Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this stuffed seafood bread bowl! It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Picture this: a crusty bread bowl filled to the brim with a luscious mixture of shrimp, crab, and creamy goodness, all seasoned to perfection. I first tried this dish at a cozy seaside restaurant, and the flavors blew me away! It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is actually super easy to whip up at home. I love serving it at gatherings because it always gets everyone excited—who can resist dipping into a warm, cheesy seafood delight? Trust me, once you try making your own stuffed seafood bread bowl, you’ll be hooked like I was!
Ingredients List
- 1 large bread bowl
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to gather all your ingredients before getting started! It’s all about that smooth flow in the kitchen, right? And don’t forget, fresh seafood makes a big difference, so choose the best quality shrimp and crab meat you can find. Enjoy the process; the aroma of these flavors coming together will have your mouth watering before it’s even in the oven!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s all about getting it nice and toasty for our delicious stuffed seafood bread bowl!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, and chopped green onions. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and a little salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s a creamy, seafood dream. Don’t be shy—get in there with a spatula or your hands!
- Now, let’s prepare the bread bowl. Carefully hollow out the inside of your large bread bowl, leaving about an inch of the crust to hold everything together. This part can get a bit messy, but it’s all in good fun! Just make sure not to poke any holes.
- Once your bread bowl is ready, fill it generously with that scrumptious seafood mixture. Pack it in there; you want it overflowing with goodness!
- Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet to catch any drips and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling hot and the bread is beautifully golden brown.
- When it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a minute—trust me, you don’t want to burn your mouth! Then, slice it up or serve it whole, and get ready to enjoy this warm, cheesy, seafood delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly flavorful with a perfect blend of seafood and spices
- Easy to prepare and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
- Great for sharing—everyone loves digging into a warm bread bowl!
- Versatile: swap in different seafood or add your favorite herbs
- Comfort food at its finest, guaranteed to impress your guests
Tips for Success
To make your stuffed seafood bread bowl truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skimp on the cream cheese; it adds that delightful creaminess that makes each bite irresistible. If you want a little kick, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seafood mixture. Also, be mindful when hollowing out the bread bowl—too much bread removed can cause it to collapse, so leave enough crust for support!
And remember, freshness is key! Use quality seafood and make this dish just before serving to enjoy it at its best. Finally, serve it with extra bread pieces for dipping, and you’ll have everyone coming back for more!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your stuffed seafood bread bowl! For a taste of the ocean, try adding some scallops or even lobster for a luxurious twist. You can also play around with flavors—why not mix in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or incorporate spinach for a pop of color and nutrients? If you’re a cheese lover, swap in some mozzarella or pepper jack for added creaminess and flavor. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious), you can store your stuffed seafood bread bowl in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing it up! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent the bread from getting too hard, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s warmed through. This way, you’ll keep that lovely creamy filling and the bread nice and toasty! Enjoy your seafood delight all over again!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these numbers are just estimates! For each serving of this stuffed seafood bread bowl, you can expect about 450 calories, along with 25g of protein and 30g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for sharing, but as with any recipe, feel free to adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen seafood for the stuffed seafood bread bowl?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp and crab meat work just fine. Just make sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry before using them in the filling. This helps keep the mixture from getting too watery.
What other types of bread can I use?
While I love a classic bread bowl, you can get creative! Sourdough or any crusty artisan bread makes a fantastic base. Just ensure it has a sturdy crust to hold up the filling.
Can I make this bread bowl ahead of time?
You can prepare the seafood mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just hollow out the bread bowl and fill it right before baking to keep it fresh and warm!
Is it possible to make a vegetarian version?
Definitely! You can swap the seafood for sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or a medley of your favorite veggies. Add some cheese and spices for that creamy texture and flavor!
What can I serve with the stuffed seafood bread bowl?
I love serving it with extra bread pieces for dipping, but you can also pair it with a fresh salad or some crispy vegetable sticks for a delightful balance!
For more delicious seafood recipes, check out this seafood paella recipe or this creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe.
Print
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl: 5 Comforting Flavors Await
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A delicious stuffed seafood bread bowl filled with a savory mixture of seafood and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 large bread bowl
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, green onions, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Hollow out the bread bowl, leaving about an inch of bread on the sides.
- Fill the hollowed bread bowl with the seafood mixture.
- Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is hot and the bread is golden.
- Let it cool slightly, then serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with extra bread pieces for dipping.
- Can substitute different seafood based on preference.
- Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: stuffed seafood bread bowl
