If you are looking to impress your guests or just treat yourself to a delicious and comforting seafood dish, this Savory Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the briny sweetness of shrimp and crab with creamy cheeses and aromatic spices, all baked inside a crusty sourdough bread bowl, this recipe is a feast for the senses. Each bite offers a perfect blend of savory seafood flavor, melty cheese, and a satisfying crunch from the bread, making it a standout dish that feels both fancy and cozy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this dish requires a handful of essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From fresh seafood to vibrant vegetables and rich cheeses, everything comes together simply yet harmoniously.
- 1 large round sourdough bread loaf: This forms the vessel for your stuffing, its sturdy crust holding all the delicious filling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté aromatics, adding depth without overpowering.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Offers subtle sweetness and a tender bite once cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts the flavor with a savory punch.
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped: Adds a mild crunch and freshness.
- ½ red bell pepper, diced: Introduces a pop of color and natural sweetness.
- ½ lb cooked shrimp, chopped: Brings tender, meaty seafood flavor.
- ½ lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells: The star ingredient adding luxurious seafood richness.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy base for the filling.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, providing gooey texture.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty note enhancing depth.
- â…“ cup mayonnaise: Binds ingredients and adds smoothness.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that elevates the entire dish.
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens flavors with a subtle citrus tang.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Provides a gentle kick if you like some heat.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbaceous element for garnish and flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
How to Make Savory Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowl
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Start by slicing the top off your sourdough loaf. Carefully hollow out the center, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell to hold the filling later. Don’t toss the removed bread; cut it into cubes and save them for dipping alongside your finished dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Then set the skillet aside to cool slightly before adding to your seafood mixture.
Step 3: Mix the Seafood Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, sautéed vegetables, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, optional cayenne, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until the ingredients are fully incorporated into a creamy, chunky filling.
Step 4: Stuff and Bake
Generously spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, pressing down slightly to pack it well. Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is hot and bubbly, with the top nicely golden brown.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, serve your Savory Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe immediately, paired with the reserved bread cubes or crackers. Dig in while warm for the best flavor experience.
How to Serve Savory Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like extra chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the entire dish. A sprinkle of paprika or some finely chopped chives can also add a lovely colorful touch and subtle flavor boost, making each serving look as vibrant as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This rich, creamy bread bowl pairs wonderfully with light sides such as a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. These sides provide a refreshing contrast to the decadence of the seafood filling, balancing the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving this stuffed bread bowl as a centerpiece on a large platter surrounded by fresh lemon wedges and mixed greens. For parties, consider mini versions in smaller rolls or individual bread bowls for personal servings that make every guest feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, carefully cover the bread bowl with plastic wrap or store the filling separately in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days, but keep in mind that the bread shell can become soggy if stored for too long once filled.
Freezing
While freezing the entire stuffed bread bowl is not ideal due to texture changes, you can freeze the seafood filling separately. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and stuffing freshly baked or toasted bread.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the stuffed bread bowl for about 15–20 minutes until heated through. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning, then remove the foil in the last few minutes if you want a crispier top.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked shrimp and crab meat, but make sure they are completely thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your filling. Fresh seafood tends to provide the best flavor and texture, though.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
This particular recipe centers around seafood, but you can create a vegetarian version by substituting the shrimp and crab with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, or even plant-based seafood alternatives, and adjusting the seasonings accordingly.
What type of bread works best for the bread bowl?
A large round sourdough loaf is ideal because of its sturdy crust that holds the filling well. Other crusty breads like a boule or country white loaf can also work, as long as they are firm enough to support the hot filling.
Can I prepare the filling ahead and bake later?
Absolutely! You can prepare the seafood filling a few hours in advance and keep it chilled. When ready, stuff the bread bowl and bake as directed. This saves time and lets flavors meld even more.
How spicy does this recipe get with the cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth rather than intense heat, especially at the recommended ¼ teaspoon. Feel free to adjust or omit it based on your personal spice preference to tailor the dish perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together comforting textures and flavors into one unforgettable dish. It’s perfect for special occasions, casual gatherings, or any time you want to indulge in a seafood feast with a cozy twist. Give it a try and watch as your friends and family delight in every rich, creamy, and crunchy bite!
Print
Savory Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A deliciously creamy and savory seafood-stuffed sourdough bread bowl featuring shrimp, crab meat, and a blend of cheeses and spices, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a party appetizer or a hearty main dish.
Ingredients
Seafood Filling
- ½ lb cooked shrimp, chopped
- ½ lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables & Bread
- 1 large round sourdough bread loaf
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
Instructions
- Prep the bread bowl: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice the top off the sourdough loaf and carefully hollow out the inside, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell. Set the bread bowl aside and cut the removed bread into cubes for serving.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, celery, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and let the vegetables cool slightly.
- Combine filling: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked shrimp, crab meat, sautéed vegetables, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, cayenne pepper if using, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fill and bake: Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, spreading evenly. Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the filling is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. Accompany with the reserved bread cubes or crackers for dipping into the creamy seafood filling.
Notes
- You can substitute canned crab or imitation crab if fresh crab is unavailable.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream into the filling before baking.
- This dish works well as a party appetizer or a hearty main course.
