Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

Hearty Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe: A Cozy Meal Delight

Crafting a mouthwatering stuffed seafood bread bowl delivers pure comfort on chilly nights.

Sailors and coastal communities have long celebrated these hearty creations packed with ocean treasures.

Crusty sourdough becomes the perfect vessel for succulent shrimp, tender crab, and delicate scallops swimming in a creamy sauce.

Herbs and spices dance through each delectable bite, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.

Mediterranean techniques inspire this rustic dish that feels both sophisticated and homey.

Fragrant garlic and fresh parsley will transport you straight to a seaside bistro.

Dive into this recipe and let your kitchen become a gateway to maritime magic.

Why Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Is a Seafood Feast

  • Dive into Decadence: This seafood bread bowl transforms a simple loaf into a luxurious appetizer packed with succulent shrimp and crab meat, perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust seasonings and seafood types to match personal preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different taste buds and dietary needs.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal prep steps and straightforward ingredients mean you can create a gourmet-style dish without spending hours in the kitchen, ideal for busy home cooks seeking maximum flavor.
  • No-Fuss Entertaining: The bread bowl serves as both container and serving vessel, reducing cleanup and providing a stunning presentation that looks like you've spent significant time preparing.

Ingredients for Delicious Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Bread Bowl: A round, hollowed-out bread loaf that serves as an edible container and adds rustic charm to the seafood filling.
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a delicate, sweet flavor and tender texture to the stuffed bread.
  • Crab Meat: Rich and delicate seafood that contributes a luxurious taste and soft consistency to the mixture.
For the Dairy and Cheese:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy ingredient that helps bind the filling and provides a rich, tangy base.
  • Mayonnaise, Mozzarella: Ingredients that add creaminess and help create a melty, cohesive filling.
For the Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Green Onions, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that enhance the overall flavor profile of the seafood mixture.
  • Old Bay Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Lemon Juice: Spices and acid that provide depth, warmth, and brightness to the stuffed bread bowl.

Stepwise Instructions to Prepare Seafood Bread Bowl

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), getting ready for some delicious baking action.

Step 2: Create Bread Bowl Magic

Carefully carve out the center of your bread bowl, leaving a sturdy bread shell.

Chop the scooped-out bread into bite-sized pieces for dipping later.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Seafood Blend

In a mixing bowl, combine these delightful ingredients:
  • Cream cheese
  • Mayonnaise
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Green onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Smoked paprika
  • Fresh lemon juice

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Fold In Seafood Treasures

Gently mix in the seafood, making sure not to break up the delicate pieces:
  • Succulent shrimp
  • Sweet crab meat

Step 5: Fill The Bread Bowl

Spoon the creamy seafood mixture into the bread bowl, pressing gently to ensure an even distribution.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the filling becomes bubbly and irresistible.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Sprinkle some extra chopped green onions on top.

Serve immediately with the reserved bread pieces, crispy crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.

Helpful Tips for Making Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

  • Select a sturdy sourdough or round bread bowl that can hold the creamy seafood mixture without falling apart.
  • Keep the bread shell thick enough to prevent leakage while ensuring a crispy exterior during baking.
  • Drain shrimp and crab meat thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy and compromising texture.
  • Use fresh seafood for the best flavor, and consider mixing different types of seafood like lobster or scallops for variety.
  • Mix the cream cheese and mayonnaise at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent filling that blends easily with other ingredients.

Flavor Variations on Seafood Bread Bowl to Try

  • Gluten-Free Seafood Sensation: Replace traditional bread bowl with a hollowed-out cauliflower head, creating a low-carb alternative perfect for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Low-Sodium Seafood Delight: Swap Old Bay seasoning with fresh herbs like dill and parsley, reduce salt content, and use low-sodium cream cheese for heart-healthy option.
  • Mediterranean Seafood Bowl: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and replace shrimp and crab with tender white fish like halibut for a Greek-inspired variation.
  • Dairy-Free Seafood Option: Use coconut cream cheese, nutritional yeast instead of mozzarella, and almond-based mayonnaise to create a completely dairy-free seafood experience.

Perfect Pairings with Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the seafood's delicate flavors and cut through the creamy richness of the cheese mixture.
  • Serve with Citrus-Infused Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette that echoes the lemon juice in the recipe and provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, warm seafood dip.
  • Match with Crunchy Vegetable Platter: Arrange raw cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and celery sticks to provide a fresh, cool texture that balances the warm, creamy stuffed bread bowl.
  • Enhance with Sparkling Water: Prepare chilled sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites and highlight the seafood's subtle flavors.

Best Storage Methods for Seafood Bread Bowl Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the seafood bread bowl refrigerated for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer.
  • Wrap the bread bowl securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

FAQs

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

You can replace shrimp and crab with imitation crab, cooked chicken, or even canned tuna for a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe good for a party appetizer?

Absolutely! The stuffed bread bowl is perfect for gatherings, game days, and potlucks because it’s easy to serve, looks impressive, and can be prepared ahead of time.

  • How spicy is this recipe with Old Bay seasoning?

The Old Bay adds a mild, warm flavor with just a hint of spice. It’s not overwhelming but provides a delicious seafood-style seasoning that enhances the overall taste.

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Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory seafood meets crusty bread in this mouthwatering Seafood Bread Bowl that combines creamy, ocean-fresh ingredients nestled in a golden, crisp bread vessel. Seafood enthusiasts will delight in this hearty, indulgent dish that brings Mediterranean coastal flavors right to your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood:

  • 1/2 pound (226 grams) lump crab meat
  • 1/2 pound (226 grams) cooked shrimp, chopped

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise

Bread and Seasonings:

  • 1 large sourdough bread bowl
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the seafood-filled bread creation.
  2. Carefully excavate the bread bowl’s interior, creating a robust outer shell while preserving the extracted bread pieces for complementary dipping.
  3. Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, green onions, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and a splash of lemon juice in a mixing vessel.
  4. Delicately incorporate the shrimp and crab meat into the creamy mixture, ensuring gentle folding to maintain seafood integrity.
  5. Transfer the prepared seafood blend into the hollowed bread bowl, distributing the filling uniformly to create a balanced texture.
  6. Position the loaded bread bowl on a baking sheet, then slide into the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the topping transforms to a golden hue and the interior becomes effervescent.
  7. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling additional green onions across the surface, then serve piping hot alongside the reserved bread chunks, crisp crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Notes

  • Choose sourdough or a round artisan bread for the best sturdy shell that won’t get soggy quickly.
  • Pat seafood completely dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture that could make filling watery.
  • Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and vegan seafood alternatives for plant-based diets without compromising taste.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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