Delightful Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

Why You’ll Love Delightful Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

The stuffed seafood bread bowl combines the best of both worlds—seafood and bread. The seafood filling is rich, creamy, and savory, while the bread bowl adds an element of fun and convenience. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. The dish is versatile, allowing you to use your favorite seafood or add different herbs and spices to make it your own. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as a treat, this recipe will surely become a new favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 large round sourdough or Italian bread loaf

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup crab meat, cooked and shredded

• 1 cup scallops, chopped

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving about an inch of bread around the edges. Set aside the bread removed from the center for dipping or snacking.

3. In a large pan, cook the shrimp, scallops, and crab meat over medium heat until they are just cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and chop the shrimp and scallops into bite-sized pieces.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, parsley, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.

5. Gently fold the cooked seafood into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

6. Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, pressing it down slightly to ensure it’s packed well.

7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed seafood.

8. Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

9. Serve immediately, using the reserved bread pieces for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the seafood for a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and artichokes for a vegetarian version of this dish.

• Different Seafood: Feel free to use other types of seafood, such as lobster or clams, to customize the recipe to your taste.

• Spicy Twist: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños to the seafood mixture for an extra kick.

• Cheese Swap: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyère, to vary the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the stuffed bread bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess water before cooking.

2. Can I make the seafood filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the seafood filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just stuff it into the bread bowl and bake when you’re ready to serve.

3. What type of bread is best for this recipe?

Sourdough or Italian bread works best because it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling but soft enough to enjoy with the seafood mixture.

4. How can I make the bread bowl crispy?

To ensure a crispy bread bowl, brush the inside of the bread with a bit of melted butter before baking.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the seafood filling and store it separately from the bread bowl. Thaw and bake when ready to serve.

6. Can I use store-bought seafood filling?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought seafood salad or filling, but the homemade version tastes much fresher and more flavorful.

7. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

To prevent the bread from getting soggy, try to serve the dish immediately after baking. You can also toast the bread lightly before filling it.

8. Can I use other cheeses for the filling?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or cream cheese-based dips to change up the flavor.

9. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, add chili flakes, sriracha sauce, or chopped jalapeños into the seafood mixture for added heat.

10. Can I make this dish without the bread bowl?

Absolutely! You can serve the seafood mixture in a baking dish or individual ramekins, skipping the bread bowl entirely.

Conclusion

The Delightful Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a mouthwatering combination of creamy seafood filling and crispy, warm bread. It’s a fun and unique way to serve seafood, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy meal with loved ones. With endless variations and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.