl. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a weekend with loved ones, or just want to make an ordinary evening extraordinary, this Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl will steal the show.
Inspired by the classic flavors of the coast and the comforting warmth of a baked bread bowl, this recipe combines succulent crab and shrimp with creamy cheese and seasonings, offering an irresistible flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into this decadent, shareable treat!
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
This stuffed seafood bread bowl is a delicious combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and fresh seafood that will wow your guests. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party, a Sunday football game, or a family dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The blend of lump crab meat, shrimp, and savory spices brings out rich, coastal flavors that pair perfectly with the slight tang of sourdough bread.
But it’s not just the flavor that makes this dish a favorite – it’s the experience. Dipping your bread pieces into the hot, bubbling filling while savoring the melt-in-your-mouth cheese and seafood creates a shared moment that’s perfect for conversation and laughter. Best of all, it’s simple to make and doesn’t require a lot of prep time, meaning you can spend more time enjoying the occasion instead of slaving away in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This stuffed seafood bread bowl recipe is designed to be easy yet flavorful. You won’t need many ingredients, but each one adds something special to the final dish. Here’s a look at what you’ll need:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This gives the filling its signature meltiness and mild flavor.
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat: Sweet and tender crab adds richness and depth to the seafood mix.
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, chopped: Shrimp provides a satisfying texture and a mild seafood flavor that complements the crab.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese helps bind the seafood mixture together and creates a smooth, creamy filling.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Adds to the creamy texture and richness of the filling.
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped: Adds a subtle bite and freshness that balances out the richness of the other ingredients.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the filling with savory goodness, taking the flavor up a notch.
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning: A classic spice blend that’s synonymous with seafood dishes, bringing out the best in the crab and shrimp.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: This adds a smoky, earthy flavor that deepens the overall taste of the dish.
- 1 large sourdough bread bowl: The perfect vessel for this indulgent seafood stuffing.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the flavors and adds a little zing to the filling.
The Key to Perfecting the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s talk about the bread bowl. You want to make sure you pick a sourdough bread bowl that is sturdy enough to hold the rich seafood mixture without falling apart. Sourdough works perfectly because its tangy flavor complements the creamy seafood filling, and the sturdy crust ensures that it can withstand the heat of the oven while holding all the delicious contents.
It’s also important to leave some of the bread behind after hollowing out the bowl. Don’t take out all of the interior – you want to maintain a solid base so that the filling doesn’t spill out while baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by carefully hollowing out the inside of your sourdough bread bowl. Use a sharp knife to cut a circle around the top of the bread, creating a lid you can set aside. Gently scoop out the inner bread to create a hollow space, being careful not to tear the crust.
Once hollowed out, you’ll have a sturdy shell that’s ready to hold the creamy seafood filling. You can set the removed bread pieces aside – they make perfect dippable chunks for later!
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, begin by blending the cream cheese and mayonnaise. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, add in the shredded mozzarella cheese, green onions, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed and the cream cheese and mayo form a cohesive, creamy base.
The combination of Old Bay seasoning and smoked paprika gives the filling a wonderful depth of flavor, while the green onions add a hint of freshness. The garlic helps balance everything out with its savory kick, and the lemon juice brightens the dish up with a burst of citrus.
Step 3: Incorporate the Seafood
Now it’s time to add the star ingredients: shrimp and lump crab meat. Gently fold them into the creamy mixture, being careful not to break up the seafood too much. You want the chunks of shrimp and crab to remain intact for a satisfying bite, so just fold them in until everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
This is the moment when the dish really starts to come together. The seafood’s natural sweetness and delicate texture mix beautifully with the creamy filling, creating a flavor-packed stuffing that’s rich without being overwhelming.
Step 4: Fill the Bread Bowl
Now comes the fun part – filling your bread bowl. Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread, packing it in gently. Be sure to fill every corner and make sure the mixture is evenly distributed. Press it down lightly to ensure that each bite is filled with that creamy seafood goodness.
Once the bread bowl is packed with the seafood filling, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once your oven is hot, place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet to catch any drips that may escape during baking. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
You’ll know it’s ready when the bread turns a beautiful golden color and the scent of melted cheese and seafood fills the kitchen. It’s hard to resist the temptation, but be patient – just a few more minutes, and you’ll be rewarded with a piping-hot, cheesy seafood masterpiece.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven. Garnish the top with some extra chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve the bread bowl warm, accompanied by the reserved bread chunks or your favorite crackers for dipping. The combination of warm, creamy filling and crunchy bread pieces is irresistible!
This dish is perfect for sharing, making it ideal for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or even a casual game day snack. It’s also great for impressing guests at a dinner party, as the presentation of a whole bread bowl filled with seafood is sure to wow anyone.
Tips for Perfecting Your Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
- Don’t Overstuff the Bread: While you want to pack in the filling, avoid overstuffing. Make sure there’s enough room for the filling to bubble and cook evenly in the oven.
- Add a Dash of Spice: If you want a little extra heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling. The smoky, spicy kick will balance perfectly with the rich seafood.
- Try Different Seafood: While this recipe calls for crab and shrimp, you can customize it based on your favorite seafood. Lobster, scallops, or even clams can make delicious substitutions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the seafood you use.
- Use a High-Quality Bread Bowl: A fresh, crusty sourdough bread bowl will make all the difference. If you can’t find a bread bowl at the store, you can create one by carefully hollowing out a large round loaf of sourdough bread.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For an extra pop of flavor and color, top your stuffed bread bowl with some fresh herbs like parsley or dill. These herbs complement the seafood beautifully and add a nice visual touch.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
There’s no better way to enjoy seafood than in a Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl. The creamy, cheesy filling contrasts perfectly with the tangy, warm sourdough bread, making it a dish you’ll want to make time and time again. It’s the perfect appetizer for your next party, the star of your holiday table, or a comforting meal for a cozy evening at home.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, get that oven preheated, and let the magic of this Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Your friends and family will thank you!
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Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of seafood and melted cheese filling your kitchen as you prepare this indulgent dish. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or a cozy evening at home, this Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl combines crab, shrimp, and creamy cheese inside a fresh sourdough bread bowl, creating an unforgettable treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 lb lump crab meat
1/2 lb cooked shrimp, chopped
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 large sourdough bread bowl
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Carefully hollow out the inside of the sourdough bread bowl, leaving a sturdy shell. Save the removed bread pieces for dipping later.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise, stirring until smooth. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped green onions, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly.
- Incorporate Seafood: Gently fold in the chopped shrimp and lump crab meat, ensuring all the seafood is coated with the creamy mixture.
- Fill the Bread Bowl: Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, packing it in evenly.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove the stuffed bread bowl from the oven, garnish with extra chopped green onions, and serve warm with reserved bread chunks or crackers.
Notes
- Use a sturdy sourdough bread bowl to ensure it holds up during baking.
- Customize the seafood with lobster, scallops, or clams for a different twist.
- If you want extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes