Warm and hearty bread bowls filled with creamy seafood goodness, these Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl for a cozy meal or an impressive appetizer. Packed with shrimp, crab, and scallops in a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It combines comfort and elegance in one dish, making it versatile for casual meals or special occasions.
The creamy seafood filling is flavorful and satisfying, perfect for seafood lovers.
The bread bowls not only serve as edible serving dishes but also add a wonderful texture contrast.
It’s easy to customize with your favorite seafood or spices.
Quick to prepare, but the presentation makes it look like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 small round bread loaves (sourdough or Italian preferred)
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1/2 cup cooked crab meat
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup cooked scallops, chopped
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cut the tops off the bread loaves and scoop out the centers, leaving thick shells to hold the filling. Set the tops aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, shrimp, crab meat, scallops, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowls. Place the tops back on the loaves and arrange them on a baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread bowls are lightly crisp and warm.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
Seafood Substitutions: Swap the shrimp, crab, or scallops with lobster, clams, or mussels.
Cheese Options: Use Gruyere or Fontina for a different flavor profile.
Spice it Up: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Twist: Replace seafood with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian filling.
Bread Choice: Try larger loaves for a family-style serving or smaller rolls for appetizers.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread bowls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in a sealed bag for up to 1 day.
Reheating: Warm the filling on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If reheating the bread bowls, wrap them in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
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FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, thaw the seafood completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the filling.
What other bread types can I use?
You can use ciabatta or boule-style bread, but ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the bread bowls just before serving.
How can I thicken the filling if it’s too runny?
Cook the filling a little longer on the stovetop to reduce the liquid, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Use gluten-free bread and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowls are a delightful way to enjoy a creamy, comforting meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating your family to something special, this dish is sure to be a hit. Pair it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that satisfies. Enjoy.
📖 Recipe:
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Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Warm and hearty stuffed seafood bread bowls filled with a creamy mixture of shrimp, crab, and scallops. Perfect as a cozy meal or an elegant appetizer, these bread bowls are sure to impress!
Ingredients
4 small round bread loaves (sourdough or Italian)
2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1/2 cup cooked crab meat
1/2 cup cooked scallops, chopped
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Hollow out bread loaves by cutting off the tops and scooping out the centers, leaving thick shells. Reserve the tops.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese, shrimp, crab, scallops, paprika, and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper. Heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Fill the bread bowls with the seafood mixture. Replace tops, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until warm and crisp.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Substitute seafood or bread as desired.
Adjust spices to taste.
Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stove-top
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
