If you are looking for a show-stopping dish that combines comfort food with a touch of elegance, this Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a crusty, golden bread bowl filled with a luscious, creamy medley of shrimp, crab, and scallops, all baked until bubbly and topped with melted cheese. It strikes the perfect balance between rich, savory flavors and a satisfying, crunchy bread vessel that invites you to scoop up every last bite. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe offers a delightful seafood feast that feels both indulgent and homey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe. From fresh seafood to creamy cheeses and aromatic herbs, this selection ensures a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that melt beautifully together.
- Large crusty bread bowl (sourdough or artisan round): Provides a sturdy, edible vessel with a delightful crunch that holds the creamy filling perfectly.
- ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds a sweet, tender bite that’s essential for the seafood medley.
- ½ cup fresh crab meat, picked over for shells: Offers delicate sweetness and a flaky texture to elevate the mixture.
- ½ cup sea scallops, side muscle removed: Brings a subtle briny flavor and tender chew to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used to sauté aromatics, delivering richness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the filling with a warm, fragrant punch.
- 1 shallot, finely chopped: Adds a mild onion flavor that balances the richness.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates a silky smooth base that envelops the seafood.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened: Intensifies the creamy texture and adds slight tang.
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a sharp, nutty hint and helps thicken the filling.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give that irresistible gooey top layer.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens and lifts the flavors for a fresh finish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a burst of color and herbaceous freshness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every component.
How to Make Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowl
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cut the top off your bread bowl carefully and hollow out the center, being sure to leave about ¾ inch of crust to keep the structural integrity. Don’t waste those bread pieces — they’ll be perfect for dipping later! Pop the hollowed bread bowl into the oven and toast it for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden and has a sturdy shell that can hold that luscious filling.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot, cooking gently for 1 to 2 minutes. You want them softened and fragrant but not browned—this step develops a flavorful foundation for your creamy seafood mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Seafood
Next, toss in the shrimp and scallops, stirring occasionally as they cook through in about 2 to 3 minutes. The shrimp should turn a lovely pink, and the scallops become just opaque. Gently fold in the crab meat, warming it through for another minute without overcooking to keep all the seafood tender and juicy.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and pour in the heavy cream. Add the softened cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir carefully until the cream cheese melts into a smooth, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of seafood.
Step 5: Incorporate the Cheeses
Stir in half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, allowing them to melt and gently thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — this is where your creamy mixture finds its perfect balance of richness and flavor.
Step 6: Stuff the Bread Bowl
Spoon the creamy seafood filling into your toasted bread bowl with care, filling it generously. Then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to create that glorious golden crust when baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, signaling a perfectly cooked seafood extravaganza inside a crispy bread bowl.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the dish piping hot alongside the reserved toasted bread pieces for an irresistible dipping experience.
How to Serve Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet essential garnish that adds brightness and a lovely contrast to the rich seafood filling. A squeeze of extra lemon juice at the table also pairs beautifully to elevate and balance each bite.
Side Dishes
Because the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe is so rich and hearty, pairing it with lighter sides like a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables works perfectly. You can also offer a bowl of tangy coleslaw or a refreshing cucumber salad to add a crunch and refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress family or friends, serve individual mini bread bowls filled with the seafood mixture for a charming presentation. Alternatively, lay out the bread bowl on a large platter with the dipping pieces surrounding it — this interactive serving style invites everyone to dig in and savor the fullness of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe, simply cover the bread bowl and filling tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it easy to reheat and enjoy later.
Freezing
Because the bread bowl’s texture may not freeze well, it’s best to freeze only the creamy seafood filling. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove before stuffing a fresh bread bowl.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. To bring back some of the bread bowl’s crispness, consider popping it in a hot oven for a few minutes just before serving—this will refresh its delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess water that can make the filling runny.
What type of bread works best for the bread bowl?
A crusty sourdough or an artisan round loaf is ideal because it holds up well against the creamy filling without becoming soggy too quickly.
Can I prepare the seafood filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, stuff it into the bread bowl and bake as instructed for a quick and impressive meal.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Most kids enjoy creamy seafood when it’s prepared this way. Just make sure to chop the seafood into smaller pieces if needed and adjust seasonings to mild.
Can I substitute other cheeses?
Sure! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyère or Asiago for a unique twist, but be mindful of how they melt and their flavor profiles to keep that creamy, cheesy goodness balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It’s packed with comforting creaminess, fresh seafood flavors, and that irresistible bread bowl fun that makes every bite special. Cooking it is a joy, sharing it is even better—so give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A deliciously creamy and cheesy stuffed seafood bread bowl filled with shrimp, crab meat, and scallops simmered in a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce, perfect as a hearty appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Seafood Mixture
- ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup fresh crab meat, picked over for shells
- ½ cup sea scallops, side muscle removed
Bread Bowl
- 1 large crusty bread bowl (sourdough or artisan round)
Sauce and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Bread Bowl: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut the top off the bread bowl and carefully hollow out the center, leaving about ¾-inch thick walls. Save the bread pieces for dipping. Toast the hollowed bread bowl in the oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped shallot, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened but not browned.
- Cook Seafood: Add shrimp and scallops to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and scallops are just opaque. Gently fold in the crab meat and heat through for another minute.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream. Add softened cream cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheese: Stir in half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Fill Bread Bowl: Carefully spoon the creamy seafood mixture into the toasted bread bowl. Top with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and immediately garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with the reserved bread pieces for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the bread bowl walls are thick enough to hold the creamy filling without leaking.
- Watch carefully while baking to prevent burning the cheese topping.
- Optional: add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Leftover filling can be served over pasta or rice.
