Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is the ultimate comfort dish, filled with creamy seafood, garlic, and bubbling cheese, all encased in a deliciously crusty bread bowl. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to share a rich and indulgent treat, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A warm, crispy bread bowl filled with creamy, cheesy seafood—what’s not to love? The combination of shrimp, crab, and scallops in a rich, smooth sauce, topped with melty Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, creates a decadent experience in every bite. The bread bowl acts as the perfect vessel for all that creamy goodness, and every scoop of seafood paired with the bread is pure comfort. This is an easy-to-make yet impressive dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 large crusty bread bowl (sourdough or artisan round)

• ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ½ cup crab meat

• ½ cup scallops

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 shallot, finely chopped

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 2 ounces cream cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

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

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Bread Bowl:

Cut the top off the bread bowl and hollow out the center. Place the hollowed bread on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until the bread is slightly crispy.

3. Cook the Seafood:

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and shallots until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the shrimp and scallops, cooking until just opaque (about 2-3 minutes). Stir in the crab meat and cook until heated through.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Add the cream cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and combined.

5. Add Cheese:

Stir in half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.

6. Assemble the Dish:

Spoon the seafood mixture into the toasted bread bowl. Top with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

7. Bake:

Place the filled bread bowl in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

8. Garnish and Serve:

Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the seafood filling for more depth of flavor and nutrition.

• Different Cheeses: Feel free to use other cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, or even a little feta for a different twist on the traditional cheese blend.

• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the seafood for a combination of vegetables like spinach, artichokes, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover seafood mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread bowl is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it separately.

• Reheating: Reheat the seafood mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop, and serve in a freshly toasted bread bowl. You can also reheat the bread bowl in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to crisp it back up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, scallops, and crab meat. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the seafood mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, fill the bread bowl and bake.

3. Can I make this dish without a bread bowl?

Yes, you can serve the seafood mixture in individual ramekins or small baking dishes, or even as a dip with crackers or bread.

4. Can I use a different type of bread for the bowl?

Yes, you can use any large round loaf, like a baguette or ciabatta, as long as it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling. Sourdough works especially well due to its thickness and flavor.

5. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Toast the bread bowl in the oven for a few minutes before filling it with the seafood mixture. This will help prevent it from becoming soggy while baking.

6. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to load up the dish with as much cheese as you like for an extra indulgent treat.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?

You can make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free bread for the bowl, but the rest of the recipe (seafood and sauce) is naturally gluten-free.

8. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.

9. Can I make this a dairy-free version?

You can substitute the butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream, and use dairy-free cheese to make it dairy-free.

10. How do I store the leftover seafood mixture?

Store the leftover seafood filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat and serve it in a freshly toasted bread bowl or enjoy it as a dip.

Conclusion

This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a rich, flavorful, and shareable dish that combines all your favorite seafood with creamy cheese and garlic in a crispy bread bowl. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, treating your family to something special, or simply enjoying a comforting meal, this dish is sure to impress. With a crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy seafood filling, it’s the ultimate indulgence!

Print