When it comes to comfort food, few dishes manage to combine seafood, cheese, and bread in such a satisfying and savory way as the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings, offering both a rich taste and visually appealing presentation.

A bread bowl filled with a creamy, flavorful seafood mixture is a unique combination that’s sure to impress. The bread serves as a natural vessel for the filling, which is often a blend of fresh seafood, savory cheeses, and various spices. This dish’s rich flavor and versatility make it a go-to for seafood lovers looking for a fun, hearty meal.

For more on the historical origins of bread bowls and their cultural evolution, take a look at this resource on coffin bread. It’s fascinating how this concept from Taiwan mirrors similar traditions across the world. You may also want to explore the versatility of bread bowls and their applications in other cuisines by visiting this detailed culinary guide.

Contents hide

1 Why Choose Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowls?

2 Ingredients and Preparation

2.1 Choosing the Right Bread Bowl

2.2 Preparing the Seafood

2.3 Crafting the Creamy Filling

2.4 Assembling the Stuffed Bread Bowl

3 Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

3.1 Description

3.2 Ingredients

3.3 Instructions

3.4 Notes

3.5 Nutrition

3.6 Did you make this recipe?

Why Choose Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowls?

Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowls are an excellent choice for several reasons:

Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of seafood, creamy filling, and warm, crispy bread is a match made in heaven.
Great for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a family meal, a party appetizer, or a holiday treat, this dish adds a touch of elegance.
Customizable to Taste: You can adjust the filling ingredients based on dietary preferences or available ingredients, making it a flexible option for all tastes.
Easy to Serve: The bread bowl is both the container and the dish, making serving simple and clean-up even easier.

The bread bowl itself can be made with different types of bread—from hearty sourdough to delicate ciabatta—offering you the chance to customize your meal. For those who have dietary restrictions, there are also gluten-free bread options that can hold up just as well as traditional loaves.

Ingredients and Preparation

Choosing the Right Bread Bowl

The key to a successful Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is selecting the right type of bread. Not all breads will hold the hearty seafood filling, so it’s important to choose one that can hold its shape and provide a sturdy base. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:

Sourdough: The tangy flavor and firm crust of sourdough make it a classic choice for bread bowls. Its chewy texture holds up well against rich fillings.
Round Loaves: A simple, classic round loaf of artisan bread is ideal for creating the perfect bread bowl. Its thickness ensures that it doesn’t fall apart during baking.
Ciabatta or Focaccia: If you’re looking for a more rustic option, ciabatta or focaccia work wonderfully. These Italian breads are airy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

When selecting the bread for your stuffed seafood bread bowl, ensure that it is sturdy enough to hold the filling without collapsing. The goal is for the bread to act as an edible vessel while maintaining its integrity during baking. If you’re making this dish for someone with gluten sensitivities, opt for gluten-free bread, which can work just as effectively.

Preparing the Seafood

Stuffed seafood bread bowl with creamy seafood filling and melted cheese. — Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe: A Delicious and Hearty Comfort Food

The seafood filling is, of course, the highlight of this dish. The beauty of a stuffed bread bowl is that the seafood filling can be adapted to your personal taste or dietary preferences. Here’s what you need to know about selecting and preparing the seafood for your filling:

Shrimp: Shrimp are a popular choice due to their versatility and mild flavor. They should be peeled, deveined, and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Crab: Crab meat adds a sweet, delicate flavor to the filling. Fresh or canned crab can be used, though fresh is always preferable for a more authentic taste.
Scallops and Lobster: For a more decadent filling, consider adding scallops or lobster to the mix. These seafood options bring a rich, buttery flavor that complements the creamy filling.
Sustainable Seafood: When selecting seafood, be sure to choose sustainable options to help protect marine ecosystems. Resources like the Seafood Watch can help guide your choices.

Once you’ve selected your seafood, sauté it lightly in a pan with butter and seasoning to lock in flavor and moisture. For best results, avoid overcooking, as seafood can become tough when it’s cooked too long.

Crafting the Creamy Filling

To make the creamy seafood filling, you’ll need a combination of cheese, mayonnaise, and flavorful seasonings. Here’s how to get the perfect creamy texture:

Base Ingredients:
- Cream cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy texture.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Shredded mozzarella: Gives the filling a stretchy, cheesy consistency.
Flavor Enhancers:
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds aromatic depth.
- Old Bay seasoning: This classic seafood seasoning is a must-have for that signature coastal flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness.
- Green onions: Fresh, chopped green onions provide a mild, crisp texture.

Once all the ingredients are combined, adjust the seasoning to your taste. The filling should be creamy but not overly runny, so if needed, add a bit more cream cheese or mayonnaise to thicken it up. If you prefer a bit more heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce can be added to suit your taste.

Assembling the Stuffed Bread Bowl

Now comes the fun part: assembling the stuffed seafood bread bowl.

Hollow out the bread: Carefully cut off the top of your bread and scoop out the inside using a spoon. Leave about 1 to 2 inches of bread along the edges to form a sturdy bowl. Save the scooped-out bread for serving on the side or for making breadcrumbs.
Stuff the bread: Gently spoon the creamy seafood filling into the hollowed-out bread bowl. Be sure to evenly distribute the filling so that every bite has a balanced amount of seafood and cheese.
Top it off: If you like extra cheesy bread bowls, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella on top. For a crispy topping, add a handful of breadcrumb and bake until golden brown.

Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and creamy seafood-stuffed bread bowl, combining fresh seafood, melted cheese, and savory spices in a crispy bread shell, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 round sourdough loaf
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and chopped
1/2 lb crab meat
1/2 cup scallops, diced
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded mozzarella
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice off the top of the bread loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving about 1-2 inches of bread to form a bowl.
In a pan, melt butter and sauté shrimp, crab, and scallops until just cooked. Remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and green onions.
Fold in the sautéed seafood mixture and stir until evenly combined.
Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out bread bowl and top with breadcrumbs and additional mozzarella if desired.
Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Serve with the removed bread chunks or crackers for dipping.