Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is the kind of dish that instantly feels special the moment it hits the table. A crusty bread bowl filled with a rich, creamy seafood mixture creates the ultimate comfort food experience. It is warm, satisfying, and packed with savory flavor, making it ideal for gatherings, holidays, or cozy nights when you want something a little indulgent.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is the contrast in textures. The crisp exterior of the bread pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy seafood filling inside. I tested this recipe with different seafood combinations and found that a mix of tender shrimp and delicate crab delivers the best balance of flavor and texture. Easy to scoop, slice, and share, this bread bowl works equally well as a hearty appetizer or a casual centerpiece dish that everyone gathers around.
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Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl – Creamy, Indulgent, and Perfect for Sharing
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A warm, crusty bread bowl stuffed with a rich and creamy seafood filling made with shrimp, crab, and cheese—perfect as a show-stopping appetizer or cozy main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large round sourdough bread loaf
- 1/2 lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 lb (225 g) lump crab meat
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the center to form a bowl.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add chopped shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes until just pink.
- Lower heat and stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add mozzarella, parmesan, salt, pepper, and paprika; stir until melted.
- Gently fold in crab meat and parsley.
- Spoon seafood mixture into the hollowed bread bowl.
- Place bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve hot, scooping with the bread pieces.
Notes
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender.
- Serve with extra toasted bread or crackers.
- Can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Round crusty bread loaf
A sturdy bread loaf forms the bowl. It should have a firm crust and soft interior to hold the filling without becoming soggy.
Shrimp
Shrimp add sweetness and a tender bite, cooking quickly and blending well into the creamy filling.
Crab meat
Crab meat provides delicate seafood flavor and richness. Lump or claw meat both work well.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese creates a smooth, creamy base for the filling.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella adds meltability and stretch to the filling.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds sharpness and depth, balancing the creaminess.
Garlic
Garlic enhances savory flavor and complements the seafood.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps sauté the seafood and aromatics.
Milk or cream
Milk or cream loosens the filling and ensures a smooth consistency.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning adds subtle herb flavor that pairs well with seafood.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors and should be adjusted carefully.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and balance.
Fresh parsley
Fresh parsley adds brightness and a fresh finish.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving a sturdy shell. Set aside the removed bread pieces for serving.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until just pink, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add the milk or cream and mix until creamy. Stir in the crab meat, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook gently until the cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined.
Spoon the seafood filling into the hollowed bread bowl. Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through and lightly golden on top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 to 6 people as a shared dish. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a baking time of 25 minutes. Total time required is roughly 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven. The bread bowl is best enjoyed fresh, as reheating may soften the crust.
Variations and Customizations
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is easy to customize. For extra richness, a small amount of cream cheese can be replaced with mascarpone. If you enjoy heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick.
You can also vary the seafood. Scallops or lobster can be added for a more luxurious version, while using only shrimp creates a simpler, budget-friendly option. For added texture, sautéed mushrooms or spinach can be mixed into the filling.
Cheese choices can also be adjusted. Monterey Jack adds mild creaminess, while Gruyère adds depth and nuttiness. These variations allow you to tailor the dish while keeping its indulgent character intact.
FAQs
What bread works best for a bread bowl?
A round, crusty loaf such as sourdough works best.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The filling can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, thaw and drain it well before cooking.
Is this dish very rich?
It is creamy and indulgent, best served in moderate portions.
Can I make it without crab?
Yes, shrimp-only versions work very well.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Use a sturdy loaf and bake just before serving.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach or green onions are great additions.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, with mild seasoning.
Can I freeze the filling?
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy texture.
What should I serve with it?
Extra bread pieces, crackers, or a simple salad pair well.
Conclusion
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a rich, comforting dish that brings together creamy seafood filling and crusty bread in one irresistible presentation. Perfect for sharing and easy to customize, it is an impressive yet approachable recipe for gatherings or cozy meals at home. With its warm flavors and indulgent texture, this bread bowl is guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear from the table.
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