There’s something fun about turning a loaf of bread into a bowl and filling it with seafood . It feels like a tasty treasure chest you can eat . Crunchy bread meets creamy shrimp , crab , sеafood, and cheese all in one bite . Coastal cooks first thought of this trick because they had fresh fish and wanted to waste nothing . Now it’s a hit for dinner parties , family nights , or just a cozy meal at home .
What is a Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl?
A stuffed seafood bread bowl is pretty much a round loaf that’s hollowed out and filled with a mix of shrimp , сrab , scallops , or any seafood you like . You scoop out the middle of the bread and it becomes a bowl . Then you pour in a warm, cheesy seafood mix . It looks great on a table and everyone can dig in with pieces of the bread .
People from coastal areas came up with this idea since fresh seafood was everywhere . They loved making a fancy dish that also cut down on food waste by using the bread itself as the dish . Over time , it spread to home cooks and food blogs because it’s fun and tastes amazing .
Ingredients
For the Bread Bowl
- 1 large round loaf of bread : sourdough , Italian , or French
- 2–3 tablespoon butter or oil (to grease the inside)
For the Filling
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp , сrab , scallops , etc.)
- 1 cup chopped veggies (bell pepper , onion , celery)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- Fresh parsley , minced garlic , Old Bay seasoning (to taste)
- Optional: cooked rice or breadcrumbs for extra texture
Directions
1. Prepare the Bread Bowl
- Pick a big round loaf that’s sturdy .
- Cut off the top with a serrated knife , then scoop out the center but leave about an inch of bread on the sides .
- Brush inside with butter or oil so it stays crisp when baked .
2. Make the Seafood Filling
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat . Add the chopped veggies and cook until soft .
- Add the seafood and cook just until opaque ; don’t overcook or it gets rubbery .
- Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese until melted . Mix in shredded cheese , garlic , parsley , and Old Bay seasoning . Stir until even.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Spoon the seafood mix into the hollowed loaf .
- Put the top back on , brush with more butter , and sprinkle extra cheese if you want .
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes , until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly .
Tips for Success
Pick Fresh Seafood
Fresh is best . If you use frozen , thaw and drain it well so the filling isn’t watery .
Boost the Flavor
Try adding dill , thyme , or a squeeze of lemon to brighten things up . For gluten-free or vegan versions , swap the bread or cheeses accordingly .
Other Serving Ideas
If you want to skip the bread bowl , use hollowed peppers , squash , or even pastry shells for a twist .
Variations
Seafood Combos
- Crab only : lump crab with cream cheese and herbs
- Shrimp scampi style : shrimp with garlic , white wine , and butter
- Mixed medley : scallops , shrimp , and crab for more textures
Vegetarian or Vegan
Swap seafood for sauteéd mushrooms and spinach , or use plant-based seafood and non-dairy cheese for a vegan twist .
Nutritional Info
These bread bowls give you protein and omega-3s from seafood , carbs from bread , and vitamins from veggies . Calories vary by filling and size , but it’s a fun shareable meal .
FAQs about Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowls
Which bread is best?
Sourdough , Italian , or French are ideal ; they’re sturdy and taste great .
Can I prep ahead?
Yeah . Hollow the bread and make the filling a few hours before . Just assemble and bake when you’re ready .
How do I reheat leftovers?
Wrap in foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warm .
Can I freeze it?
Yes . Wrap the unbaked loaf in plastic wrap and foil . Bake longer if it’s frozen .
Conclusion
A stuffed seafood bread bowl is more than a meal ; it’s a fun experience that mixes bread and ocean flavors in every bite . You can stick to the classic recipe or get creative with what you have . Either way , your guests will love tearing off pieces of bread and digging in . Share your own twists and keep the seafood bread-bowl fun going !
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 medium skillet
- 1 cutting board
- 1 oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 large round bread loaf About 1.5 pounds.
- 1 cup cooked shrimp Chopped.
- 1 cup crab meat Canned or fresh.
- 1 cup cream cheese Softened (8 oz).
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated cheese E.g., cheddar or mozzarella.
- ¼ cup green onions Chopped.
- ¼ cup bell pepper Finely chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic Minced.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving about an inch of bread on the sides.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, sauté the garlic and bell pepper for about 3-4 minutes until soft.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper, sautéed vegetables, chopped shrimp, crab meat, green onions, and half of the grated cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, pressing it down gently to pack it in. Top with the remaining grated cheese.
- Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Cut the reserved bread into pieces for dipping.
- Enjoy your delightful Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl!
