Name: Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large round sourdough bread loaf; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup diced onion; ½ cup diced celery; 2 cloves garlic (minced); ½ pound lump crab meat; ½ pound small cooked shrimp (chopped); ½ cup cooked scallops (chopped, optional); 4 oz cream cheese (softened); ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

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There’s something downright magical about a Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl. Imagine tearing into a warm, golden sourdough loaf overflowing with creamy seafood filling—each bite packed with tender crab, succulent shrimp, and gooey melted cheese. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning centerpiece that’s equal parts comfort, decadence, and cheerful nostalgia. Whether you’re entertaining for a crowd or yearning for restaurant-quality flavor at home, get ready: this is the ultimate party-stopper for seafood lovers everywhere!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a handful of easy-to-find ingredients come together for a restaurant-worthy Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl. Every component—from fresh vegetables to creamy cheese—brings its own splash of flavor, irresistible texture, or pop of color.

Sourdough Bread Loaf: The round loaf isn’t just a vessel; its crusty shell holds the creamy filling and gives beautiful tang and chew to every bite.
Butter: Lending rich flavor and silky texture to sautéed veggies, butter creates a perfect savory base.
Olive Oil: Blends with butter to keep the veggies from burning and adds nuanced flavor.
Onion: Diced onion brings mild sweetness and hearty crunch to the filling.
Celery: Adds a bright, fresh bite and a satisfying texture that balances creamy seafood.
Garlic: Minced fresh, garlic deepens the savory flavor and warmth of the filling.
Lump Crab Meat: Luxurious and sweet, crab is the showstopper that elevates the whole dish.
Cooked Shrimp: Chopped shrimp add juicy bursts of flavor and pair beautifully with crab.
Cooked Scallops (optional): For even more seafood goodness, scallops bring tender richness—feel free to leave them out if you prefer.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is the secret to ultra-creamy, scoopable texture.
Mayonnaise: Adds tang and richness, melding all the flavors into one decadent filling.
Sour Cream: The hint of acidity from sour cream keeps each bite from feeling too heavy.
Old Bay Seasoning: Brings classic East-Coast seafood flavor with just the right touch of spice and herbs.
Lemon Juice: Brightens things up and balances the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Shredded Mozzarella: Melts into gloriously gooey strings, making the final dish wildly irresistible.
Chopped Parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness atop your creation.
Salt and Pepper: Essential basics to draw out every bit of flavor.

How to Make Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

Step 1: Hollow Out the Bread Loaf

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, cut a generous circle around the top of your sourdough loaf, then lift the lid off and gently pull out the soft interior to form a bowl. Leave about an inch of bread all around so your Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl holds up when baked! Save those fluffy bread bits and the lid—they’re perfect for dipping later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and celery; sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook one minute more—this unlocks that wonderful, toasty aroma.

Step 3: Add the Seafood

Pull the skillet off the heat and fold in the crab meat, shrimp, and (if you’re using them) chopped scallops. The residual warmth will gently coax out more flavor and keep the seafood tender. Each bite is going to be loaded with shellfish!

Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base

In a roomy bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice, plus half the shredded mozzarella. This luscious combo is what makes each scoop silky and tangy. Once smooth, blend in your sautéed seafood and veggie mixture until everything’s evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the creamy seafood filling into your prepared bread bowl. Pile on the rest of the mozzarella cheese for that irresistible bubbly finish. Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet (for easy transfer) and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and golden. The cheese should be blissfully gooey and bubbling at the edges—your kitchen will smell incredible!

How to Serve Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

Garnishes

To make your Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl look (and taste!) extra special, scatter a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley over the melted cheese right as it comes out of the oven. If you want to go all in, a squeeze of fresh lemon on top offers a bright zing that balances all the creamy, savory flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve this showstopper with an array of party-friendly sides: the reserved bread chunks for dipping, sturdy crackers, crispy veggie sticks like celery or bell pepper, or even lightly toasted baguette slices. A zesty mixed greens salad pairs perfectly, refreshing the palate between cheesy, seafood-packed bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For maximum wow-factor, serve your Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl on a big platter surrounded by colorful veggies and breads. Individual mini bread bowls (using small rolls or buns) create adorable, single-serve appetizers at parties. Or, simply spoon warm filling into bell pepper halves or small hollowed-out sourdough rolls for a slightly lighter but equally delicious presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cool the remaining Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl completely and transfer the filling into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days; the bread will soften but all that flavor is still deeply satisfying.

Freezing

To freeze, skip filling the bread bowl and instead pack the seafood mixture in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, stuff your fresh bread bowl, and bake as directed.

Reheating

Pop leftover filling (or even filled bread bowl slices) into a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, 10 to 15 minutes. A microwave works in a pinch, but baking keeps the texture creamy and ensures melty cheese every time.

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab or just one type Appetizer

Absolutely! While fresh crab, shrimp, and scallops deliver classic flavor, you can use only shrimp, all crab, or swap in good-quality imitation crab with tasty results—perfect for working with what you have or personal taste preferences.

What if I don’t have sourdough bread?

Any sturdy, round bread works—French boules and rustic Italian loaves are fantastic substitutes. Just make sure the crust is firm enough to hold the filling without collapsing in the oven.

How far ahead can I prep the filling?

You can make the seafood filling up to one day ahead and keep it covered and refrigerated. Stuff and bake your Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl just before serving so the bread stays fresh and crispy.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free round loaf or serve the creamy seafood dip in a baking dish alongside gluten-free crackers and veggies for scooping. The filling is naturally gluten-free.

Can I leave out the cheese or use a different kind?

Sure thing—the mozzarella gives gorgeous melt, but mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyère would be delicious. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese and swap in your favorite creamy substitutes for the dairy products.

Final Thoughts

There’s genuine joy in serving a Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl that disappears in minutes—it’s hearty, crowd-friendly, and feels just a little bit luxurious. Give it a try, let yourself get creative, and don’t be surprised when you’re asked for the recipe after your very first batch!

Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate seafood party dip with this Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl recipe. A rich and creamy mixture of lump crab meat, shrimp, and optional scallops, combined with cheeses and seasonings, baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for gatherings and entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Bowl:

1 large round sourdough bread loaf

Seafood Filling:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup diced onion
½ cup diced celery
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ pound lump crab meat
½ pound small cooked shrimp (chopped)
½ cup cooked scallops (chopped, optional)
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Hollow out the bread: Cut a wide circle on top of the bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving about an inch of bread on the sides and bottom to form a bowl. Set the top and center pieces aside for serving or dipping.
Prepare the filling: In a skillet, sauté onion and celery in butter and olive oil. Add garlic, then mix in crab meat, shrimp, and scallops. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and half the mozzarella. Fold in the seafood mixture, season, and spoon into the bread bowl.
Bake: Top with remaining cheese and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm with bread pieces, crackers, or veggies.