Indulge in this creamy stuffed seafood bread bowl, a decadent appetizer or main dish that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or special occasions. Golden, crusty sourdough encases a rich filling of shrimp, crab, and cheeses, bursting with flavor in every bite. The combination of tender seafood, melty mozzarella, and tangy cream cheese makes it a comfort food favorite that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Whether you’re serving it at a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, this seafood bread bowl offers a wow factor while remaining easy to prepare. Crispy on the outside, creamy and savory inside, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress seafood lovers and casual diners alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Cheesy & Creamy: A rich, velvety filling that melts in your mouth.
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Seafood Lovers’ Dream: Packed with shrimp and lump crab meat.
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Eye-Catching Presentation: Perfect for parties or holiday tables.
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Easy to Make: Simple steps, minimal prep, maximum flavor.
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Versatile Serving: Pair with veggies, crackers, or use bread pieces for dipping.
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Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredient Breakdown
Sourdough Bread: Provides a sturdy, flavorful shell to hold the creamy seafood filling.
Olive Oil: Brushed inside to add flavor and prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Cooked Shrimp: Tender and juicy, adds a sweet, briny seafood flavor.
Lump Crab Meat: Delicate chunks of crab elevate the dish with premium seafood taste.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy layer that binds the filling.
Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creaminess for a decadent texture.
Mayonnaise: Enhances creaminess and keeps the filling moist.
Green Onions: Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and savory notes.
Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seasoning for a subtle spice and seafood-friendly flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the cheeses.
Pro Tips
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Don’t Overfill: Leave a little space at the top so the filling doesn’t overflow while baking.
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Even Baking: Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
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Seafood Prep: Use pre-cooked shrimp and crab meat for quick assembly and optimal texture.
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Cheese Blend: Mix mozzarella with a little sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
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Crispy Crust: Brush the outside of the bread with olive oil for a golden, crisp shell.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
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Bread Options: Use a round rye, Italian, or whole wheat loaf for a different flavor profile.
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Cheese Variations: Try Gruyère, fontina, or pepper jack for unique twists.
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Seafood Mix: Add scallops or lobster chunks for a luxurious upgrade.
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Herbs & Spices: Sprinkle fresh dill, parsley, or chives for extra freshness.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeño to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with leftover bread chunks for dipping.
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Pair with crisp fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips.
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Serve alongside a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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For a party platter, cut into sections and let guests scoop the filling with crackers or breadsticks.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Prep Ahead: Assemble the filling and hollow the bread a few hours before baking; keep refrigerated until ready.
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Leftovers: Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying.
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Freezing: The filling can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Stuffed bread bowls have a long-standing tradition in American and European cuisine, often used for soups, dips, or creamy fillings. Using seafood in a bread bowl is a coastal-inspired twist, particularly popular in regions where fresh shrimp and crab are staples. The combination of crusty bread and creamy, cheesy seafood filling is a classic comfort food reimagined for modern entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, thaw it completely and pat dry before adding to prevent extra moisture in the filling.
What type of bread works best?
A sturdy round loaf like sourdough is ideal because it holds the filling without collapsing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, hollow the bread and mix the filling up to a few hours in advance. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Brush the inside of the hollowed loaf with olive oil and don’t overfill. Bake immediately after assembling.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace shrimp and crab with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables while keeping the creamy cheese filling.
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Hollow out the sourdough loaf, leaving enough crust to hold filling. Save bread pieces for dipping. Brush inside with olive oil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, green onions, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Stir until creamy. Gently fold in shrimp and crab meat.
- Spoon seafood filling into hollowed bread bowl, pressing gently to fill evenly.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until top is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven, garnish with green onions, and serve with bread pieces, crackers, or veggies.