Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

Irresistible Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe for Ocean Lovers

Crusty bread transforms into a delectable vessel for creamy seafood in this irresistible stuffed seafood bread bowl recipe that promises pure ocean-inspired comfort.

Fresh shrimp and succulent crab mingle with rich, melted cheese, creating a seafood lover’s dream.

The golden-brown exterior gives way to a molten interior bursting with maritime flavors.

Herbs and spices dance through each decadent bite, elevating this dish from simple to spectacular.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings will never be the same with this show-stopping centerpiece.

Serve this crowd-pleasing creation and watch as everyone’s eyes light up with culinary excitement.

FAQs

  • What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have seafood?

You can replace shrimp and crab with cooked chicken, diced ham, or even plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh for a different protein option.

  • How do I prevent the bread bowl from getting soggy?

Toast the inside of the bread bowl with a light brush of olive oil before filling to create a moisture barrier that helps keep the bread crisp and prevents soaking.

  • Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the seafood mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, fill the bread bowls and bake for a quick, fresh meal.

Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl – Why It’s a Must-Try

  • Dive into Deliciousness: This seafood bread bowl packs an incredible flavor punch with a creamy, cheesy seafood filling that transforms a simple bread bowl into a gourmet meal.
  • Quick and Impressive Dinner Solution: Perfect for busy cooks who want to serve a restaurant-worthy dish without complicated techniques, this recipe comes together in just a few simple steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines the rich, comforting elements of seafood, cheese, and bread that appeal to both adults and kids, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adaptable by switching seafood types or adding extra spices, allowing home chefs to personalize the recipe to their taste preferences and ingredient availability.

Ingredients for a Hearty Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that adds a sweet and tender texture to the dish.
  • Crab: Rich and delicate seafood that enhances the overall seafood flavor.
Bread Base:
  • Bread Bowls: Crusty bread that serves as an edible container and adds a rustic touch to the recipe.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables that build a flavorful base for the seafood mixture.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
  • Cream, Milk: Create a smooth and creamy sauce base.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a stretchy, creamy texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, salty finish to the top of the bread bowl.
Seasonings and Thickeners:
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that adds depth and traditional seafood flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Make a Stuffed Bread Bowl at Home

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Bread

Get your oven warming up to 375°F.

Grab your bread bowls and slice off their tops.

Carefully scoop out the inside, leaving a sturdy half-inch shell to hold your scrumptious seafood filling.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Grab a skillet and melt some butter.

Toss in:
  • Minced garlic
  • Diced onion
  • Chopped bell pepper
  • Sliced celery

Cook these veggies until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 3: Create Creamy Seafood Base

Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir for a minute.

Slowly pour in cream and milk, whisking until the mixture thickens into a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 4: Add Seafood Goodness

Introduce your seafood stars to the party:
  • Fresh shrimp
  • Tender crab meat
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Let everything simmer and mingle for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance together.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Stir in mozzarella cheese until it melts completely, creating a rich and creamy seafood mixture.

Step 6: Fill and Top Bread Bowls

Generously spoon the seafood mixture into each bread bowl.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for an extra flavor kick.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the filled bread bowls on a baking sheet.

Slide them into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the top turns golden and the filling becomes bubbly and irresistible.

Tips for a Perfectly Stuffed Bread Bowl

  • Pat shrimp and crab meat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture and ensure a thick, creamy filling.
  • Choose sturdy, crusty sourdough or French bread bowls that can hold the rich seafood mixture without getting soggy.
  • Add a splash of white wine or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to elevate the seafood mixture's complexity.
  • Grate cheese freshly and sprinkle in stages to achieve smooth, even melting without clumping.
  • Lightly brush bread bowl edges with olive oil to promote golden browning without charring.

Bread Bowl Fillings and Flavor Ideas

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream and milk with coconut milk, use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap bread bowls with gluten-free bread or hollow out roasted bell peppers as containers, use gluten-free flour for thickening.
  • Lighter Seafood Version: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt, use low-fat milk, and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
  • Spicy Cajun Remix: Increase Old Bay seasoning, add cayenne pepper, include andouille sausage, and sprinkle extra hot sauce for a fiery Louisiana-style kick.

Serving Up a Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

  • Cozy Dinner Date Night: Create a romantic atmosphere with soft candlelight and a crisp white wine that complements the seafood's rich flavors.
  • Beachy Picnic Presentation: Serve on a wooden board with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and a small side salad for a coastal-inspired dining experience.
  • Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Cut bread bowls into smaller sections for easy appetizer-style sharing during sports gatherings or casual parties.
  • Elegant Starter Course: Plate individually with a light garnish of chopped parsley and a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil for an upscale restaurant feel.

Storage Tips for Bread Bowl Leftovers

  • Store leftover seafood bread bowls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
  • Wrap individual bread bowls tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Avoid freezing bread bowl with filling for best texture.
  • Unwrap frozen bread bowl, thaw in refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F, bake covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Place bread bowl on microwave-safe plate, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.
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Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Seafood lovers rejoice with this irresistible Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl recipe that brings coastal flavors right to your table. Rich, creamy filling nestled in a crusty bread vessel will transport you to a seaside dining experience with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chopped shrimp
  • 1 cup lump crab meat

Cheese Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Base and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 large sourdough bread bowls
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup celery, diced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing for a delectable seafood-filled bread experience.
  2. Transform bread bowls by carefully slicing off their tops and gently excavating the interior, maintaining a sturdy ½-inch protective shell.
  3. Heat a skillet and gently melt butter, then introduce minced garlic, diced onions, vibrant bell peppers, and crisp celery, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
  4. Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for one minute to create a smooth base, then gradually incorporate cream and milk, whisking until the sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  5. Introduce succulent shrimp and delicate crab meat to the creamy mixture, enhancing with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the seafood to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, absorbing the rich flavors.
  6. Fold in mozzarella cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a smooth, enticing filling.
  7. Generously ladle the seafood mixture into the prepared bread bowls, crowning each with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
  8. Arrange the filled bread bowls on a baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven, baking for 12-15 minutes until the top turns golden and the contents bubble enticingly.

Notes

  • Choose crusty sourdough or round boules for the best bread bowl texture and stability.
  • Ensure seafood is patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and maintain thickness of filling.
  • Consider using gluten-free bread bowls or gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version of this dish.
  • Swap seafood with plant-based alternatives like hearts of palm or jackfruit for a vegetarian adaptation that maintains similar texture and flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 830 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 52 g
  • Saturated Fat: 29 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 51 g
  • Cholesterol: 215 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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