Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl—a golden crusty sourdough filled to the brim with creamy, cheesy seafood delight. Overflowing with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, delicate scallops, and melty cheese, this dish brings together elegance and cozy satisfaction in every bite. Perfect as a dinner centerpiece, a party appetizer, or a hearty treat to share on a special night, this bread bowl makes seafood lovers swoon.

Ingredients for Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

1 large crusty bread bowl (preferably sourdough)
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ lb scallops
½ lb lump crab meat (or imitation crab)
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut the top off the bread bowl and remove the inner soft bread, creating a hollow shell.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté until fragrant and soft.
• Add the shrimp and scallops. Cook for 3–4 minutes until just opaque.
• Stir in the crab meat and Old Bay seasoning. Mix well to combine.
• Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until cream cheese is fully melted and smooth.
• Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is creamy and well blended. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
• Spoon the hot seafood mixture into the hollowed bread bowl.
• Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
• Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips
• Serve the stuffed seafood bread bowl hot and fresh, straight from the oven.
• Present it on a large platter with the scooped-out bread chunks, crackers, or sliced baguette for dipping.
• Garnish with extra parsley, a sprinkle of Old Bay, or a drizzle of melted butter for a final touch.
• Cut into wedges like a savory dip pie for easy sharing if serving as an appetizer.
• Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a full meal.

Storage Tips
• If you have leftovers, remove the seafood filling from the bread bowl to prevent sogginess.
• Transfer the filling into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
• Do not freeze the bread bowl, as the texture will suffer, but the seafood filling can be frozen for up to 1 month.
• Always ensure seafood is reheated to a safe internal temperature before serving.

Variations

Spicy Cajun Seafood Bread Bowl
Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the seafood mixture along with a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a bold, spicy twist. Swap out some heavy cream for a bit of tomato paste to add richness and depth. This variation gives a Southern-inspired kick perfect for spice lovers.

Lobster and Crab Luxury Bread Bowl
Elevate the dish by replacing the scallops with tender lobster meat and increasing the crab content. The sweet, succulent lobster pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses, making it an indulgent treat ideal for special occasions.

Three Cheese Explosion
Mix in sharp cheddar and fontina cheeses along with the mozzarella and Parmesan for a deeper, more complex cheesy flavor. This makes the filling extra gooey and rich, perfect for cheese enthusiasts craving an intense cheese pull.

Veggie-Packed Seafood Bowl
Add sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn to the seafood mixture. This variation adds extra texture, color, and nutrition while complementing the seafood’s delicate flavors. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies without overpowering the dish.

Mini Bread Bowl Appetizers
Use individual sourdough rolls or small bread bowls instead of one large bowl to create party-sized portions. These are perfect for gatherings or buffets, allowing guests to enjoy their own personal cheesy seafood bread bowl.

Creamy White Wine Seafood Bowl
Replace half of the heavy cream with a dry white wine for a lighter, more aromatic sauce. The wine adds a subtle acidity and brightens the overall flavor, pairing beautifully with the seafood’s natural sweetness.

Each variation can be easily adapted by adjusting seasoning and ingredient quantities, giving you plenty of ways to customize this comforting seafood delight to suit your taste or occasion.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat dry the seafood before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

2. How do I prevent the bread bowl from getting soggy?
Lightly toasting the inside of the bread bowl before filling helps create a barrier and keeps it from becoming soggy too quickly.

3. Can I prepare the seafood filling ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can make the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake the bread bowl just before serving for best results.

4. What type of bread works best for the bread bowl?
A sturdy sourdough bread bowl works best as it holds up well to the creamy filling without falling apart.

5. Is the filling gluten-free?
The seafood filling itself is gluten-free, but the bread bowl contains gluten. Use gluten-free bread if needed, but it might not hold the filling as well.

6. Can I substitute any of the seafood?
Yes, you can swap or omit seafood based on preference. Crab, shrimp, scallops, lobster, or even cooked fish all work well.

7. How spicy is this dish?
The base recipe is mild. You can add crushed red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to increase the heat if desired.

8. Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze only the seafood filling in an airtight container for up to one month. The bread bowl does not freeze well.

9. How long does this dish serve?
One large bread bowl serves about 4–6 people as an appetizer or 2–3 as a main dish.

10. Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, simply use two bread bowls or a larger baking dish to accommodate more servings.

Creamy, cheesy, and brimming with fresh seafood, this Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is the perfect blend of indulgence and comfort. With simple steps and flavorful results, it’s a standout dish that will elevate any table and leave guests asking for seconds. Whether for a cozy family night or a festive gathering, this recipe makes every occasion feel special.

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