This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is an impressive and delicious dish that combines the richness of seafood with the warm, comforting texture of a bread bowl. A creamy filling of shrimp, crab, and scallops is seasoned with herbs and spices, then carefully nestled inside a hollowed-out bread loaf for a stunning and hearty meal. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or a cozy dinner, this seafood bread bowl brings together the best of both worlds—tender seafood and savory bread in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 large round loaf of sourdough or Italian bread (for the bowl)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 lb crab meat (fresh or imitation)
- 1/2 lb scallops, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning of choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread Bowl:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully slice the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving a thick border. Set the hollowed-out bread and lid aside.
- Place the bread bowl and lid on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, until the bread is lightly golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Cook the Seafood:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the chopped shrimp, crab meat, and scallops. Season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seafood is just cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, cream cheese, and white wine (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, lemon zest, fresh parsley, and dill. Continue cooking until the cheeses melt and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Seafood and Sauce:
- Gently fold the cooked seafood into the creamy sauce, mixing until well combined. The mixture should be rich and creamy with chunks of seafood throughout.
- Stuff the Bread Bowl:
- Carefully spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl. Press gently to fit all the filling inside. Place the filled bread bowl on the baking sheet.
- Bake and Serve:
- Bake the stuffed bread bowl in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling hot.
- Once out of the oven, garnish with extra fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy: This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is perfect for sharing and will leave your guests asking for the recipe! The rich, creamy seafood filling paired with the crispy bread makes for an unforgettable meal that will quickly become a favorite.