Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These stuffed seafood bread bowls are a decadent yet comforting meal that combines rich seafood flavors with the indulgence of melted cheese and creamy sauce. The bread bowls add a fun, edible vessel for the filling, making each bite an experience in itself. It’s a perfect dish for seafood lovers, and the combination of shrimp and crab meat brings the best of both worlds. Plus, it’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
- 4 large bread bowls (sourdough or your choice)
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb crab meat
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque.
- Stir in the crab meat, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture until it’s heated through and begins to thicken.
- Cut the tops off the bread bowls and hollow out the insides, leaving a thick shell.
- Spoon the seafood mixture into each bread bowl and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the filled bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking takes approximately 20 minutes. Total time: 35 minutes.
Variations
- Add vegetables: For a more hearty dish, consider adding diced bell peppers or spinach to the seafood mixture.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seafood mixture.
- Use other seafood: Feel free to swap out the shrimp and crab for lobster, scallops, or even a mix of your favorite seafood.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover stuffed seafood bread bowls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the bread bowls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave the filling, but the bread may lose some of its crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread bowl?
Yes! While sourdough is a great choice due to its sturdy texture, you can use any type of bread bowl you prefer, such as baguette bowls or artisan loaves.
Can I make the seafood filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the seafood filling in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, and assemble the bread bowls before baking.
Can I freeze the stuffed seafood bread bowls?
Freezing the bread bowls is not recommended because the bread may become soggy upon reheating. However, you can freeze the seafood filling separately and assemble the bread bowls when you’re ready to bake.
What other cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?
You can try different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe as written is not particularly spicy, but you can adjust the level of heat by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, canned crab meat can be used as a substitute for fresh crab. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the mixture.
How do I prevent the bread bowl from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to hollow out the bread bowls gently, leaving a thick shell. Also, avoid overfilling them with the seafood mixture.
Can I make this recipe with just shrimp or just crab?
Absolutely! If you prefer one type of seafood over the other, you can use just shrimp or just crab in this recipe.
How do I know when the seafood filling is done?
The seafood mixture is ready when the shrimp is opaque and the sauce has thickened. The cheese should be melted and bubbly when baking.
Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables for more texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Stuffed seafood bread bowls offer the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and flavorful seafood, all served in an edible bread bowl that makes each bite satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a cozy dinner or to impress guests at a gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, these stuffed seafood bread bowls are a must-try!
Print
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowls are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and flavorful seafood served inside a warm, edible bread bowl. Filled with shrimp, crab meat, and a rich sauce, this dish is sure to impress! Whether for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 4 large bread bowls (sourdough or your choice)
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb crab meat
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink.
- Stir in crab meat, heavy cream, Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated and thickened.
- Cut the tops off the bread bowls and hollow them out, leaving a thick shell.
- Fill the bread bowls with the seafood mixture and top with mozzarella.
- Bake on a sheet for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- For added flavor, you can try other cheeses such as cheddar or gouda.
- Avoid sogginess by hollowing out the bread bowls gently and not overfilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Seafood, Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
