Imagine sinking your fork into a warm, crusty bread bowl brimming with a savory medley of fresh seafood and creamy, flavorful fillings. This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl combines the best of ocean flavors with comforting, hearty bread, making it a delightful centerpiece for any dinner or lunch.

The rich creaminess of the filling contrasts beautifully with the crispy bread crust, creating a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re serving up a special occasion meal or just want to indulge in something unique, this dish will impress your guests and satisfy seafood lovers.

Ingredients

• Large bread round: Choose a fresh, sturdy bread round to hold the seafood filling without getting soggy.
• Butter: Used to sauté vegetables and add richness to the filling.
• Onion: Finely chopped, adds a mild sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Garlic cloves: Minced for aromatic flavor that enhances the seafood.
• Celery stalk: Provides a subtle crunch and fresh taste to balance creamy texture.
• Mixed seafood medley: Combination of shrimp, crab, and scallops for varied texture and flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the creamy seafood sauce with a smooth consistency.
• Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess to the stuffing mixture.
• Chicken or seafood broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to the filling.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Melted in for added richness and a slight tang.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped, adds a fresh, herbal brightness to the finished dish.
• Lemon juice: A splash to brighten the seafood flavor and balance richness.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.

Instructions

Prepare the Bread Bowl

Cut the top off the bread round and hollow out the interior, leaving a sturdy shell. This creates a bowl that will hold the rich seafood filling without leaking, while the bread walls will soak up some of the delicious sauce as you eat.

Sauté Aromatics

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Cook gently until softened and fragrant, which builds the flavor base needed for a deeply savory filling.

Cook the Seafood

Add the mixed seafood medley to the skillet and cook just until opaque. Seafood cooks quickly, so this ensures it stays tender and doesn’t become rubbery in the filling.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the seafood and vegetables, stirring continuously to form a roux. Slowly whisk in broth and heavy cream to create a smooth, thick sauce that binds everything together perfectly.

Add Cheese and Seasonings

Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until melted, then season with chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. These add richness, brightness, and balance to the creamy mixture.

Fill the Bread Bowl

Spoon the warm seafood filling into the hollowed bread bowl, packing it generously. The bread bowl captures all the flavors while contributing its own to the dish.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This melts the filling further and crisps up the bread edges for textural contrast.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven, garnish with extra parsley if desired, and serve immediately while warm. The combination of textures and flavors makes for an indulgent meal.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in an oven to maintain the crispy texture and avoid sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich seafood flavors. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water also pairs beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for the bowl?

Yes, a round sourdough or boule works best because it holds filling well and has a sturdy crust.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

You can make the filling a day in advance and reheat gently before filling the bread bowls.

What seafood can I use if I don’t have a mixed medley?

Shrimp, crab meat, scallops, or even cooked fish like cod can be combined or used singly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This version uses all-purpose flour and bread, so it is not gluten-free. Substitutes can be used for special diets.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended as the bread will lose texture, but the filling can be frozen separately.

How spicy is the dish?

This recipe is mild by nature; however, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.

Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

Lana

A flavorful seafood medley combined with creamy filling, perfectly baked inside a crusty bread bowl, ideal for impressive appetizers or satisfying meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, seafood

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 1 oven preheated to 375°F
• 1 medium skillet for sautéing seafood
• 1 mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

• 1 large round bread loaf
• 1/2 pound cooked shrimp chopped
• 1/2 pound cooked crab meat
• 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the center, creating a bread bowl.
• In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Fold in shrimp, crab meat, celery, and green onions into the cream cheese mixture.
• Spoon the seafood mixture into the bread bowl and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
• Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
• Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use day-old bread for sturdier bread bowl.
• Try adding different seafood like scallops or lobster.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.