Name: Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large round bread loaf (sourdough or Italian); 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, chopped; 1/2 lb lump crab meat; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

If you love seafood and cheesy, creamy dips, this recipe will be your new favorite. The crispy bread bowl shell holds a luscious filling of shrimp, crab, and gooey cheese, making every bite a flavorful explosion. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for gatherings, and can be customized to fit different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Round sourdough or Italian bread loaf (for the bowl)
Cooked shrimp, chopped
Imitation or lump crab meat
Cream cheese, softened
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese
Garlic, minced
Green onions, chopped
Old Bay seasoning
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving about 1-inch of bread around the edges to form a bowl. Set aside the removed bread for dipping.
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
Fold in the chopped shrimp, crab meat, shredded cheeses, garlic, green onions, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spoon the seafood mixture into the bread bowl and place the filled bowl on a baking sheet.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with the reserved bread chunks or crackers.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add heat: Stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Seafood swap: Use scallops, lobster, or even canned tuna for a twist.
Cheese options: Substitute Gruyère or Parmesan for a more gourmet flavor.
Bread variety: Try a pumpernickel or multigrain bread bowl for a different texture.
Gluten-free: Serve the filling in a gluten-free bread or with gluten-free crackers.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the filling in a small oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. The bread bowl itself may not reheat well, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

How do I prevent the bread bowl from getting soggy?

To reduce sogginess, you can lightly toast the inside of the bread bowl before adding the filling.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate. When ready to serve, fill the bread bowl and bake as directed.

What kind of bread works best?

A dense, crusty round loaf like sourdough holds up best to the creamy filling.

Can I use canned seafood?

Yes, canned crab or shrimp works well, just drain it thoroughly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

The filling can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake in a fresh bread bowl.

What dipping options work besides bread?

Crackers, tortilla chips, or raw veggies are excellent dipping options.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?

Yes, substitute light cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream to reduce fat.

How spicy is it?

As written, it’s mild. Add more Old Bay or hot sauce if you like it spicy.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Finely diced bell peppers, spinach, or artichokes work well.

Do I need to cook the seafood first?

Yes, all seafood should be pre-cooked before mixing into the filling.

Conclusion

This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a rich, crowd-pleasing dish that blends creamy, cheesy goodness with flavorful seafood in a warm, crusty bread shell. Whether you’re entertaining or craving comfort food, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite. Easy to adapt and even easier to love, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.