Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a comforting and delicious dish that many people love. I remember my first time tasting it at a family gathering where the warm, cheesy seafood filling invited everyone to dig in. The smell of fresh bread mixed with the savory notes of seafood made all of us gather around the table, chatting and smiling. It was the perfect dish that brought loved ones together, making it a hit for gatherings or a family dinner. This recipe is worth trying because it combines different seafood flavors and creamy ingredients into a delightful dish, all served in a warm bread bowl that you can enjoy to the last bite.
Why Make This Recipe
There are several reasons to make Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl. It’s easy to prepare and can be ready in under an hour, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. The combination of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat creates a burst of flavors that many seafood lovers adore. The creamy filling makes each bite feel rich and satisfying, while the crusty bread bowl adds a fun twist to traditional seafood dishes.
Not only is this recipe filling, but it also feels special. It transforms a regular meal into something extraordinary. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to share seafood with family who may not usually go for it. You can even invite your kids to help stuff the filling into the bread bowl, creating a fun bonding moment in the kitchen. Making food together can bring families closer, and this dish is a wonderful way to create memories.
How to Make Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
Making Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a simple but rewarding process. You start by preparing your seafood. The shrimp and scallops cook quickly and fill the kitchen with a delicious scent that warms your heart. Once the seafood is cooked, you mix it with cream cheese, shredded cheese, and seasonings, creating a creamy and flavorful filling.
The excitement continues as you hollow out the bread bowl. Gently pulling out the soft bread inside can be a bit messy but adds to the fun of preparing this dish. The warm bread bowl, filled to the brim with your seafood mixture, goes into the oven. As it bakes, the top becomes golden and bubbly, and the aroma fills your home. You can hardly wait for it to cool down before slicing into your masterpiece. Each slice reveals the lovely, creamy filling, making it hard to resist taking a bite right away.
Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need for this delightful recipe:
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1 large crusty bread bowl (sourdough or artisan): This serves as the delicious vessel for your filling. Sourdough adds a slightly tangy flavor and nice texture.
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1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Shrimp contributes a sweet and briny flavor, ensuring each bite feels fresh.
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1/2 lb scallops: Scallops have a delicate sweetness and a tender texture, bringing variety to the filling.
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1/2 lb crab meat: Crab meat adds richness and is often loved for its smooth texture.
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1 cup cream cheese: Cream cheese brings creaminess, making the filling lush and delightful.
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1/2 cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar): Shredded cheese adds a lovely melt and a savory aspect to the dish.
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1/4 cup chopped green onions: Green onions provide a fresh and slightly spicy bite, balancing the creaminess.
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1/4 cup mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds an extra layer of moisture and richness, enhancing the overall flavor.
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1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, zesty note that cuts through the richness, waking up all the flavors.
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1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder enhances the flavor profile, giving a warm and savory kick.
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Salt and pepper to taste: These staples are crucial for bringing out all the flavors and making everything pop.
Feel free to substitute ingredients based on dietary needs. For example, you could use gluten-free bread instead of regular crusty bread or a dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Directions
Here’s how to put it all together in a clear and friendly way:
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread bowl will bake evenly.
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Cook the Seafood: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the shrimp and scallops. Cook them until they are just opaque, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove them from heat to prevent overcooking.
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Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine your cooked seafood, crab meat, cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. It’s important to mix gently to avoid breaking the seafood apart too much. Make sure everything is well combined.
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Prepare the Bread Bowl: Take your bread bowl and carefully hollow it out. Leave about an inch of bread around the edges to create a sturdy shell for your filling.
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Fill the Bread Bowl: Now, spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl. Pack it in a little, but avoid overfilling.
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Bake: Place the filled bread bowl onto a baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. You can check for doneness by looking for a nice golden color.
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Cool and Serve: After baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This will make it easier to handle and prevent any burns.
Enjoy every bite! This dish is perfect for sharing and will surely delight everyone at the table.
How to Serve Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a wonderful dish on its own, but there are many ways to enhance its presentation and enjoyment. Consider serving it with a light side salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich filling. A creamy tomato soup or a light vegetable soup can also pair beautifully with this dish; the warmth of the soup complements the warm bread bowl perfectly.
For drinks, a crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon can lift the meal. When it comes to serving occasions, think about bringing this dish to family gatherings, potlucks, or even for a cozy date night in. It can also be a fun starter for holiday meals, setting the stage for a festive feast.
How to Store Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them is quite easy. Let the leftover bread bowl cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the filling by itself (without the bread bowl) for a month.
To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight if frozen. For leftovers, you can place the whole bread bowl in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you just have the filling, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring as needed for even heating.
Tips to Make Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
Here are some friendly tips to ensure your Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl comes out perfectly:
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Choose Good Quality Seafood: Use fresh or good quality frozen seafood for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
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Mix Gently: When combining the ingredients, don’t overmix. You want to keep the seafood pieces intact for the best bite.
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Don’t Overbake: Watch carefully while it bakes. Overbaking can dry out the filling. Once the top is golden and bubbly, it’s ready!
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Let It Cool Slightly: Allowing the bread bowl to cool for a few minutes before slicing helps the filling stay put and makes it easier to eat.
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Consider Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste or any dietary needs.
Variations
If you want to switch things up a bit, here are a few ways to tweak your Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl:
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Add Spices: For some heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the filling. This will create a spicy kick that some might enjoy!
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Vegetarian Option: If you or your guests aren’t into seafood, you can make a rich vegetable stuffed bread bowl using spinach, artichokes, mushrooms, and ricotta cheese as a filling.
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Switch Up the Cheese: For a different flavor profile, try using a strong cheese like feta or goat cheese instead of cream cheese or cheddar.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to hollow out the bread bowl and fill it just before baking.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
The best way to reheat the stuffed bread bowl is to place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help keep the bread crisp while warming the filling.
Q: Can I use a different cheese or flour?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese that melts well, such as gouda or Monterey Jack. If you need to avoid gluten, use a gluten-free bread, and make sure the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a fantastic dish that offers comforting flavors and a fun way to dive into seafood. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or sharing it during a gathering, you’ll create wonderful memories around the table. With its creamy filling, crispy bread, and versatile ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your collection. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delicious experience of making and sharing this dish with your loved ones!
Print
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A comforting and delicious seafood dish combining shrimp, scallops, and crab meat in a warm, cheesy filling served in a crusty bread bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 large crusty bread bowl (sourdough or artisan)
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb scallops
- 1/2 lb crab meat
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the shrimp and scallops in a medium skillet over medium heat until just opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked seafood, crab meat, cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Carefully hollow out the bread bowl, leaving about an inch of bread around the edges.
- Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, packing it slightly.
- Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, consider using a rich vegetable filling instead of seafood. You can also adjust the cheese and use gluten-free bread if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: stuffed seafood bread bowl, seafood recipe, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe