Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a delightful dish that brings the taste of the ocean right to your table. There’s something magical about digging into a crusty bread bowl filled with creamy seafood. This recipe may remind you of cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, where everyone gathers around to enjoy great food. People love this dish for its warmth, ease of preparation, and the joyful experience of sharing. Whether you are hosting a party or having a quiet night with your family, this recipe is definitely worth trying.
Why Make This Recipe
The Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is special for several reasons. First, it is easy to make, which is perfect for those who may not have lots of cooking experience. The ingredients are quite simple and available at most grocery stores. You do not need to be a master chef to impress your friends or family.
Another wonderful thing about this dish is its incredible flavors. The combination of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat creates a seafood medley that is both rich and satisfying. When you mix in cream cheese and shredded cheese, you bring in a delicious creaminess that balances the seafood perfectly.
And let’s not forget the fun aspect! Serving food in a bread bowl adds an element of excitement to your meal. Everyone loves the experience of tearing off pieces of bread and dipping them into that tasty seafood mixture. It keeps the atmosphere light and cheerful. Plus, families can customize their bread bowl, adding spices or seasonings they love. Trust me, once you serve this dish, it may become a family favorite!
How to Make Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
Making the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a straightforward process. First, gather all your ingredients. The kitchen will soon fill with delightful aromas as you start cooking. Picture this: as the seafood is cooking in your skillet, the smell of garlic wafts through the air, bringing everyone to the kitchen.
Let’s break it down into simple steps. To start, you’ll want to prepare your seafood filling. This involves cooking the shrimp, scallops, and crab meat with cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, and garlic. As these ingredients bubble away in the pan, you’ll watch them transform into a gooey, cheesy mixture that you can’t wait to scoop into your bread bowl.
Afterward, hollow out the crusty bread bowl. This step is fun, but make sure not to tear the bread. Keep the pieces you remove for dipping later! Once the bread bowl is filled with the warm seafood mixture, pop it in the oven. While it bakes, you can feel the anticipation building — the cheese will turn golden and bubbly, creating a beautiful centerpiece for your table. The moment it comes out of the oven, it’s time to gather everyone for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
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1 large crusty bread bowl
The star of the dish! The bread bowl serves as a delicious vessel that carries the seafood mixture. You can use sourdough or a round loaf for a crusty texture. -
1 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined)
Shrimp adds a sweet, tender taste. They’re quick to cook and provide a satisfying bite. For a healthier option, consider using frozen shrimp. -
1 lb scallops
Scallops have a delicate flavor and a wonderful texture. They’re often seen as a special treat. If you’d like a budget-friendly option, you can substitute with more shrimp. -
1 lb crab meat
Crab meat brings a touch of luxury to the filling. It’s sweet and rich. If you’re looking to save time, you can use canned crab meat. -
1 cup cream cheese
Cream cheese adds a luscious creaminess to the mix. It binds everything together. Look for low-fat cream cheese if you prefer to cut down on calories. -
1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
Shredded cheese brings flavor and gooeyness. Cheddar adds a sharp bite, while mozzarella gives it stretchy goodness. Feel free to mix and match! -
1/2 cup chopped green onions
Green onions add a fresh, slightly tangy taste that brightens the seafood filling. You can also replace them with chives for a milder flavor. -
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Garlic smells amazing while cooking and adds a rich flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder will work as well. -
Salt and pepper to taste
These seasonings are essential for enhancing the flavors in your filling. Don’t be afraid to adjust to suit your palate. -
Italian seasoning to taste
Italian seasoning adds a warm, herby touch. If you prefer a different flavor profile, try using Cajun seasoning for a fun kick!
Directions
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Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important because you want your filled bread bowl to bake evenly and come out warm and toasty.
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Cook the seafood filling. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the shrimp, scallops, crab meat, cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring regularly. You will know it’s ready when the seafood is cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to overcook, as you want to keep the seafood tender.
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Hollow out the bread bowl. Once your filling is ready, carefully take your crusty bread bowl and hollow it out. Use a knife to trim the inside, being careful to leave a thick wall of bread so everything stays inside. Save the pieces you scooped out for later!
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Fill the bread bowl. Spoon the warm seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl. Pack it gently but make sure it’s filled to the top. This is where the fun begins!
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Bake the filled bread bowl. Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet. This makes it easier to handle when putting it in and taking it out of the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. You can see it turns a lovely color, and the smell will be simply irresistible.
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Serve and enjoy! Remove the bread bowl from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm, with the reserved bread pieces on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
You can enjoy your Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl in different ways. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Imagine gathering with family, the bread bowl in the center, and everyone digging in.
It can also be an impressive dish at parties or holiday gatherings. Pair it with a fresh salad or a light soup like tomato bisque for a complete meal. If you want to elevate your meal, serve it alongside a crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon.
Another great time to make this dish is during a casual weekend brunch. You can fill the bread bowl with seafood and serve it with fresh fruit or a refreshing smoothie. It’s a fun and delicious way to start the day!
How to Store Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), storing them is easy. First, allow the stuffed bread bowl to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the fridge for about 2-3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions. Slice the filled bread bowl and place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. This way, you can easily heat up a slice whenever you want.
To reheat, place the bread bowl in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be aware that the bread may get a bit soft. If you want a crispy texture, the oven is your best friend.
Tips to Make Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
Creating the perfect Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is easy with a few simple tips:
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Be Gentle While Mixing. When combining the seafood and cheese mixture, don’t overmix. This will help keep the seafood intact and give a pleasing texture.
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Hollow Carefully. When hollowing out the bread bowl, use a serrated knife for better control. This will prevent tearing and allow you to create a perfect space for your filling.
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Check for Doneness. If you’re unsure whether the seafood is cooked through, use a food thermometer. Cooked seafood should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
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Let it Cool a Bit. Allow the stuffed bread bowl to cool for a few minutes before serving. This not only helps prevent burns but also allows the filling to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.
Variation
Once you feel comfortable with the basic recipe, consider these variations:
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Spicy Kick. Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the seafood mixture for a spicier version.
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Vegetarian Option. Swap seafood for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and artichokes for a vegetarian version. Use cream cheese made from nuts for a plant-based treat.
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Cheese Variety. Experiment with different cheeses, like Pepper Jack for added zing, or Feta for a tangy flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the seafood filling a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and fill the bread bowl right before baking.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
For the best taste and texture, reheat the filled bread bowl in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. This keeps the bread crisp while warming the filling.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute any cheese you prefer. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt better than others, so it’s best to choose a variety known for melting, like Monterey Jack or Gruyère.
The Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether gathering around it with loved ones or enjoying it during a quiet night in, this dish is bound to create warm memories. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a delightful cooking adventure!
Print
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A delightful dish featuring a crusty bread bowl filled with creamy seafood including shrimp, scallops, and crab meat.
Ingredients
- 1 large crusty bread bowl
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined)
- 1 lb scallops
- 1 lb crab meat
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the shrimp, scallops, crab meat, cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Carefully hollow out the crusty bread bowl, making sure to leave a thick wall of bread.
- Spoon the warm seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl and pack it gently.
- Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with reserved bread pieces for dipping.
Notes
Feel free to customize the seafood mixture with your favorite spices or cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: seafood, bread bowl, creamy, shrimp, scallops, crab, appetizer, cozy meal