Description
This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a deliciously creamy and savory appetizer or main course that features a combination of shrimp, crab meat, and cheeses baked inside a hollowed-out sourdough loaf. Flavored with Old Bay seasoning and a hint of cayenne pepper, this hot seafood dip is perfect for parties or family meals. Served with toasted bread slices or crackers, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings together rich seafood flavors and gooey cheese in a crispy bread bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood Mixture
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat (or imitation crab)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bread and Garnish
- 1 large round sourdough bread loaf
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed bread bowl.
- Prepare Bread Bowl: Cut the top off the sourdough loaf and carefully hollow out the center, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell to hold the filling. Set aside the inside bread pieces for serving or discard them.
- Sauté Vegetables and Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped celery and onion and cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and chopped shrimp, cooking just until the shrimp turns pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth. Gently fold in the cooled shrimp mixture and lump crab meat, combining everything well.
- Fill Bread Bowl: Spoon the seafood and cheese mixture into the hollowed sourdough bread bowl, spreading evenly.
- Bake: Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Broil for Finish: For a golden-brown top, broil the bread bowl for an additional 2 to 3 minutes carefully watching to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, and serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or reserved bread pieces.
Notes
- For convenience, use pre-cooked shrimp or canned crab meat.
- You can create smaller individual bread bowls by dividing the filling and using mini sourdough loaves.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore warmth and texture.
