Description
A creamy, cheesy, and savory stuffed seafood bread bowl packed with shrimp, crab, and melty goodness—perfect as a hearty appetizer or indulgent main dish.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving about 1-inch thick walls to form a bowl. Set aside the removed bread for dipping or discard.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onion, garlic, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp and crab meat to the skillet and stir in Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cream cheese until melted, then add sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until creamy and fully combined.
- Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl. Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm with bread pieces or crackers.
Notes
- You can use imitation crab if real crab is unavailable.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
