Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a decadent, restaurant-style dish that you can easily prepare at home. It combines tender shrimp, crab, or other seafood with a creamy, cheesy filling that’s tucked inside a hollowed-out bread bowl and baked until golden. The bread soaks up the rich flavors while staying crisp on the outside, creating a delicious balance of textures. This recipe is indulgent yet approachable, making it ideal for family dinners, dinner parties, or even a cozy weekend treat. The seafood filling is flavorful and hearty, while the bread bowl doubles as both vessel and side, ensuring nothing goes to waste. With its irresistible aroma and comforting, cheesy interior, this stuffed bread bowl feels both rustic and gourmet. Whether served as a main dish or shared as an appetizer, it is guaranteed to impress seafood lovers.
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Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A decadent bread bowl stuffed with a creamy, cheesy seafood filling made with shrimp, crab, and crawfish, baked until golden and bubbling for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large round bread loaf (sourdough or French boule)
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat
- 1/2 lb crawfish tails (optional, can substitute with more shrimp or crab)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving a thick shell to hold the filling. Reserve bread pieces for dipping.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Add shrimp, crab, and crawfish. Season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp are just pink, about 3–4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Spoon seafood mixture into the hollowed bread bowl. Top with remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
- Place bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley. Serve hot with reserved bread pieces or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- You can use any seafood combination you like (lobster, scallops, etc.).
- For extra flavor, brush the inside of the bread bowl with melted garlic butter before filling.
- This works great as a party appetizer or a shareable main dish.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Round bread loaf – A crusty bread boule works best, sturdy enough to hold the creamy seafood filling.
Shrimp – Tender and juicy, shrimp add sweetness and texture to the filling.
Crab meat – Brings a delicate, briny flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
Butter – Used to sauté the seafood and aromatics, adding richness.
Olive oil – Helps prevent sticking and balances the butter for sautéing.
Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
Garlic – Provides a robust aroma and savory base for the creamy mixture.
Red bell pepper – Offers a pop of color and slight sweetness to the seafood filling.
Cream cheese – Forms the creamy backbone of the filling, creating richness.
Heavy cream – Smooths out the filling and makes it luscious.
Parmesan cheese – Adds nutty, salty flavor and helps thicken the mixture.
Mozzarella cheese – Provides gooey, stretchy texture when melted.
Cajun seasoning – Infuses the filling with smoky, spicy notes.
Paprika – Enhances flavor while adding a subtle smokiness.
Lemon juice – Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the filling.
Fresh parsley – Sprinkled on top for freshness and garnish.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving about an inch of bread around the sides to form a sturdy bowl. Set aside.
In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened and fragrant. Add shrimp and crab meat, cooking just until the shrimp turn pink. Season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream, mixing until smooth and creamy. Fold in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Add lemon juice for brightness, then remove from heat.
Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed bread bowl. Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet, sprinkle with extra mozzarella or Parmesan, and bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for baking. In total, you can expect the dish to be ready in 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. The bread may soften slightly, but the flavors remain delicious. This dish is not recommended for freezing due to the cream-based filling.
Variations and Customizations
Seafood Mix – Add scallops, crawfish, or lobster for a more luxurious filling.
Cheesy Upgrade – Use a blend of cheeses such as Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack for added depth.
Spicy Kick – Stir in extra Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
Vegetable Boost – Add spinach, mushrooms, or corn to the filling for extra texture and nutrition.
Mini Bread Bowls – Use small rolls instead of one large loaf for individual servings.
Herb-Infused – Incorporate fresh thyme, dill, or basil for aromatic flavor.
Garlic Bread Bowl – Brush the inside of the bread with garlic butter before filling and baking for extra flavor.
Baked Topping – Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for a golden, crunchy finish.
FAQs
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
A round crusty boule or sourdough loaf works best, as it holds the filling without getting soggy.
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, but fresh crab or lump crab meat will give better flavor and texture.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling in advance, refrigerate, and assemble the bread bowl just before baking.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely—add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or extra Cajun seasoning.
Can I substitute the seafood?
Yes, chicken or sausage can be used for a non-seafood variation.
Do I need to toast the bread bowl before filling?
It isn’t required, but lightly toasting helps prevent the bread from getting too soft.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese or milk?
Yes, but the filling will be less rich and creamy.
What sides pair well with this dish?
A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw make excellent sides.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Yes, use smaller bread bowls or rolls for bite-sized, shareable portions.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling and serve immediately after baking for the best texture.
Conclusion
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a rich, flavorful dish that brings together creamy cheese, tender seafood, and crusty bread for a comforting yet impressive meal. With its versatility and room for customization, it can be tailored to suit different tastes and occasions. Perfect for seafood lovers and anyone seeking a hearty, show-stopping dish, this recipe guarantees a satisfying experience that feels indulgent yet approachable.
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