Name: Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large bread rolls (about 8 ounces each); 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped; 1 cup crab meat, shredded; 1 cup cream cheese, softened (8 ounces); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you are searching for a dish that perfectly combines the comforting warmth of fresh bread with the rich and savory flavors of the sea, then the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is exactly what you need. This delightful recipe brings together succulent shrimp and tender crab meat blended into a creamy, cheesy filling, all nestled inside a crusty bread bowl that soaks up every bit of that luscious seafood goodness. Whether you’re looking to impress at a gathering or treat yourself to a cozy meal, this Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation with ease.

Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how every ingredient plays a crucial role. Each element adds creamy texture, fresh seafood flavor, or a touch of zest that makes this dish unforgettable.

4 large bread rolls: Select sturdy rolls about 8 ounces each for a perfect bread bowl that holds the filling well.
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped: Fresh or frozen shrimp works great—just make sure they’re well drained and chopped for easy mixing.
1 cup crab meat, shredded: Opt for lump crab meat to get that sweet, delicate seafood taste in every bite.
1 cup cream cheese, softened: This provides a rich, tangy base that binds the filling together smoothly.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess with a slight tartness that balances the seafood flavors.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings a gooey, melty texture that’s the hallmark of a comforting stuffing.
1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Offers a fresh, mildly pungent bite that cuts through the richness.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic depth and subtle heat.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish with a natural, citrusy sparkle.
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: The classic seafood seasoning that complements shrimp and crab perfectly.
Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance every flavor note just right.

How to Make Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the bread bowls

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, carefully cut the tops off each bread roll and hollow out the insides, leaving about a half-inch border intact. Don’t discard those soft bread interiors—you’ll want to reserve them for later use, perhaps for additional breadcrumbs or a light toast to accompany the dish.

Step 2: Mix the seafood filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, shredded crab meat, softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, chopped green onions, minced garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Stuff the bread bowls

Gently spoon the luscious seafood mixture into each hollowed-out bread roll. Pack it lightly to fill the bowls without compressing too tightly, which helps the filling heat evenly and maintain a creamy texture.

Step 4: Bake to perfection

Place the filled bread bowls on a baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling is warmed through, creating an irresistible aroma that will fill your kitchen.

Step 5: Cool and enjoy

Once baked, remove the bread bowls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This short resting period helps the filling set just enough while keeping it delightfully warm and creamy.

How to Serve Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

Garnishes

Enhance the presentation and flavor of your Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or additional green onions on top. A light drizzle of extra lemon juice or a pinch of paprika can add vibrant color and a fresh zing that wakes up the palate.

Side Dishes

This dish stands out on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads like a tangy arugula salad with vinaigrette or a light cucumber and tomato salad. For a heartier pairing, roasted or steamed asparagus and garlic butter green beans complement the seafood beautifully without overwhelming the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, inviting look. You can also hollow out larger bread loaves and serve family-style, allowing everyone to scoop out their own portions. For a fun twist, use mini sourdough boule bread for individual servings that look as adorable as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy the creamy seafood goodness again without sacrificing quality.

Freezing

You can freeze the filling separately for up to a month, but it’s best to avoid freezing the stuffed bread bowls as the bread may become soggy upon thawing. When ready to use, thaw the filling overnight in the fridge and bake freshly stuffed bread bowls.

Reheating

To reheat, place the stuffed bread bowl in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This will help maintain the bread’s crispness and keep the filling creamy without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood in the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with lobster, scallops, or even a mix of your favorite seafood. Just make sure they are cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free rolls or bread bowls available at many grocery stores. The filling is naturally gluten-free as long as the seasonings and ingredients you use do not contain gluten.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Definitely. Preparing the filling a few hours or even a day ahead helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to stuff the bread bowls and bake.

What can I do with the bread I hollow out from the rolls?

Great question! The reserved bread can be toasted and turned into homemade breadcrumbs, croutons for a salad, or simply served alongside the stuffed bread bowl to scoop up extra filling.

How spicy is the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl?

The dish has a gentle kick from the Old Bay seasoning, but it’s generally mild and well-balanced. You can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicier or reduce the seasoning for a gentler flavor.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl that makes it perfect for any occasion. Its welcoming warmth and rich, creamy seafood center make it feel like a hug on a plate. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might find yourself coming back to it again and again every time you want to impress or simply treat yourself to a comforting, fabulous meal.

Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl recipe features a delicious blend of shrimp, crab meat, and creamy cheeses baked inside hollowed-out bread rolls for a warm, flavorful appetizer or main dish perfect for seafood lovers.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed bread bowls.
Prepare Bread Bowls: Carefully cut the tops off each bread roll and hollow out the insides, leaving about a half-inch thick border. Reserve the removed bread for potential use such as crumbs or side.
Make Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, chopped green onions, minced garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
Stuff Bread Bowls: Spoon the seafood mixture into each hollowed bread roll, packing the mixture lightly but filling completely to avoid gaps.
Bake: Place the stuffed bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is hot throughout.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread bowls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving to ensure flavors meld and to prevent burns.

Notes

You can reserve the hollowed-out bread for making breadcrumbs or croutons.
For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Old Bay seasoning on top before baking.
This recipe is best served warm and fresh out of the oven.
You can substitute the crab meat with imitation crab or other seafood according to preference.
To reduce fat, use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream options.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American