Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

The stuffed seafood bread bowl is a warm, comforting, and indulgent dish packed with a creamy seafood filling and served inside a crusty bread bowl. Loaded with tender shrimp, crab, and a rich cheese sauce, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for dinner parties, cozy weekends, or even game-day feasts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This seafood bread bowl is hearty, rich, and completely satisfying. With a creamy, cheesy filling full of shrimp, crab, and savory aromatics, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. It’s perfect as a main dish or an appetizer to share, and it makes a stunning presentation that’s always a hit. Plus, it’s customizable with your favorite seafood or cheeses.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Round bread loaf (sourdough or Italian works well)

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Imitation or real crab meat, chopped

• Butter

• Garlic, minced

• Onion, finely chopped

• Celery, diced

• Cream cheese

• Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese

• Heavy cream

• Old Bay seasoning

• Salt and black pepper

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the inside to create a bowl. Set aside the removed bread for dipping later.

3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and celery, and sauté until softened—about 5 minutes.

4. Add the shrimp and crab to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until shrimp turns pink.

5. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream. Mix until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

6. Add shredded cheese, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens.

7. Spoon the hot seafood mixture into the bread bowl.

8. Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

9. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with lemon wedges and the reserved bread pieces.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

• Swap the seafood: Use scallops, lobster, or canned tuna based on availability or preference.

• Use smaller bread rolls: Make individual mini bread bowls for personal servings.

• Add vegetables: Stir in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.

• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Remove leftover filling from the bread bowl and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if it has thickened too much.

• The bread bowl is best enjoyed fresh, as it can become soggy when stored.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, fill the bread bowl and bake.

What kind of bread is best for this recipe?

A round, crusty loaf like sourdough or Italian bread works best to hold the creamy filling without falling apart.

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Is there a non-dairy version?

You can use dairy-free cream cheese, non-dairy milk or cream, and plant-based cheese alternatives for a dairy-free option.

Can I freeze the filling?

Yes. Freeze the filling (without bread) in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar all work well. A little Parmesan can add extra depth, too.

How do I keep the bread bowl from getting soggy?

Slightly toasting the inside of the bread bowl before filling can help prevent sogginess.

Can I add rice or pasta to the filling?

Yes, you can mix in cooked rice or small pasta shapes to make it even heartier.

What sides go well with seafood bread bowls?

Serve with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or a citrusy slaw to balance the richness.

Is this recipe good for entertaining?

Absolutely. It makes a beautiful centerpiece for parties and can easily be doubled or tripled.

Conclusion

The stuffed seafood bread bowl is a show-stopping comfort food dish that brings together creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in an edible bowl. It’s perfect for sharing, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re craving seafood, looking to wow guests, or just want something cozy and satisfying, this recipe is a must-try.

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