Description
This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a delightful and savory dish combining fresh shrimp, crab meat, and creamy cheese stuffed into a crusty sourdough or Italian bread loaf. Baked to golden perfection, it makes a perfect appetizer or main course to serve alongside crispy veggies or crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread:
- 1 crusty sourdough or Italian bread loaf
Seafood Mixture:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup crab meat (fresh or canned)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Bowl: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, cut off the top of the bread loaf and carefully hollow out the inside, leaving a sturdy shell to hold the filling.
- Mix Seafood Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with the shrimp, crab meat, garlic powder, lemon juice, fresh parsley, and fresh dill. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture, adding richness and meltiness to the filling.
- Stuff the Bread: Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed bread loaf, packing it generously until it slightly overflows.
- Bake: Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Pair with crispy vegetables or crackers for a delightful presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood when possible for best flavor, but frozen can be used if thawed properly.
- Adjust garlic powder to taste or substitute with fresh minced garlic.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Make sure to leave enough bread walls while hollowing to prevent leakage during baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in oven to maintain crispiness.
