Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

Introduction

I recently made this Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit! The combination of shrimp, lump crab meat, creamy cheese, and a perfectly toasted sourdough bowl was a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The seafood filling was rich, flavorful, and satisfying, and the bread shell added a delightful crunch that made it all the more delicious. It was easy to prepare, and everyone loved how fun and interactive it was to dip the bread pieces and crackers into the creamy seafood mixture. I can definitely see this becoming a go-to appetizer for future gatherings, especially for those who love seafood!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

The Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is the ultimate appetizer or party dish, combining the best of both worlds: creamy, cheesy seafood and a crunchy, flavorful bread bowl. It’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a special treat, and it’s easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. The shrimp and crab meat filling is light yet flavorful, while the mozzarella, cream cheese, and Old Bay seasoning give it that rich, creamy texture everyone loves. Plus, it’s served in a sourdough bread bowl, making it not only delicious but also fun to eat! This dish is sure to impress guests and satisfy everyone’s cravings for a savory, cheesy seafood dip.

Ingredients

• 1 large sourdough bread bowl
• 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1/2 lb lump crab meat
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will allow the bread bowl to bake to perfection, ensuring the filling becomes bubbly and the top gets golden brown.
2. Prepare the Bread Bowl:
   Hollow out the sourdough bread bowl, leaving a sturdy shell that will hold the filling. Make sure to leave enough bread at the bottom to support the seafood mixture. Set aside the removed bread pieces for dipping. You can tear or cut these into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Filling:
   In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella cheese, green onions, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well-combined.
4. Fold in the Seafood:
   Gently fold in the chopped shrimp and lump crab meat into the cheese mixture. Be careful not to break up the seafood too much—just enough to evenly distribute it throughout the filling.
5. Fill the Bread Bowl:
   Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, packing it evenly to ensure the filling is well-distributed.
6. Bake:
   Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the top is golden brown. The bread bowl should be crispy on the outside, with the creamy seafood filling perfectly heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Once baked, remove the bread bowl from the oven and garnish with extra chopped green onions. Serve warm with the reserved bread pieces, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1/4 of the stuffed bread bowl
• Calories per Serving: 420 kcal
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 20g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• As an Appetizer: Serve this Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl at parties, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone can enjoy.
• With Dipping Options: Serve the bread bowl with the reserved bread pieces, crackers, or fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices for dipping.
• As a Main Course: For a heartier meal, this bread bowl can serve as a main course, especially when paired with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
• With Extra Cheese: If you love extra cheese, feel free to sprinkle more mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the filling before baking for an extra cheesy layer.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Crab Meat: If possible, use fresh lump crab meat for a more flavorful and tender filling. Canned crab can also be used, but fresh crab has a better texture and taste.
2. Don’t Overstuff the Bread Bowl: Be sure not to overstuff the bread bowl. Leaving a little space at the top will allow the filling to cook evenly and prevent the bread from breaking.
3. Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling to kick up the flavor.
4. Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance. Assemble the bread bowl and filling, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.
5. Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture. Make this dish your own!

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of bread bowl?
   Yes, you can use a round loaf of any hearty bread, such as French or Italian bread, if you can’t find a sourdough bread bowl. The key is to choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the filling.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the bread bowl and seafood filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it until bubbly and golden.
3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and chop it before adding it to the filling.
4. Can I substitute the crab meat?
   Yes, if you don’t like crab or can’t find it, you can substitute it with more shrimp, lobster, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the oven to regain its crispy texture, or microwave it for a quicker option.
6. Can I use light cream cheese or mayonnaise?
   Yes, you can use light versions of cream cheese or mayonnaise for a lighter alternative, though it may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, you can make this gluten-free by using gluten-free bread for the bowl. Just make sure to check the labels for any hidden gluten in the other ingredients.
8. What other cheeses can I use?
   You can experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, sharp cheddar, or even cream cheese for a creamier filling.
9. How can I make this more flavorful?
   If you prefer more flavor, try adding herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary to the filling. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking can also add more depth to the flavor.
10. How can I make this dish spicier?
    Add a little cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

The Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a show-stopping dish that combines seafood, cheese, and savory spices in one deliciously comforting meal. It’s easy to prepare and makes a perfect appetizer or main dish for gatherings. Whether you serve it for a holiday, a family dinner, or a casual party, this dish is sure to impress with its rich, creamy filling and crispy bread shell. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors that will leave everyone asking for more!

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